TERMS & CONDITIONS
Lessons can be paid for on an ad-hoc basis, though the most convenient method is through the subscription model. Charges are set with reference to the Musicians’ Union (MU) minimum recommended rates, and represent very fair market value given my professional expertise. Current fees are below MU minimums, while still covering all administrative and platform costs.
The full Terms & Conditions (binding contract) are set out in the linked document. A short FAQ version is also provided below for convenience, offering simplified answers to common questions (e.g. notice periods, August payments, failed payments). These summaries do not replace the contract — they are for guidance only.
Important: Please do not purchase a lesson subscription until I have confirmed that a place is available. Subscriptions purchased without prior confirmation cannot be refunded if I am unable to provide tuition.
The Agreement is between Mr Neil Alastair Southgate (“the Teacher”) and the Responsible Adult or Student (if aged 18+) named at registration.
The Student (or payer) must ensure their postal address, email, and phone number remain current. If a third party (e.g. parent/guardian) pays, they must be fully informed and agree to these Terms.
You are responsible for keeping contact details up to date and checking spam/junk folders; emails to your last notified address constitute valid service.
👉 See Section 1: Parties and Contact in the Lesson Agreement.
The Agreement starts at registration and continues until terminated with proper notice.
Subscriptions roll into each academic year automatically unless terminated by notice.
👉 See Section 2.2: When lessons begin and Section 10.9: Automatic renewal; cancellation responsibility in the Lesson Agreement.
The annual subscription covers 33 lessons, spread over 12 equal monthly payments (including August).
Some months may have no lessons; this is by design—payments reflect a year, not per month.
Cancelling your online subscription alone does not end liability—you must give written notice per Contract rules to properly terminate.
Payments are via website subscription; direct payment to the Teacher is possible by arrangement.
👉 See Section 4: How Lessons Are Charged in the Lesson Agreement.
You may choose from:
• 15 minutes (£27.50/month) — for younger beginners
• 30 minutes (£55/month) — standard option
• 45–60 minutes — by request, for exam/advanced work
• Single/ad-hoc 30-minute (£20.25) — occasional use
• Group tuition (~20 minutes, £18.34/month)
Durations reflect differing aims, age levels, and practice time.
👉 See Section 5: Lesson Options in the Lesson Agreement.
Music is collaborative—at times lessons may be combined into groups or workshops (e.g. ensembles, concert prep).
Time balancing: combined sessions run longer so no instructional time is lost.
Counting: they count toward your allocation of 33 lessons.
Opt-out: you may request individual-only provision at registration or as early as possible.
👉 See Section 6: Group Projects & Combined Lessons in the Lesson Agreement.
A 14-day cooling-off period applies from registration or payment.
If no lessons have begun, you may obtain a full refund.
If lessons begin during cooling-off, lessons delivered are chargeable; the first month is non-refundable.
After 14 days, no cooling-off rights—normal notice terms apply.
👉 See §2.3–2.5 Cooling-Off.
Fees are paid monthly by subscription. The annual cost is split into 12 equal payments (including August) and covers 33 lessons. Cancelling the website subscription alone does not end liability — notice rules still apply. 👉 See Section 7 & Section 10 in the Lesson Agreement.
Annual reviews: Fees are reviewed each September with one month’s written notice. If you reject a fee increase, you may terminate on the effective date with no further liability (normal notice rules do not apply). 👉 See Section 7.3 in the Lesson Agreement.
Failed payments: If your payment fails, you have 7 days to update details. After this, your subscription may lapse and lessons may be suspended, but liability continues. 👉 See Section 7.4.
Late payment: Overdue sums may incur statutory interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate. 👉 See Section 7.5.
Chargebacks:
Do not cancel liability under the Agreement.
May result in lessons being suspended until paid.
The Teacher may invoice the balance plus bank/admin fees.
Statutory interest and legal/admin costs may also be invoiced.
👉 See Section 7.6 in the Lesson Agreement.
Student absence: Missed lessons remain chargeable unless agreed in advance. If at least one week’s notice is given (e.g. holiday, exam, trip), the Teacher will try to offer an alternative, but this cannot be guaranteed. Unnotified absences remain fully chargeable. 👉 See Section 8.1.
Ad-hoc/non-subscription lessons: The same one-week rule applies. Cancellations with less than one week’s notice remain chargeable. 👉 See Section 8.2.
