STUDENT PORTAL

Can I reschedule lessons?

Short answer: no. The Policy It is incorporated into the terms and conditions of enrolment that we do not reschedule lessons, irrespective of notice or the reason given. However, if the student is sick, the lesson may be conducted online when reasonable notice is given. When short notice is given, there may be delays in setting up or the lesson may not be provided at all. If a student misses a lesson, including not being able to have one online, the teacher will spend the scheduled lesson time creating lesson content on ClassDojo or Youtube, or develop the student's program by doing activities such as researching learning materials for and planning lessons. Understanding the Policy We do not reschedule lessons so that the student can keep their place permanently. If we allowed everyone to cancel and reschedule lessons at it suits, we would not be able to guarantee anyone a permanent place each week and everyone would have to bid for a booking from week to week. Our staff are here because you enrolled yourself or your child(ren). If we reschedule we not only have to pay the staff member twice for that one lesson and all the running costs, but we may lose another booking also. We do not price our term fees by the hour or by the lesson. You, as the account holder or student, accept that the student is entitled only to the prescribed number of lessons each term according to fee, each of which are held at the same time every week for the length of the term for which the student is enrolled. So if a student misses any lessons, they are not entitled to a replacement, and, effectively the cost of every other lesson in that term increases. An online lesson may be delayed or not be provided where short notice is given because we may not be able to receive your communication before the scheduled lesson. If we cannot set up before the scheduled lesson, we will set up when the lesson is scheduled to start; it should only take 5 minutes. You accept that the lesson will finish at the scheduled time, irrespective of the time it commenced.

Can I change my regular lesson day/time?

Short answer: maybe. The Policy If you need to change your regular lesson day and/or time, we will try our best to accomodate. However, it is incorporated into the terms and conditions of enrolment that we cannot guarantee that we can fufil your request. If we are unable to fulfil your request, you are still obligated to pay for the entire term, irrespective of attendance. To make a request, you need to complete a Change of Enrolment Details Form. Understanding the Policy We are very busy and we have over 250 students here every week. If we cannot not fulfil your request, it is simply because we do not have the availability or because moving your regular lesson will increase costs to the Academy by creating a gap in the schedule.

Do I get a discount for paying for the term quartler/upfront?

Short answer: no. We don't offer a discount for paying for one term upfront because that is the minimum length of enrolment. The truth is, it makes no difference to us if you pay your tuition in monthly isntalments or upfront; either way, you are obligated to pay for that entire term. We presently offer only one discount: if you commit to four consecutive terms of enrolment, we can offer you a 10% discount. If you have multiple enrolments, we highly encourage you to take advantage of the offer as you could receive the equivalent of an entire term for free for one enrolment! This offer is mutually beneficial because we want to see students stay. Discounted rates See the table below for fee comparisons. The amounts shown do not include the transaction fees. The exact amount will depend on the method of payment (BSB and ACC, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Diners).

Do I get a sibling/family discount?

Short answer: no. We don't offer a discount for siblings or family. You could enrol 10 kids in for one term, receive a big discount then disappear after that term - that has no benefit to us. What we're interested in is long-term commitments and that's what we will reward. We presently offer only one discount: if you commit to four consecutive terms of enrolment, we can offer you a 10% discount. If you have multiple enrolments, we highly encourage you to take advantage of the offer as you could receive the equivalent of an entire term for free for one enrolment! Discounted rates See the table below for fee comparisons. The amounts shown do not include the transaction fees. The exact amount will depend on the method of payment (BSB and ACC, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Diners).

How do I pay?

