top of page

Houghton School of Music

Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: August 2026

​

Thank you for choosing Houghton School of Music. These Terms & Conditions help ensure lessons run smoothly and fairly for all students, parents and teachers. By enrolling with Houghton School of Music, you agree to the following.

​

1. Lessons

  • Lessons are available as:

    • One-to-One Lessons

    • Partner Lessons

    • Group Lessons

  • Lessons run throughout the academic year in line with the Houghton School of Music calendar.

  • Lesson times are reserved exclusively for each student and cannot be guaranteed if fees are unpaid.

​

2. Trial Lessons

All new students are welcome to book a trial lesson before committing to regular tuition.

Following the trial, if you wish to continue, your regular lesson slot will be confirmed subject to availability.

​

3. Fees & Payments

  • Fees are invoiced monthly in advance.

  • Payment is due by the date stated on the invoice.

  • Payments should be made via card through the invoice or bank transfer.

  • Failure to pay may result in lessons being suspended until payment has been received.

  • Houghton School of Music reserves the right to amend fees with at least one month's written notice.

​

4. Missed Lessons & Cancellations

As your lesson time is reserved exclusively for you:

Student cancellations

  • Less than 24 hours' notice – lesson is forfeited and no refund or credit will be given.

  • More than 24 hours' notice – where possible we will try to rearrange the lesson, however this cannot be guaranteed.

Teacher cancellations

If your teacher needs to cancel a lesson, we will always offer one of the following:

  • a replacement lesson,

  • an alternative teacher where appropriate,

  • or a full lesson credit.

​

5. Absence Due to Illness

If a student is unwell, we kindly ask that they do not attend lessons.

Where possible, an replacement lesson may be offered instead.

​

6. Arriving Late

If a student arrives late, the lesson will still finish at its scheduled time so as not to delay the next student.

​

7. Collection of Children

Parents or guardians remain responsible for children before and after lessons.

Children should be collected promptly at the end of their lesson. For younger students, a parent or guardian should remain on site unless otherwise agreed.

​

8. Practice

Progress depends greatly on regular practice between lessons. Teachers will provide guidance on suitable practice, but students are responsible for completing practice at home.

​

9. Examinations, Festivals & Performances

Exams, competitions and performances are entirely optional.

Where a student chooses to enter:

  • exam fees are payable separately;

  • accompanist fees (where applicable) are additional;

  • performance opportunities are offered at the discretion of Houghton School of Music.

  • ​

10. Behaviour

We aim to provide a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment.

Students are expected to:

  • treat teachers, staff and other students with respect;

  • look after instruments and equipment;

  • follow instructions during lessons.

Persistent disruptive or inappropriate behaviour may result in lessons being withdrawn.

​

11. Photography & Video

From time to time we may take photographs or short videos during lessons, performances or events for promotional purposes.

Permission will always be requested on the registration form and can be withdrawn at any time.

​

12. Personal Property

Students are responsible for their own belongings.

Houghton School of Music cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged personal items.

​

13. Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority.

All teachers are DBS checked where required, with Bethanie Houghton as our first aider and follow the school's safeguarding procedures.

​

14. School Closures

If lessons cannot take place due to circumstances beyond our control (including severe weather, building closures or other unforeseen events), lessons will usually be delivered online where possible.

​

15. Ending Lessons

Should you wish to stop lessons, we require one month's written notice.

Fees remain payable throughout the notice period, regardless of attendance.

Houghton School of Music reserves the right to end tuition immediately in cases of serious misconduct, abusive behaviour or persistent non-payment.

​

16. Changes to Timetables

Occasionally lesson times may need to change due to staffing, performances or timetable adjustments.

We will always provide as much notice as possible.

​

17. Liability

Whilst every reasonable care is taken, Houghton School of Music accepts no liability for injury, loss or damage except where required by law.

​

18. Acceptance

By enrolling at Houghton School of Music, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

bottom of page