Terms & Conditions

1. About These Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions set out the basis on which Webster Music Co. (“Webster Music Co.”, “WMC”, “we”, “us” or “our”) provides services to customers (“you” or “your”). They apply to services including:

• private music tuition;
• one-to-one tuition for adults and children;
• online/Zoom lessons;
• gift lessons;
• examination preparation;
• wedding music;
• live performances;
• piano entertainment;
• other music-related services agreed between you and Webster Music Co.

By booking a service, accepting a quotation, paying a deposit or otherwise confirming that you wish to proceed, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Where a specific written agreement, quotation or booking confirmation has been provided for your service, that agreement will take precedence over these Terms & Conditions where there is a direct conflict. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to remove or restrict any legal rights you have as a consumer.

2. Services and Bookings

All services are subject to availability. A booking will normally be considered confirmed once:

• the service, date and time have been agreed;
• any required deposit or booking payment has been received; and
• Webster Music Co. has confirmed the booking.

We reserve the right to decline a booking where we reasonably consider that the service is unsuitable, unsafe, outside the services we offer, or otherwise cannot reasonably be provided.

3. Prices and Quotations

Prices will be communicated before a booking is confirmed. Where a quotation has been provided for a particular service or event, the quotation will normally remain valid for the period stated on the quotation. Additional services, additional playing time, travel, bespoke arrangements or other agreed extras may incur additional charges. Any agreed additional charges will be communicated to you where reasonably practicable before they are incurred.

4. Payment Methods

Payment may be made by:

• bank transfer;
• cash where agreed in advance; or
• another payment method specifically agreed with Webster Music Co.

Payment details will be provided when a booking is made.

5. Customer Information and Changes

You are responsible for providing accurate information needed to provide your service. This may include:

• contact details;
• lesson requirements;
• emergency contact information;
• accessibility requirements;
• venue details;
• wedding/event timings;
• song requests;
• special circumstances that may affect the service.

You should inform Webster Music Co. as soon as reasonably possible if any important information changes.

6. Communication

Communication may take place by email, telephone, text message, social media or other agreed methods. For customers under 18, communication relating to lessons, bookings, payments or safeguarding may be carried out with the student’s parent or legal guardian.

7. Cancellation by Webster Music Co.

If Webster Music Co. needs to cancel a lesson or tuition booking, we will normally offer a suitable replacement lesson where reasonably possible. If a replacement cannot reasonably be provided, any payment relating to the cancelled service that is refundable will be refunded. For wedding and event bookings, if Webster Music Co. has to cancel a booking and cannot provide the agreed service or a suitable alternative, payments will be dealt with in accordance with the customer’s legal rights and the circumstances of the cancellation.

8. Illness and Unforeseen Circumstances

If Webster Music Co. is unable to provide a lesson or service because of illness, an emergency or another circumstance outside our reasonable control, we will make reasonable efforts to rearrange the service. Where rearrangement is not reasonably possible, the appropriate payment or refund arrangements will be discussed with you.

9. Force Majeure

Webster Music Co. will not be responsible for failing to provide a service where this is caused by circumstances outside our reasonable control. Examples may include serious illness, accidents, extreme weather, transport disruption, power or internet failures, venue closure, government restrictions or other significant unforeseen circumstances. Where reasonably possible, we will offer an alternative date, time or method of providing the service. Any refund or payment arrangements will take account of the circumstances and applicable consumer law.

10. Complaints

If you are unhappy with a service, please contact Webster Music Co. as soon as reasonably possible so that the issue can be discussed and, where appropriate, resolved. We will consider complaints fairly and reasonably.

11. Tuition Services

Webster Music Co. may provide tuition in areas including:

• piano;
• keyboard;
• acoustic guitar;
• electric guitar;
• drum kit;
• singing;
• music theory;
• songwriting;
• music production and studio skills;
• examination preparation; and
• other related music skills where agreed.

Drum-kit tuition may, where agreed, be provided as a home-visit service. The precise content of lessons will be adapted to the student’s ability, aims, age and interests.

12. Examination Preparation

Webster Music Co. may provide preparation for examinations including ABRSM, Rockschool and other examination boards where this has been agreed. Examination entry fees are separate from tuition fees unless specifically stated otherwise. Webster Music Co. will provide reasonable teaching and preparation but cannot guarantee:

• a particular examination grade;
• a pass;
• a particular mark;
• examiner feedback;
• examination availability; or
• any other specific examination outcome.

