FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if my child is taught in a one-on-one or paired lesson?

If your child is the only pupil left from a small group or the group reduces to two pupils, the tuition rate will be adjusted one month after we are informed. We may offer group tuition at the group rate at an alternative time, venue, or date, depending on availability and group viability.
When will my child's lessons start?

Lessons typically start the week after we receive your completed registration, subject to availability. You will receive an email confirming the lesson details. Once booked, the lesson information will be visible in your SpeedAdmin account. Your child should also check with the Head of Music or Music Coordinator at school for timetable details. If there aren't enough registrations to form a viable group, we will contact you. Delays may also occur if we don't receive the necessary evidence for a remission claim or if instrument hire is not indicated where relevant.
How do I register my child?

See LESSONS for more details. From the information in the Introduction to TVMS leaflet you can register for 5 week taster tuition online. Once there is a viable taster group, tuition will start. See Terms & Conditions.
Can my child be taught a second instrument?

There is a 25% discount offered for pupils wishing to take tuition on a second instrument, subject to teacher availability.
Do you provide a lesson every week?

While we endeavour to provide a lesson every week, this is not always possible due to teacher absences, school closures, staff training etc. We do aim to offer the minimum number of lessons guaranteed.
How can I set up a Direct Debit for future payments?

To set up a Direct Debit for future payments, download, complete, and return the Direct Debit Form after completing your registration and updating your account payments. Return the form to the TVMS Office as soon as possible. Initial registration payments cannot be made by Direct Debit. We will send you a payment schedule at least 10 working days before your payments start. Direct Debits are claimed on the first working day of each month, except in August. Direct Debits will continue until we receive your written notice to cancel or you cancel with your bank.
Are there any additional costs?

You will be asked to buy music books as and when your child needs them. These are usually available from music shops or online. Items of equipment may be additionally required, such as reeds for woodwind instruments or strings for stringed instruments. Teachers try to keep costs to a minimum.
How do I pay?

Online payments are made through your SpeedAdmin account – login details are provided on registration. DO NOT HAND PAYMENTS TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL OR TEACHER AS THEY ARE NOT OFFICE BASED AND LESSONS MAY BE SUSPENDED.
When do I pay?

Your child’s music fees are paid by 11monthly instalments from September to July each year. Payments are due by the 1st working day of each month. We will send you an instalment schedule in August advising you of the payments for the academic year. If you are joining part way through the year your instalments will be split over the remaining months up to and including July. Instalments will be due and invoiced each year until you confirm in writing you intention to cancel membership with TVMS. See Register for more details.
Is there a discount of fees?

We offer a 50% discount for those pupils eligible for remission of fees. Please see the remission application criteria. We offer a 25% discount of fees for siblings who register for activities while another sibling is registered with us. We also offer a 25% discount of fees for any pupil who receives tuition on a second instrument with us. If there is a third instrumental or vocal lesson there will be not discount available. The above discounts are capped at 50%.
Am I responsible if the instrument is damaged, lost or stolen?

Parents are responsible for the safe care of any instrument belonging to TVMS and we be charged for any loss or damage to it. If the instrument is damaged it must be returned to the instrumental teacher to be repaired. Repairs must not be attempted by unauthorised persons. If the instrument is stolen from school premises, or damaged while at school, parents will be responsible for the replacement or repair of the instrument.
Do you have an Assisted Purchase Scheme?

TVMS runs an Assisted Purchase Scheme, which enables parents to buy new instruments VAT free. A 5% administration charge, which is liable for VAT, is charged for this service. For more information please contact TVMS or your child’s instrumental teacher.
Do I have to insure the hired instrument?

You are responsible for arranging `all-risks’ insurance cover for your child’s hired instrument. If the instrument is exchanged by TVMS we will advise you of the replacement value of the instrument to enable you to update your insurance policy.
How can I cancel my child's tuition or instrument hire?

To cancel your child's tuition or instrument hire, please refer to our Cancellation Policy for detailed instructions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [tvms@tvms.org.uk](mailto:tvms@tvms.org.uk).
What should I do if my child has an ongoing illness or is sitting a GCSE or A-level exam?

If your child cannot attend a lesson due to an ongoing illness or an external exam, please email TVMS at least 48 hours in advance. The lesson will be considered a pre-arranged absence and not included in the lesson count (up to 6 pre-arranged absences per year). Lessons will continue until the end of the academic year, even during GCSE or A-level exams. Most schools and colleges allow pupils to access their premises for instrumental or vocal lessons, provided they are informed in advance.
How will I be advised of teacher absences?

In the event of our teacher being absent we contact each affected school as soon as possible and ask them to pass the message onto pupils/parents. If the tuition is not during the school day we will use the contact information held on record to send an email or text message cancelling tuition.