Short answer: direct debit. The Policy Payment is made via direct debit. We do not accept any other payment method, except when paying for a four-term enrolment upfront for which we invoice and accept credit card payment or EFT (Terms and Conditions, 1.1). People still ask to pay via direct deposit and the answer is always 'no'. Fees are automatically taken from your chosen account monthly or quarterly (upfront) via bank account or credit card (Terms and Conditions, 2.4). Once you set up the payments, you do not have to do it again, even when paying quarterly (upfront for each term). For quarterly payments, direct debit is set up 'On Demand'. Monthly payments are made on the 4th of every month. A monthly payment is charged upon enrolment unless the commencement date is 7 days or less from the 4 of the month. If you have to withdraw for any reason, provided you give notice on or before the census date (Terms and Conditions, 3.1, 3.2) for the term from which you are withdrawing, you are refunded any overpayment . If there are any outstanding fees these will be charged upon withdrawal. The fees are calculated from the commencement date of your enrolment. Quarterly payments are made on the first day after the census date for each term. If one or more of your payments fail, we may, at our discretion, suspend your enrolment until payment is made or terminate your enrolment (Terms and Conditions, 3.4). You are encouraged to contact the Academy to discuss your options if there are any issues making payment. Understanding the Policy Direct debit is everywhere: gym memberships, Netflix and Spotify accounts, and even some utility bills. Why do we have it? Having direct debit means we get paid on time and we don't have to invest hours of admin following up hundreds of people every year. But how does that benefit you? We can invest more time and money in improving teaching and learning. It also means your place is secure; no one else can have it because your payment is made on time. It also means you won't receive an invoice and invoice reminders. It means no one will get upset or uncomfortable because we have to call and ask you to pay. It means you won't get upset because a late fee is charged on your invoice. It also means you can pay monthly if you like, instead of a large lump sum. Most music schools require direct debit, in fact, some charge an annual registration fee, as much as $60, and late fees of $25. We don't charge annual fees and we don't charge late fees - we don't have to because direct debit solves that issue.

How do quarterly payments work?

Short answer: terms are paid in advance via 'on demand' direct debit. Pricing is based on a 10-week term of 30-minute lessons for $470. The amount is determined by the length of the term and transaction fees charged by the direct debit service. Quarterly payments are made before the commencement of each term.
If you enrol midway through a term, or term is shorter or longer than 10 weeks, the fee is calculated on a pro rata basis.

How do monthly payments work?

Short answer: same amount every month paid on the 4th. Pricing is based on a 10-week term of 30-minute lessons for $470. There are 4 terms in a calendar year. The annual tuition is $1880. The monthly payment amount is the annual tuition fee divided by 12, plus transactions fees charged by the direct debit service. Monthly payments are made on the 4th of every month. A monthly payment is charged upon enrolment unless the commencement date is 7 days or less from the 4th of the month; in this case, we will spread the payments for your convenience. Paying monthly is not 'paying as you go'; it is more like 'paying it off'. The monthly payment amount is the same irrespective of the number of weeks in the month as the payment amount is calculated by dividing the annual tuition fee 12 equal payments. ​

Are there transaction fees?

Short answer: yes. The direct debit service charges:

• 1.99% for debits from Visa/Mastercards
• 2.70% for debits from AMEX/Diners
• 0;99c for debits from a BSB and ACC.

Are there failed payment fees?

Short answer: yes. The direct debit service charges you $9.90 if your payment fails. The Academy has no control over this whatsoever. We are only able to see the reason payment failed.

How much notice do I have to give to cancel enrolment without incurring further charges?

Short answer: by the census date. The Policy Each term has a census date - the last day by which you can cancel enrolment without incurring any charges for the subsequent term. If you wish to cancel enrolment at any point, you must do so by completing the form below on or before the following census dates to avoid further charges: 2022 deadlines for withdrawal without incurring further charges. Term 1: Monday, January 10. Term 2: Monday, April 11. Term 3: Monday, July 4. Term 4: Saturday, September 25. If you withdraw on or after the 7th day following the census date, you are charged for the entire term. If you withdraw after the census date but before the 7th day following, you are charged one monthly payment. If you withdraw on or after the 7th day following the census date, you are charged for the entire term. If you formally give notice, your enrolment is cancelled irrespective of whether or not you have outstanding charges. If you are liable for payment of the entire term, you can of course choose to stay enrolled and attend your lessons instead of withdrawing; however, if you give formal notice then change your mind, your place may have already been taken. Notification of withdrawal must be given using our Cancellation of Enrolment Form. Understanding the Policy If we allowed everyone to cancel their enrolment as it suits, we would not be able to function. It would create an inconsistent and unreliable schedule for the teachers. They will not like that and will not want to stay. Your commitment to each term benefits you as it helps us attract and keep good staff. Furthermore, if you do not give us notice, we incur an opportunity cost.

What is the minimum commitment?

Short answer: one term. The minimum length of enrolment is one (1) term, or the remainder of the term in which the enrolment commences where enrolment commences after the first week of the term.

How do I cancel enrolment?

Notification of cancellation must be given using our Cancellation of Enrolment Form.

What are the term dates at the Academy?

