Policies
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1. Fees
Fees are payable by term in advance and will be accepted by bank transfer only.
Returning students are required to pay a deposit in advance of the new term to secure their continued slot in the following term schedule. Deposits will be offset against term fees. Deposits are non-refundable in the event that a student should not take up their place.
Discounts:
Siblings availing of individual lessons will receive a discount on the full fee (i.e 10% - 2nd child, 5% any additional child).
Likewise, a child/children of an adult student will receive the same discount for individual lessons as siblings (10% - 1st child, 5% any additional children).
Additional Costs:
​Additional costs include books as advised by Vocal Chords Skerries and exam fees where students are preparing for exams.
Examination fees are payable at the time of application to Vocal Chords Skerries who make applications on behalf of the students. Examining bodies do not accept any late exam fees.
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2. Punctuality
Please arrive punctually to your class, less stress for you! If you are late, you will be given tuition for the remainder of the time allocated. Naturally, if the previous student’s class is running late, you will receive the full time.​
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3. Missed Lesson Policy
A time-tabled lesson missed by a student for whatever reason is forfeited. When your lesson time is organised, this time and space is reserved in the schedule for the entire term/year. In order to provide the best and fairest experience for all students, schedules cannot be altered from one week to the next.
​In the unlikely event of Vocal Chords Skerries cancelling a class, the lesson will be made up and dealt with on an individual basis.​
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4. Photographs
From time to time, Vocal Chords Skerries will use social media as a platform to promote students’ musical development giving a “fly on the wall” glimpse inside the lesson, while also promoting Vocal Chords Skerries and the authentic music education that it provides. This will be carried out by uploading photos and videos of lessons/events/achievements to social media platforms. There is no obligation to allow a student’s image to be used. Images will not be used without your consent as set out in the Registration Form.
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5. Practice
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect! Practice is the only way to progress and adequate daily practice for recommended duration depending on the student is expected.
Parents are encouraged to assist and oversee practice as often as possible.
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6. Parents/Guardians
If a parent/guardian wishes to discuss anything with regards to their child(ren)'s lesson, please arrange a time outside lesson time.
Vocal Chords Skerries operates an open door policy and parents/guardians are always welcome to sit in on the 1-1 lessons. However, not all children respond to this in the same way. Please bear in mind that your child may act differently with you in the room and it may be in the better interests of the child to have no parent/guardian present, to help foster a stronger student/teacher relationship.
7. GDPR
All students and guardians personal data is stored securely at Vocal Chords Skerries and will only ever be used to contact you personally regarding your own lessons. No information will be shared with any third parties without your consent.
​8. Child / Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy
Vocal Chords Skerries acknowledges that the safety and welfare of young people, children and vulnerable adults is of the utmost importance.
Vocal Chords Skerries is all inclusive regardless of class, gender, race, creed or ability and acknowledges that every young person and child needs to be treated with equal respect and dignity at all times, and their opinions and feelings taken into consideration regarding issues that affect them.
Vocal Chords Skerries does not tolerate bullying, intimidation, any form of abuse or intolerant behaviour toward children, young people and vulnerable adults.
​Vocal Chords Skerries is bound by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and the Children First Act 2015 to record any matters of concern to TUSLA, the National Agency for Child Protection in Ireland.
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VOCAL CHORDS SKERRIES
(1st May 2022)*
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*Policies are subject to possible updates