Terms and Conditions

Tuition & Fees

  • Tuition is charged as a flat monthly fee for 4 classes a month which is scheduled as per the availibility of the teacher and the student and it also includes 4 additional class on Sunday for Choir Training and Music Theory.
  • Payment is due by the first day of each month. If payment is not received by the 10th of the month, a late fee of 250 will be applied. If payment is still not received by the 20th, lessons may be suspended until the balance is settled.
  • The tuition covers a defined number of lessons per year and is divided into equal monthly payments regardless of how many weeks a month has.
  • A registration / enrollment fee of ₹ 1000 is charged upon initial registration. This fee is non-refundable and helps cover administrative costs.
  • Families with multiple students or students taking more than one instrument may be eligible for a “multiple lesson discount.”
  • Annual price increases may be applied to reflect inflation, materials, facilities, or staffing growth. The new rates will be communicated in advance.

Billing & Payment Methods

  • Silverchord requires automatic billing: payments will be collected at the beginning of each month via accepted methods (bank transfer, cash, or digital payment).
  • Enrollment is not complete until the registration fee is paid.

Lesson Schedule, Holidays & Breaks

  • Lessons are typically weekly, except during pre-announced breaks and holidays.
  • Because tuition is a flat monthly fee, the number of lessons in a month (3, 4 or 5) does not affect the fee.
  • Sunday’s lesson for Choir and Music Theory is compulsory for all to attend.
  • Since Sunday’s lesson is compulsory for the student to attend, there will be no make up class scheduled for missed Sunday classes.

Student Equipment & Practice Expectations

  • Students must have appropriate instruments / equipment at home to support regular practice:
  • For piano: ideally an Acoustic Piano; if a Digital Piano, then one with 88 weighted keys, or for beginners a Keyboard with 64 keys with touch sensitive keys.
  • For other instruments: teacher will advise on appropriate size, brand, rental options, accessories.
  • Students must bring all current books, materials, and any assignments to every lesson.
  • Regular practice at home is expected and essential to progress. It should become a part of the student’s routine, akin to sports or other extracurriculars. For younger students, parental involvement is strongly encouraged (e.g., sitting in, helping schedule practice, reviewing assignments).

Cancellation / Missed Lesson Policy

  • If a student / parent cancels a lesson, a minimum of 24 hours’ written/email/text notice is required to be eligible for a make-up lesson.
  • Students will be allowed at most two make-up lessons per 45 days for lessons cancelled by the student/parent. No accumulation beyond that limit.
  • Students who pay their fee on a quarterly basis will be allowed to make up their missed classes within 90 days.
  • Make-up lessons must be scheduled within their allowed time frame of the missed lesson, or they expire.
  • No refunds or credits will be offered for missed lessons not eligible for make-ups.
  • If the teacher cancels a lesson (illness or other), then a substitute will be provided if possible; if no substitute is available, a make-up will be scheduled (and the usual student make-up cap may be waived in such cases).
  • Students who are ill should stay home; if they have missed school that day due to illness (fever, contagious symptoms), they should not attend their lesson. The teacher may require online lesson alternative at their discretion.

Termination of Lessons

  • If a student wishes to discontinue lessons, 30 days’ written notice is required.
  • Whether or not the student continues lessons during that 30-day period, no refunds will be given for partial months, and pro-rated charges will be assessed for the upcoming billing cycle within that 30‐day window.
  • Notice must be submitted via email to [jefkenthari@silverchord.in].

Recitals & Performance Opportunities

  • Silverchord will hold One major recital / performance a year before the winter break to provide students with performance experience and community engagement.
  • Student participation is required in recitals.
  • Dress code and performance etiquette guidelines will be provided in advance.
  • Families may be asked to bring refreshments or assist with logistics for the recital day.

Substitute Teachers

  • Our mission includes support for our teaching staff. If a teacher must be absent due to illness or emergency, a substitute teacher will be arranged whenever possible.
  • If a substitute is available and the student opts not to attend, the student will not be eligible for a make-up lesson for that slot.
  • If no substitute is available, a make-up will be scheduled.

Student Conduct, Health & Safety

  • Students must abide by the school’s code of conduct (respect for teacher, fellow students, classroom equipment, punctual attendance).
  • In the event of contagious illness (fever, severe cold/flu, COVID-19 positive etc.), the student must stay home and may be asked to present a negative test before returning if applicable.
  • Parents should communicate with the teacher about any relevant health concerns or special situations.
  • School environment must be kept safe and hygienic; appropriate cleaning and sanitation protocols will be followed.

Attendance & Commitment

  • Regular weekly attendance is critical for effective learning. If a student consistently misses (e.g., more than one lesson every four weeks) without valid reasons, it may prompt a discussion about their commitment and suitability for continuation.
  • Vacations and special events are understandable, but please coordinate ahead, and understand that missed lessons count toward the cap of make-ups.

Materials & Books

  • Occasionally, students will be required to purchase books or materials. These may be purchased by the student directly, or the teacher may procure them and invoice the student at cost plus a standard stocking fee (e.g., 5 %).
  • Students are responsible for bringing their books and materials to each lesson.

Priority Scheduling

  • Students who take a term break (e.g., a full month or more) and do not provide notice may lose their priority for the preferred time-slot when re-enrolling.
  • If a student wishes to take a break (e.g., summer), 30 days’ written notice is required; otherwise, their slot may be reassigned.

Multiple Students / Instruments

  • If a family registers multiple students or one student takes multiple instruments, Silverchord may offer a discount on the standard tuition as a “multi-lesson” concession. Details of eligibility and discount rates will be provided in the fee schedule.

Annual Review & Rate Adjustments

  • Silverchord reserves the right to raise tuition rates annually to cover increased costs, enhance services, and update materials. Any new rates will be communicated three months in advance.

Communication & Feedback

  • Parents and students are encouraged to maintain open communication with the teacher throughout the week (email or message) regarding practice, progress, questions, or concerns.
  • For younger students, parental involvement (sitting in lessons, monitoring practice) is strongly encouraged and often essential for steady progress.

Limitations of Make-ups & Credits

  • Make-up lessons are a benefit, not a right; they must be scheduled, and are subject to availability, and cannot be “banked” indefinitely.
  • No credits or refunds will be given for lessons cancelled without proper notice, or for missed lessons when make-up criteria are not met.
  • Make-up lessons for teacher-cancelled sessions are in addition to the student’s make-up cap (i.e., they do not count toward the two-per-45 days student limit).

Appendix: Key Contact & Enrollment Info

  • Registration fee: ₹ 1000
  • Monthly tuition: * to be informed after initial assessment of the student.
  • Payment due: 1st of each month; late fee = ₹ 250 after 10th; suspension after 20th
  • Cancellation notice: 30 days written
  • Make-ups: 24 hrs notice required; schedule within 45 days.