Lesson Payment, Cancellation & Makeup Policies
At Upbeat School of Music, we understand that life can get busy, but we also recognise that a successful musical journey depends on consistent commitment. To ensure that both our students and teachers can make the most of their musical experience, we have established the following policies:
Membership Tuition:
Tuition is a batch booking of 12 lessons.
Membership guarantees a regular weekly lesson with your teacher.
Tuition payments are due by the 1st lesson or class of each batch.
Membership tuition is automatically billed three days before the start of the following batch.
Lesson spots may be forfeited if tuition is more than 2 weeks late, typically due to declined payments.
Bi-weekly and partial month tuition will be adjusted or prorated.
Attendance & Lateness:
Students are expected to be punctual for their weekly lessons.
Students arriving more than 5 minutes late may receive a shortened lesson, as lessons are scheduled back-to-back.
If your lesson starts late due to the instructor's schedule, you will receive your full lesson or a makeup credit.
Missed Lessons & Makeup Credits:
No tuition credit or refund will be provided for missed lessons.
Makeup lesson credits are issued with at least 24-hour advance notice of a cancellation, communicated to us via email or phone.
Cancellations with less than 24-hour notice do not qualify for makeup lesson credits.
Makeup lesson credits expire 30 days after membership ends.
No more than two (2) makeup lesson credits can be pending at any time per membership.
Makeup credits cannot be rescheduled.
Substitutions:
If your current teacher is unavailable, a substitute teacher will be arranged.
Regular lesson cancellation policies apply for lessons with substitute teachers.
School Holidays and Inclement Weather:
We observe closures during specific holidays but do not follow the school calendar for days off.
Makeup lessons or virtual lessons may be scheduled on holiday closures or due to inclement weather.
Summer:
Members can place their membership on "Summer Hold" for up to two (2) months with 14 days' notice.
Lesson time and teacher are reserved by pre-paying tuition for the month following a Summer hold.
While on Summer hold, members can purchase individual lesson passes.
Membership Cancellation:
Membership can be canceled via phone or email with 14 days notice
Cancellation becomes effective as of the month following the due date.
Active membership is required for participation in events and recitals.
Makeup lesson credits expire after 30 days from the cancellation effective date.
Membership is not transferable.
Care of Students:
Upbeat does not provide before or after-class care for students.
Injuries:
Parents and adult students assume all risk of injury or harm and release Upbeat School of Music & Studios from liability in the event of injury during participation in musical activities.
Photo/Video Release:
Unless requested otherwise in writing, we may use photographs/videos of students for promotional materials.
Disclaimer:
We reserve the right to refuse service to any person at any time.
Please note that these policies are effective upon enrolment and may be subject to change. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to contact us at info@upbeatschoolofmusic.com.au We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to making your musical journey a rewarding one.
Child Safety & Conduct Policy
(Effective Upon Enrolment)
Our Commitment to Child Safety
UpBeat Music School is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students. We uphold the principles of the National Child Safe Standards and comply with all relevant child safety regulations in Western Australia. All staff, tutors, and contractors are expected to uphold these values at all times, both in and outside the lesson environment.
2. Teacher Screening & Qualifications
All music tutors and team members engaged by UpBeat Music School:
● Hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)
● Have passed a criminal background check
● Have been personally vetted through interviews and reference checks
● Are engaged as independent contractors and are trained in our child safety and supervision protocols
3. Supervision & Lesson Environment
Lessons are held in professional, soundproof rehearsal studios (e.g. Pen Cap Chow Studios), which are acoustically treated and may not contain internal windows or external visibility.
In recognition of this environment and in alignment with WA child safety expectations:
● Parents or legal guardians must accompany their child into the lesson room and remain present for the full duration of each lesson. This is our default and recommended child supervision model.
● If a parent or guardian chooses to leave the premises or not remain present during the lesson:
● They do so at their own risk and responsibility
● They accept full and sole responsibility for their child’s supervision, safety, and wellbeing during the lesson
● They waive any claim against the teacher, contractor, or UpBeat Music School for any incident, harm, allegation, or misconduct that may occur while the child is unsupervised
● It is not the responsibility of UpBeat Music School or its contractors to supervise children outside of the teaching scope, enforce parental presence, or monitor drop-off/pick-up arrangements. If a parent leaves their child unattended, they are doing so in breach of this policy.
● Teachers are prohibited from accepting responsibility for a child’s care before or after their scheduled lesson time.●
● Parents are reminded that all teachers are independent contractors, each of whom has been screened and holds a valid WWCC. However, the safest environment is one in which a parent or guardian is physically present during all lessons.
● By enrolling in lessons and making payment, the parent or guardian confirms they have read, understood, and accepted this supervision policy.
4. Code of Conduct for Teachers
All UpBeat tutors must maintain the highest standards of professionalism and child safety,
including:
● Using respectful, age-appropriate communication at all times●
● Maintaining professional physical boundaries
Any necessary physical guidance (e.g. hand position) must be appropriate,
minimal, and explained to the student beforehand
● No private communication with students outside of lessons without prior parental consent (including via phone, text, social media, or direct messaging apps)
● No transportation of students under any circumstances
● No use of threats, intimidation, inappropriate humour, or personal disclosures that could undermine a safe environment
● Immediate reporting of any incident, injury, concern, or breach of conduct to the director
5. Reporting a Concern
If you or your child ever feels uncomfortable or concerned for any reason:
● Please contact the director (Joe) directly
●Or email us confidentially at info@upbeatschoolofmusic.com.au
All reports are taken seriously and investigated discreetly in accordance with our internal safeguarding process and WA child protection guidelines. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible.
6. Liability and Responsibility
● UpBeat School of Music takes every reasonable step to ensure the safety of students, including the selection and training of contractors.
● However, the school cannot accept liability for the independent actions of a contractor who breaches this policy, the law, or the bounds of professional conduct.●
● Teachers are independent contractors and bear full responsibility for their own professional and legal conduct.
Our insurance includes defence coverage for false or wrongful allegations against the business. However, the school relies on active parental awareness, presence, and
communication to ensure an environment of safety and accountability.
7. Opt-In Agreement
By enrolling a student and making payment for lessons, you:
●Confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this Child Safety & Conduct Policy in full
● Accept that supervision of the student remains the responsibility of the parent or guardian at all times
● Understand that teachers are independent contractors and must adhere to the policies above
● Acknowledge that failure to remain present during lessons is at your own
discretion and liability
By enrolling in lessons and making payment, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the UpBeat Music School Child Safety & Conduct Policy.