13. Tuition Prices

Current starting prices may include:

• Trial lesson: from £20
• Standard lesson: from £25
• Gift lesson: from £25
• Zoom lesson: from £25
• Examination preparation: from £35

Prices may vary depending on lesson length, requirements and any specific arrangements agreed in advance. Unless otherwise stated, adults and children are subject to the same standard tuition pricing.

14. Tuition Deposits and Payment

A 50% deposit is used to secure a tuition booking. This applies to individual lessons and block bookings of multiple lessons, as well as trial lessons, gift lessons, Zoom lessons and examination preparation where a deposit is requested. For a block booking, the 50% deposit secures the agreed block of lessons and the agreed lesson dates and times, subject to availability and these Terms & Conditions. The remaining 50% balance must be paid before each lesson takes place, unless a different payment arrangement has been agreed in writing. For example, where a block of four lessons is booked, the 50% deposit secures the block, but the remaining balance does not simply become payable after all four lessons. The balance relating to each lesson must be paid before that lesson takes place unless otherwise agreed. The deposit is not automatically treated as non-refundable in every circumstance. Any refund, retention or cancellation charge will depend on the circumstances of the cancellation, the service involved, any applicable statutory cancellation rights and any reasonable loss incurred by Webster Music Co. Where the remaining balance has not been received before the agreed lesson time, Webster Music Co. may decline to provide that lesson until payment has been received.

15. Lesson Length

Lessons may be offered in different lengths, including 30-minute and 60-minute sessions. The lesson length and price will be agreed at booking.

16. Lesson Frequency

There is no requirement for students to attend lessons every week unless this has specifically been agreed. Lesson frequency may be arranged according to the student’s needs, availability and the availability of Webster Music Co. Regular weekly lessons are encouraged where appropriate for students who want to make consistent progress.

17. Cancellation by Student or Parent/Guardian

Where a student or parent/guardian needs to cancel or rearrange a lesson, at least 24 hours’ notice should normally be provided. Where at least 24 hours’ notice is provided, Webster Music Co. will make reasonable efforts to offer a replacement lesson, subject to availability. If a replacement lesson cannot reasonably be provided, any refund or credit will be considered according to the booking arrangements and the circumstances. Where less than 24 hours’ notice is provided, or a student does not attend a booked lesson, Webster Music Co. may charge up to the full lesson fee where the cancellation results in a loss that cannot reasonably be avoided, including where the reserved lesson time cannot be rebooked. Webster Music Co. will take reasonable steps to reduce any loss caused by a cancellation. Exceptions may be considered at Webster Music Co.’s discretion, particularly in genuine emergencies or exceptional circumstances. Nothing in this section affects any statutory consumer rights that may apply.

18. Replacement Lessons

Replacement lessons are subject to availability. A replacement lesson may be offered at another suitable time where reasonably possible. Webster Music Co. cannot guarantee that an alternative time will always be available. Where a replacement lesson is agreed, the original booking will normally be treated as transferred to the replacement lesson rather than cancelled.

19. Ending Regular Lessons and Block Bookings

There is no requirement to commit to an ongoing programme of regular tuition unless this has specifically been agreed. A student may decide to stop regular lessons by informing Webster Music Co. Where future lessons have already been booked as part of a block booking, the customer should contact Webster Music Co. as soon as possible. Any refund or amount retained from a block booking will take account of:

• lessons already provided;
• lessons cancelled with sufficient notice;
• lessons cancelled at short notice;
• any reasonable direct loss caused by the cancellation; and
• any ability Webster Music Co. has to rebook the affected lesson times.

Webster Music Co. will not automatically retain payment for lessons that have not been provided simply because they formed part of a block booking. Any outstanding payment for lessons already provided remains payable.

20. Parents and Guardians

For students under 18, the parent or legal guardian is responsible for:

• providing accurate emergency contact information;
• informing Webster Music Co. of relevant medical, accessibility or safeguarding information;
• ensuring appropriate arrangements are made for the student’s arrival and departure;
• making agreed payments;
• communicating significant changes to bookings; and
• ensuring that the student follows reasonable behaviour and safety requirements.

21. Home Tuition Arrival and Collection

For lessons taking place at Webster Music Co.’s home premises, parents/guardians and students should follow the arrival arrangements provided before the lesson. This may include:

• using the intercom;
• waiting in an agreed parking area;
• waiting outside until access is available; or
• arranging a suitable arrival or collection procedure in advance.

