Group lessons student and parent faq

Here’s all you need to know about group lessons!

We’ve collated the most frequently asked questions about group lessons and present our best advice and answers to you here. If you are looking for advice about a child, head to the bottom to find a specific section written especially with parents and carers in mind. 

What is a group lesson?

The simplest definition is a learning experience with two or more students. This could be a group of students learning to play an instrument at the same time, or it could be an opportunity to make music with others in an ensemble or choir. A group might meet regularly, or it could be a one-time event. 

How much does it cost to participate in a group lesson?

The price varies from group to group, depending on a wide range of factors such as location, duration, teacher experience and the type of group on offer. Prices are presented as a total and you can also see the price per session (where applicable). For regular groups, which have more than one session in the schedule, the price per session is always the same. Prices are clearly displayed on the group page. 

Can I pay for a group lesson with a block of lessons?

A block of lessons can only be used to arrange payment for solo, one to one lessons. To purchase a space in a group, click on the button “Go to registration” from the group page. 

Do you have group lessons online?

Currently, all group lessons are in-person experiences. Online group lessons are in development and we hope to add this feature in the not too distant future. 

What if the group lessons I signed up for are cancelled?

If the group you sign up for is cancelled by the teacher, you will be refunded in full for any sessions not received. The refund will see the return of funds back to the card used to make the original purchase. In these circumstances, we will notify you of the cancellation and subsequent refund via email. You can reach our office team at [email protected] should you need any assistance. 

Do I get a refund for the classes that I myself do not attend?

Refunds on classes which you cannot attend are not possible in group classes. A group carries the added responsibility to other group members alongside extra costs for the teacher such as venue hire. It’s for these reasons that refunds are not possible 

What does the service fee cover?

The service fee covers some of the platform costs associated with hosting the group, facilitating payments and also includes applicable taxes.

Parents and carers FAQ 

How can I be sure that this group is right for my child?

Your teacher will have taken care to describe the course as best as they could. If, having read the description of the group, you still have questions, you are able to message the teacher directly from the group profile page to ask more specific questions. 

Some teachers arrange regular “intro” sessions, where you are able to experience the group before signing up for a regular course. 

Can children want to go with their friends?

It is the teacher who decides who is admitted to the course, based on various parameters such as age and knowledge and when you sign up. If you have doubts about your child being with their friends on the course, contact the teacher of the course directly and inquire about the possibilities here. Teachers strive to be flexible - if the course fits the needs of your child, and indeed their friend, rest assured the teacher will try to accommodate. 

Is anything expected of me as a parent in the group lessons?

Speak to your teacher about their expectations of parental involvement in the sessions. Depending on the age and experience of your child, there will be different requirements about parental attendance and proximity during the sessions. 

Is it safe for my child to take part in group lessons?

Rest assured that the standards of safety through MusicTeachers.co.uk are industry leading. The teacher taking your class has conformed to a number of vetting procedures which ensure that in terms of quality, professionalism and safety they reach a very high bar. Y(u can read more about this in our article on the teacher approval process, which you can see here. The safety of all members of MusicTeachers.co.uk is, and always will be, the number one priority. 

Can parents join the group lessons?

Check out the course description which will display the “target group” of age range and experience. In some groups, it will be possible for parents and children to learn together. In others, parents will be welcome as observers, but in other contexts it will be preferred that parents are outside the room so as not to interfere with the group dynamic. Your teacher will be best placed to inform you of the specific context of the group. If this information is not readily available in the group description, we recommend asking for guidance with a message prior to the group starting. 

My child has any special needs, can this be reported and taken into account?

You can always contact the teacher in advance to clarify special conditions that should be taken into account. In every case, every effort will be made to cater for the needs of the individual. 

Can I leave my child alone while the group lesson is taking place?

This will depend on the specific context and situation of the group. If information regarding this is not present in the group description, please write to your teacher for clarification ahead of the first session. 

My child is shy, can we have a trial lesson?

Most teachers will be able to allow a trial lesson, contact the teacher directly to clarify how the process will work. At the same time, we recommend allowing a few sessions before your child becomes comfortable within the group setting. It is quite normal for the first sessions to require a period of acclimatisation before your child feels comfortable within the group.  

What happens if my child misbehaves?

Your group will be lead by a professional, experienced in helping new students feel settled in the group. In cases where behaviour becomes an issue, your teacher will seek your advice with the intention of resolving any issues which may be causing your child to remain unsettled. This approach resolves the vast majority of issues, in a minority of cases, your teacher reserves the right to ask any participant not to attend, in light of the safety and progress of other participants. 

What happens if others do not behave towards my child?

This same approach of using dialogue with parents, and group participants, in the vast majority of cases stops problems before they become dangerous or prolonged in such a way as they might become harmful. Please note that the safety and progress of each and every participant is prioritised within a group setting. If you ever have any concerns, our very best advice is to speak with your teacher as early as possible. 

Will the students be assessed and graded?

Assessment is a term with many uses within education and music education. In most cases, progress will be measured musically, socially, empathetically and constantly! In some groups, where the goal is working towards a specific grade or qualification, more formative assessment may also be used. The goals and objectives of the group will be made clear from the outset via the group description and through discussions with your teacher. If you are unsure about the means of assessment within the group, please qualify this with your teacher.  

I have a question or a concern not addressed in this FAQ. 

You can contact the teacher directly via the inbox, or our support team is always at hand via [email protected]. We pride ourselves on fast responses and strongly believe no issue or concern is too small to share!