Incorporating the Danescourt and Cowbridge Forte Schools .

 

Mission Statement

 To deliver quality music courses and service that satisfies customer’s highest expectations, whilst experiencing the joy of music making.

 To provide a positive and nurturing environment in which colleagues can grow and develop their skills, whilst experiencing the joy of sharing music with others in a fun way.

 

Terms and Conditions

 

1.1 Definitions

“Forte” or “the school” is Forte School of Music ( Cardiff ) Limited

 

A “Class Lesson” is tuition of 3 – 9 pupils by one Forte teacher. Class Lessons are 45 minutes in duration.

 

A “Private Lesson” is tuition of one pupil by one self-employed teacher. Private Lessons are 20, 30, 45 or 60 minutes in duration.

 

A “Shared Private Lesson” is tuition of two pupils by one self-employed teacher. Shared Private Lessons are 30 minutes in duration.

 

2.1 School Calendar

Forte lessons run for 40 weeks of the year following the Cardiff school terms often with one extra week on the end of the summer term.  A school calendar showing exact dates is available from reception or from www.fortemusic.co.uk

 

2.2 Private Lessons and Shared Private Lessons

At Forte, we hire out our private teaching rooms to a variety of self-employed teachers. These well qualified musicians deal with students and parents directly and have their own Terms and Conditions with which you should familiarise yourself.

 

3.0 Terms 3.1 to 3.6 relate to Forte class lessons only.

 

3.1 Absentees Policy

It would be appreciated it if you let Forte know if you are going to be absent from lessons. Please tell your teacher or leave a message on 029 2063 1340.

If you are absent from a class:

·       we will offer you another class at a similar level, if such a class exists.

·       a homework sheet will be sent to you to show you what to practice for the next lesson.

·       in cases where the teacher feels that a child may be falling behind a short catch up lesson will be arranged by the teacher, at a mutually convenient time, at no extra cost.

 There is no refund or credit for lessons missed. 

 

3.2 Teacher Absent

If the Forte teacher is absent:

·       Forte will, where possible, get a replacement teacher.

·       If we are unable to arrange a replacement teacher then your teacher will reschedule the lesson at a convenient time.

·       If you cannot make the rescheduled lesson, you will be eligible for a refund of the lesson cost.

 

3.3 Fees

Following a free trial lesson, lessons can only be attended once payment has been received. Fees are payable in advance, every 10 teaching weeks or by equal monthly standing order.

If payment is received late we reserve the right to either charge a 5% penalty or terminate tuition.
Forte reserves the right to change it’s fee rate and any other term upon 28 days’ notice.

 

3.4 Termination

Four weeks notice must be given for the cancellation of a student from tuition.

 

3.5 Cancellation

Forte may cancel lessons at any time before the pupil commences for any reason whatsoever.  Forte shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from such cancellation.

In the event of cancellation by Forte prior to the commencement of lessons, Forte will refund any fees already paid.

 

3.6 Classes

Forte reserves the right to merge piano classes under 5 pupils in size.

 

4.1 Teachers

Forte’s philosophy believes that it is good for students to experience a range of teachers during their time at Forte School of Music. Forte will endeavour to keep these teachers changes to annually if at all possible. However, since we train many skilled musicians in the art of teaching, many leave us to teach full-time after a year or two with us.

 

4.2 Parent/Guardian Attendance                                

Parental attendance is welcomed at all times in Forte lessons.

Children up to the age of 7 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during Forte lessons. For children above the age of 7, it is a parent’s ultimate decision whether they join their child in their lesson and we encourage them to take as full a part in their child’s learning as they can.

 

4.3 Responsibility

Forte will take all reasonable care to ensure pupils are safely supervised whilst in class lessons, but cannot be held responsible for any incidents that may occur in the parent’s absence. Parents remain responsible for their child’s safety and wellbeing at all times when in the school.

 

4.4 Personal Property

Forte does not accept liability for the loss of any personal property on the School’s premises.

 

4.5 Siblings

To ensure that your child gets the full benefit from their lesson, we request that they are accompanied by only a parent or guardian.

To avoid any disruption to classes, please ensure Forte students who are waiting for a sibling’s class lesson to finish, stay in the reception area.

We do not have childcare facilities and take no responsibility for siblings left in reception.

 

4.6 Health and Safety

It is the responsibility of Forte and it’s customers to take all reasonable and practical steps to promote a safe and healthy environment for employees and to ensure the health and safety of all who visit the premises. All employees are expected to co-operate in carrying out their work safely and in accordance with safe working practices.

                                                                                         

5.1 Smoking

Smoking is not permitted on any Forte premises.

 

5.2 Alcoholic Drinks

Alcoholic drinks must not be consumed on School premises without permission from the Director.

 

5.3 Equal Opportunities

Forte offers equal opportunities and equal treatment to Employees and students regardless of their sex, colour, race, nationality or disability.

 

6.1 Customer Feedback.

Forte is very proud of the service provided. However, if you do have a concern about a student’s music education at Forte, please talk to your teacher in the first instance. If you are unable to resolve the problem with your teacher, please telephone Forte and someone will get back to you to discuss your difficulty. If your issue is still not resolved please put it in writing to: The Director, Forte School of Music, 4 Radyr Court , Danescourt Way , Cardiff , CF5 2SF .

 

6.2 Customer Conduct.

At Forte, our staff endeavour to be polite and helpful at all times. Similarly we expect to be treated with respect by our customers and we will not tolerate any verbal or physical abuse.

 

6.3 Student Conduct

Forte expects students to have fun in lessons but also to conduct themselves in a sensible manner with due regard for the teacher and other students. Teachers reserve the right to discipline children in their care to a certain extent. However, if this proves ineffective, it is the parent’s responsibility to take control of the student and remove them from the lesson if necessary. The parent shall be responsible for the welfare and conduct of the student throughout the course and whilst the student is on the premises.

If unacceptable behaviour continues, this will be investigated by a Forte Manager. Students and/or parents who are unable to rectify unacceptable behaviour will be excluded from lessons and if necessary the premises permanently.

The standard of behaviour which is to be regarded as unacceptable in lessons or on the premises shall be determined by Forte.

 

7.1 Acceptance of terms and conditions

All agreements relating to the teaching of courses by Forte to the student are subject to these terms and conditions to the exclusion of all other terms and conditions other than that of our self-employed teachers.  No variations or addition to the terms shall be binding unless agreed in writing by Forte and the parent.

The terms shall be deemed to have been accepted and agreed to by you upon payment or upon attending a course on 2 separate occasions, whichever is the earlier.