The Policy Our teaching periods generally align with the public school calendar. The length of each term is determined by the Western Australian Department of Education as published on their website. We have the right to vary the dates of our teaching periods where notice is given before payment is made for the affected period. The only holidays recognised by Advantage Music Academy are those public holidays listed on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website. See www.advantagemusicacademy.com/term-dates for all dates. Understanding the Policy The Academy is not in any way associated with or obligated to align with schools, sports, or any other business. If you decide to take a holiday during our teaching periods, or if your sport or any other commitments conflict with your regular booking during our teaching periods, the lessons missed will be forfeited.

What public holidays are observed by the Academy?

Short answer: those recognised by the government. The Academy is closed on the public holidays recognised by the government and published on the Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety website. You are not charged for any lessons that fall on these days. The Academy does not reecognise Halloween, Melbourne Cup, the AFL Grand Final and other popular events as holidays. Lessons continue on these days.

Is the Academy open on public holidays?

Short answer: no. The Academy is closed on the public holidays recognised by the government and published on the Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety website. You are not charged for any lessons that fall on these days. The Academy does not reecognise Halloween, Melbourne Cup, the AFL Grand Final and other popular events as holidays. Lessons continue on these days.

Attendance

The Policy

• If a student is late for a lesson, the teacher is still required to finish at the scheduled time (Terms and Conditions, 2.7).

Behaviour Management

The Policy Students have the right to learn without hindrance from others. Actions of any kind that breach this right are not tolerated. All persons who enter the premises are expected to respect other people, including staff, other students and their families, as well as the property of Advantage Music Academy. Children are expected to be compliant with instructions given by any staff member. Behavioural issues that cause disruption to others and/or prevent staff from carrying out their duties are raised with the Academy Director and are managed in coordination with parents and/or guardians. Continued behavioural issues will result in termination of enrolment. Abusive behaviour of any kind will result in immediate termination of enrolment without refund. Teachers have the authority to instruct parents to leave the room if the teacher feels the parent is interfering with their ability to do their job effectively (Terms and Conditions, 2.6). Parents and/or guardians are expected to monitor children in their care and ensure that they are compliant with this policy (Terms and Conditions, 3.3). We reserve the right to reprimand children who are not compliant. Understanding the Policy Everybody deserves a basic level of respect and students who are paying money for our service are entitled to that service without hinderance from anyone, inside or outside the room. Our teachers also deserve your respect as professionals who are experienced, well trained and well educated. You are welcome to observe your child(ren)'s lessons unless the teacher feels your presence is a hinderance which could caused by continually reprimanding your child, answering questions for them, interrupting the teacher, or talking on your phone.

Health and Safety

The Policy In the interest of the health and safety of all students, parents/guardians and teachers, students, parents/guardians and teachers are not permitted to enter the premises if unwell (Terms and Conditions, 6.1). When a teacher is sick, we may move the lessons online. When this happens, the student will have the option of attending the Academy or staying at home for the lesson. We encourage everyone to come to the Academy as the environment is most conducive to learning. Our teachers understand that they are not qualified to counsel or advise students concerning any aspects of the students’ personal lives. If your child discloses personal information to their teacher that their teacher deems to be potentially dangerous to the student’s mental or physical health and wellbeing, their teacher will report to the Academy Director who will then discuss the issue with you. Further, you or a guardian appointed by you are responsible for and required to monitor children in your care and ensure that they are complaint with all policies and instructions given by Academy staff. Running, throwing items, climbing furniture, and other actions that may pose a health and safety risk are strictly prohibited. Understanding the Policy When you or your child(ren) come to the Academy when they are sick, they will spread it. We all breath the same air, we share an enclosed space, we touch instruments, the water cooler, magazines, toys, door handles and buttons, and so on. When a teacher gets sick, we may have to cancel if the teacher is too sick to teach online and this causes disruption to many students.

Photography

The Policy From time to time we will take images, video and/or audio of students and/or parents for marketing purposes to be posted on our website, in social media such as Facebook and Instagram, and in printed media. Under no circumstances will you or your child(ren) be identified/named by us, including tags in social media, without your consent which this agreement does not imply. If you do not wish for your own or your child(ren)’s image and/or voice to be used for marketing purposes, you must inform us in writing. Understanding the Policy Marketing is a very important part of running a successful business. One of the most powerful ways of marketing is through the use of images and audio of real students in action. At some point, you would have seen a photo of a student on the Academy website or social media pages and it undoubtedly helped you form a positive impression of the Academy. That impression contributed to you enrolling yourself or your child. An image of you or your child will similarly help others form a positive impression of the Academy and perhaps enrol. If we had images of instruments alone, we would look boring.