Teacher absence: The Teacher guarantees the full annual entitlement of 33 lessons. If a scheduled lesson is missed by the Teacher, every effort will be made to reschedule or carry it forward; if this is not possible, a pro-rata refund applies where valid notice has been given. 👉 See Section 8.3.
School closures: If lessons are missed due to School closure outside the Teacher’s control (e.g. strikes, inset days, bank holidays), there is no obligation to make up or refund them. Online replacements may sometimes be offered at the Teacher’s discretion. 👉 See Section 8.6.
Lateness & timetables: Students arriving 10+ minutes late without notice may forfeit the lesson. Timetables may change to fit school schedules, with reasonable notice given. 👉 See Section 8.4–8.7.
Extra lessons (e.g. exam preparation, holiday boosters) may be arranged at additional cost. These may occur at your school, an alternate location, or online.
👉 See Section 9: Additional Lessons in the Lesson Agreement.
You can end lessons at any time, but fees remain due until proper written notice is given.
Notice must end at the end of a term, never mid-term. A “term” = 4 monthly subscriptions (Sept–Dec, Jan–Apr, May–Aug).
Reasonable Notice: giving notice by your current term’s half-term → current term payable; no fees for the next term.
Insufficient Notice: after half-term but ≥1 month before next term → current term + 1–3 months.
Unreasonable / No Notice: notice <1 month before next term start, or after term begins → current term + full next term fees.
Summer concession: if lessons for current term are done and notice is given ≥1 month before September, it may be treated as Insufficient instead of Unreasonable.
👉 See Section 10: Termination of Agreement & Notice Periods in the Lesson Agreement
In cases of long-term illness, relocation, or hardship, arrangements may be reviewed on a discretionary, case-by-case basis.
👉 See Section 11.5 & 11.14 in the Lesson Agreement..
Lessons follow professional and safeguarding standards.
The Teacher holds public liability via MU membership (up to £10m).
The Teacher is not liable for events outside reasonable control (e.g. technical failure, closures).
Complaints should be raised by email; prompt resolution is sought.
👉 See Section 11: General Guidance, Liability & Complaints in the Lesson Agreement.
By accepting these Terms you consent to audio/video recording for learning, evidence, or promotion. You may opt out or limit consent anytime by email (e.g. “learning yes / promo no”).
Recordings are stored securely: learning/evidence up to 24 months; promotional until consent is withdrawn.
You may not record or share lessons yourself without prior written consent from the Teacher and, where relevant, the School.
👉 See Section 13.5: Recording and Section 12: Data Protection in the Lesson Agreement.
Your personal data (contact, lesson history, payment) is processed for lesson delivery and administration only.
You have rights to access, correct, or delete personal data as permitted by law.
Safeguarding or legal retention records may be kept longer.
👉 See Section 12: Data Protection (GDPR) in the Lesson Agreement.
If schools close or restrictions apply, online lessons will be provided when feasible. If not feasible, lessons may be rescheduled, credited, or refunded.
Students must supply suitable device, broadband, and quiet workspace.
Technical issues at the student end are their responsibility; lost time need not be made up.
Recording of online lessons requires prior agreement.
Both parties must adhere to safeguarding, proper behaviour, decorum.
👉 See Section 13: COVID-19 / Online Replacements / Technical Requirements in the Lesson Agreement.
August payments are not extra. They help spread the 33-lesson cost evenly across 12 months. The May–Aug term’s lessons mostly occur May–July, but the subscription smooths payments.
👉 See Section 4: How Lessons Are Charged in the Lesson Agreement
A chargeback does not terminate your Agreement. All fees remain due. Additionally:
Bank/admin costs may be invoiced
Lessons may be suspended
It may be treated as “Unreasonable/No Notice,” requiring extra fees If you’re worried about a payment, please contact me first.
👉 See Section 7.6: Chargebacks & Section 10.8: Effect of Chargebacks in the Lesson Agreement.
I teach with care, and provide resources, feedback, and practice guidance. However, progress cannot be guaranteed—it depends on regular practice, the student’s engagement, instrument condition, and home support.
Responsibilities for practice, bringing materials, and following guidance rest with the student and family.
👉 See Section 11.5: Practice & Preparation in the Lesson Agreement.