Should I send payment
to school with my child?
Please do not
send payment into school with your child as payments can occasionally be lost or delayed. Instead, please use bank transfer or if this is not possible send a
cheque directly to your IMS Regional Office (details can be found on your invoice). This will ensure that payment reaches us on time. If you are having trouble with
either of the above please do not hesitate to contact us directly on info@imsmusic.co.uk
When will I be billed for lessons?
You will be billed for lessons at the beginning of each academic term. Payment for lessons is due on
or before your child's first lesson. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your account please contact your local
IMS Area Manager who will be happy to help.
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
As detailed in the IMS Agreement for Instrumental Tuition, if a child is absent from a lesson in school for whatever reason, the lesson will still be charged
at the standard rate. If an IMS teacher is absent the lesson will be rescheduled or a refund given to ensure that the correct
number of lessons is received.
What happens if I have a change of address?
If you change your address and do not tell us, it could ultimately lead
to a cancellation of your child's lessons. Schools have to abide by a Data Protection Act and are unable to
provide us with your contact details. Where possible we will ask for the school to contact you to remind you to update
your details with us.
What sort of instrument will my child need to
practice on?
Please visit our 'Musical Instruments' section to see what instruments we recommend for
effective home practice.
Will
my child have the chance to take exams?
Absolutely. We
encourage pupils to enter for examinations when their teacher considers they have reached the appropriate standard. Exam success
can bring confidence and a sense of achievement to the pupil as well as informing parents of their child's progress and
kudos to the school.
Do I need to buy an instrument before lessons begin?
No - it might be
unwise to spend out on an instrument that your son/daughter may not take to. Large instruments such as piano, drum kit and
double bass are usually supplied by the school. Smaller instruments such as violin, saxophone, clarinet and guitar can often
be hired or borrowed for the initial lessons - your IMS Manager will have information on hiring of instruments. Once your
son/daughter has settled into regular lessons and practice, then a word with the teacher will elicit advice, help and often
a source of good quality instruments at reasonable prices.
Is my child's teacher security cleared?
All our teachers
have Enhanced Disclosure through the Criminal Records Bureau. If you would like to read our Child Protection Policy, please
visit our Health and Safety and Child Protection pages on this site.
How much do lessons cost?
Cost
of tuition varies according to the school and the length of lesson. As a guide, our recommended rate to schools is based on £35.00 per hour (slightly less than recommended by the Musician's Union) so, a 30 minute shared lesson (maximum of 2 pupils) would be around £8.75, a 20 minute individual lesson would be around £11.50 and a 30 minute individual lesson would be around £17.50. PLEASE NOTE that for 30 minute shared lessons, if no suitable partner is available, then the lessons will revert to a 15 minute individual lesson instead as this is the allocated amount of time paid for. Please contact your IMS Area Manager or
the school office to gain an accurate cost of tuition at your school.
I am having difficulty paying your
invoice - what can I do?
At IMS we do understand that problems can occur - perhaps a change of circumstance
or loss of a job - and we are always pleased to help wherever possible. The most important action is to contact your IMS Manager
(address on the invoice) who will try to help resolve the problem - but do make contact with us when the problem arises! Our
aim is always to help keep the lessons running so the the pupil is not disadvantaged.
What areas does IMS
provide tuition to?
Areas covered include: Plymouth, Exeter, Torquay, Paignton, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Barnstaple,
Tiverton, Brixham, Teignmouth, Bideford, Sidmouth, Dawlish, Ivybridge, Northam, Tavistock, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Kingsteignton,
Cullompton, Totnes, Bovey Tracey, Crediton, Seaton, Oakhampton, Axminster, Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, Great Torrington, Budleigh
Salterton, Ottery St Mary, South Molton, Ashburton, Salcombe, Buckfastleigh, Exminster, Saltash, St John, St Germans, Callington,
Liskeard, St Ive, Launceston, Looe, Polperro, Lostwithiel and Par
