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We hope this provides some quick answers to some of the most common question from parents, carers and students.

You can find our full Terms & Conditions here.

• How do I sign up for lessons?
  Sign up using our online portal, SpeedAdmin.

• Should I choose a group or individual lesson?
  Both have their benefits – some students prefer to learn alongside their peers in a group, it encourages ensemble playing and these lessons are cheaper. Progress can be faster in an individual lesson and there is greater flexibility. Some instruments can’t be easily taught in groups (piano, drum kit)

• What happens after I sign up - how soon can I start?
  We’ll schedule lessons to start as soon as possible, as soon as we’ve confirmed with the teacher and the school or venue. If there is no teacher available, we’ll keep you on a waiting list and let you know when a slot is available. If you sign up for a group lesson you may have to wait until there are enough students to make up the group.

• When do lessons take place?
  Lessons take place weekly during term time, although there are few weeks at the start and end of terms which we use for training and to catch up any missed lessons. There are 34 lessons scheduled over the academic year - check out our Theatr Clwyd Music Calendar. Most lessons take place at the same time each week although some schools rotate times (so the same subject isn’t missed each week).

• What instrument should I choose?
  It’s mostly up to personal preference. For brass and woodwind instruments, it is best to wait until Key Stage 2 (year 3 and above) but for other instruments it’s possible to start younger and smaller instrument sizes are available. It’s worth considering your choice of instrument if you want to play in groups and ensembles – these opportunities can be limited for piano students.

• How do I pay for lessons?
  When your teacher and lesson is confirmed we’ll contact you to set up a monthly Direct Debit. The cost of the lessons is spread over 10 monthly payments.

• Is there any help available with the cost of lessons?
  There may be help available through schools for families on low incomes. We also have bursaries available through Theatr Clwyd and there are external organisations who provide support for more advanced young musicians. Check out our Support with Costs page for more information.

• How do I hire or buy an instrument?
  We’ve paused our instrument hire scheme but hope to start it up again in the near future. You can also ask your teacher for more advice.

• What music or accessories will I need?
  Your teacher will advise on music books when you start. You may also need to buy bits and pieces such as spare strings, reeds, valve oil for your instrument. Again, your teacher can advise.

• What if a lesson is missed by the student?
  We can’t offer refunds for lessons missed due to illness or other absences. If the absence is going to be longer term, please talk to your teacher or contact us to discuss options.

• What happens when a lesson is cancelled by the teacher or school? If the teacher is ill or the lesson is cancelled by the school, we will do our best to reschedule this to one of the “catch-up” weeks at the end of term. If this is not possible, the lesson will be refunded at the end of the academic year.

• Can lessons be delivered in Welsh? While some of our teachers are fluent Welsh speakers, we can’t guarantee this. Please let us know if you would like to request lessons in Welsh but this may not always be possible.

• How do I keep up to date with progress? Our teachers use the StudyPlan section of our online portal, SpeedAdmin, to keep notes from each lesson and provide an ongoing record of progress. We give parents and carers an annual opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher.

• What about exams?
  If the student would like to take graded exams (it’s not the right thing for everyone), this can be arranged through your teacher.

• How do I find out about ensembles and other activities?
  You can find out about groups and ensembles at Theatr Clwyd Music here. We’ll also let you know about forthcoming workshops and concerts via our newsletter and social media channels. Find out about workshops and groups in other art forms (drama, dance etc) here

• What if I want to stop lessons?
  Please talk to your teacher or contact us if you are thinking of stopping lessons – we want to do everything we can to accommodate your musical journey. For example, it might be possible to arrange a change of instrument. If you do want to stop lessons we require one calendar months’ notice in writing to music@theatrclwyd.com

If you have any issues, questions or concerns please contact your teacher in the first instance. If this is not appropriate or you require further assistance, email music@theatrclwyd.com. This e-mail should also be used for any billing queries.