Terms & Conditions
To ensure a clear understanding of our policies and procedures, we encourage you to carefully review these terms and conditions, including tuition fees, attendance, practice, and instrument requirements. The full contractual terms for each membership are set out in your enrolment form, which is the binding document; if anything here needs clarification, please contact the office and we'll be happy to help.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees encompass not only the direct instruction provided but also teacher preparation time, tailored lesson planning, repertoire selection, studio hire, instrument and venue maintenance, performance opportunities, workshops, organisational, and administrative costs. Tuition does not include the cost of printed music.
Attendance and cancellation policy
Lesson times are mutually agreed upon at the commencement of study and at the beginning of each academic year. Requests to change lesson times mid-year will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to availability. In the specific case of taster sessions, we require 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule.
Students are expected to arrive promptly for their scheduled lessons. Due to high demand and reserved lesson slots, refunds or make-up lessons are not provided for missed or shortened lessons. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated, as they disrupt subsequent lessons. This does not affect your statutory rights.
Notification of absence due to illness, family emergency, or school event is required at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson. Only one reschedule per academic semester (September–February and March–August) is permitted for these reasons.
Rescheduling within 24 hours: conversion to online lessons is permitted, subject to instructor availability; otherwise, the full lesson price will be charged.
Rescheduling with over 24 hours' notice: lessons will be rescheduled to meet membership inclusions. We will contact you with an alternative date. Your confirmation of the new time will be required within 24 hours.
Taster lessons must be booked within six months of purchase. After this period, the lesson will expire and cannot be scheduled. If you change your mind about a taster lesson you have purchased but not yet booked, you may request a refund within 14 days of purchase.
In instances of instructor unavailability, a substitute (another regular Planet drum teacher) will be provided to ensure continued progress. If a substitute is unavailable, we will issue a lesson voucher, which you can use within 30 days.
Same-day cancellations will be considered forfeited, except in extenuating circumstances (bereavement or road accident, for example). Confirmed rescheduled lessons must be acknowledged within 24 hours of the offer, or the lesson will be charged as a late cancellation.
In the event of an emergency or closure of the music school due to circumstances beyond Planet drum's control (e.g., force majeure, pandemic, severe weather, industrial action), no credit or reduction in fees will be due. Where feasible, lessons will be conducted online.
Holidays
During the designated summer teaching weeks (indicated on the school calendar), students may take up to twelve weeks of absence, provided that the school office is notified prior to the monthly invoice being issued.
Parents and guardians
Parents and guardians are requested to remain in the waiting area during lessons.
Use of photos and videos
As part of our efforts to enhance our social media presence and promote our programmes, we may use photos and videos of our students for marketing purposes. These visuals help showcase the positive experiences and achievements within our community. However, we understand the importance of privacy and consent.
Opt-out option: if you do not wish for your photos or videos to be used in our social media postings, please indicate your preference by opting out in writing. We respect your privacy and will ensure that your decision is honoured. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us.
Practice expectations and instrument requirements
Planet drum is Trinity's main Rock & Pop centre in London and adheres to the Trinity curriculum. Trinity and RSL exams are often hosted on our premises, and the current dates are on our What's On page.
Instructors will establish realistic goals for each lesson to ensure consistent student progress. Students are expected to engage in regular practice (ideally 4–5 days per week) to achieve these goals. While specific practice durations are not mandated, students should dedicate sufficient time to master their assigned material.
The quality of practice is emphasised over the quantity. Parental support is strongly encouraged, particularly for younger students. Ear protection is advised during drum lessons.
Performance opportunities are provided throughout the year to foster motivation and build confidence.
Assisted practice lessons (both online and in-person) are available for students requiring additional support.
Students must have access to a suitable instrument for regular practice. For guidance on choosing equipment and books, see our drum lessons page.
Practice rooms are also available for current students to hire through the school office.