If nobody is available to answer the intercom, the parent/guardian may need to wait outside until access can be arranged. Specific arrangements should be agreed in advance where a parent/guardian is expected to remain on site.

22. Parent/Guardian Attendance During Lessons

Parents/guardians may remain present during a child’s lesson where this has been agreed in advance. The parent/guardian should normally remain in the agreed area and allow the lesson to proceed without unnecessary interruption. Webster Music Co. may discuss whether a parent/guardian remaining in the room is appropriate depending on the student’s age, needs and the circumstances of the lesson.

23. Additional People at Lessons

Students should not bring friends, siblings or other guests to lessons unless this has been agreed with Webster Music Co. beforehand. This is particularly important for safeguarding, space, insurance and practical reasons.

24. Illness and Attendance

Students should not attend lessons if they are suffering from an illness that is likely to be infectious or that would make attending the lesson inappropriate. Parents/guardians should contact Webster Music Co. as soon as possible if a student becomes unwell. Cancellation arrangements will normally apply, although reasonable discretion may be exercised in genuine circumstances.

25. Emergency Contact

An emergency contact should be provided for students under 18. Parents/guardians should ensure that emergency contact information remains accurate. Webster Music Co. may contact the emergency contact where reasonably necessary.

26. Equipment

Webster Music Co. may provide appropriate instruments and equipment for lessons. Students may bring their own instruments or equipment where appropriate. Equipment belonging to Webster Music Co. remains the property of Webster Music Co. and should not be removed from the premises without permission.

27. Practice and Homework

Practice between lessons is strongly recommended where appropriate. Homework or practice activities may be provided to support progress. Students are not required to complete homework unless this forms part of a specific examination or other agreed programme, but lack of practice may affect progress.

28. Student Behaviour

Students are expected to behave respectfully and safely. Aggressive, abusive, threatening, deliberately disruptive or unsafe behaviour will not be accepted. Parents/guardians may be contacted where appropriate. Webster Music Co. reserves the right to end a lesson or discontinue tuition where behaviour creates a serious safety, safeguarding or practical concern.

29. Safeguarding

Webster Music Co. maintains a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy for work involving children and young people. Safeguarding concerns will be dealt with in accordance with that policy and relevant legal and professional requirements. The welfare and safety of children and young people will be treated as a priority.

30. Wedding and Event Services

Webster Music Co. may provide music for:

• wedding ceremonies;
• drinks receptions;
• wedding breakfasts;
• first dances;
• evening entertainment;
• private events;
• other agreed occasions.

The exact service, timings, location, equipment and requirements will be confirmed when the booking is made.

31. Wedding Packages

Current wedding packages are: Ceremony – £225 Music for the agreed wedding ceremony period. Ceremony + Reception – £350 Music for the ceremony and agreed drinks/reception period. Ceremony + Reception + Dinner – £500 Music for the ceremony, reception and agreed wedding breakfast/dinner period. Full Wedding Experience – £725 A combined package covering the agreed ceremony, reception, wedding breakfast/dinner and evening service. The exact playing periods and breaks included in each package will be agreed before booking. A “full day” or “full wedding experience” package does not mean continuous or unlimited playing throughout the entire day.

32. Individual Wedding and Event Services

Where individual services are booked separately, current starting prices include:

• Drinks Reception: from £150
• Wedding Breakfast: from £175
• Evening Piano Entertainment: from £250
• First Dance: from £75
• Additional daytime playing: £75 per hour
• Additional evening playing: £100 per hour

Prices may vary depending on the requirements, location, timings and circumstances of the event.

33. Wedding/Event Booking Payment

A 50% booking payment is required to secure a wedding or event date, unless otherwise agreed in writing. This payment is applied towards the total agreed price of the booking. The booking payment reserves the agreed date and the agreed services and reflects the fact that Webster Music Co. is committing the date to that customer and may decline other work for the same period. The remaining 50% balance is due 14 days before the wedding or event. The booking is not considered fully secured until the required booking payment has been received and Webster Music Co. has confirmed the booking. The booking payment is not automatically treated as non-refundable in every circumstance. If the customer cancels, any amount retained will be considered in accordance with Section 34 and applicable consumer law.

34. Wedding/Event Cancellation by the Customer

If the customer cancels a wedding or event booking, Webster Music Co. may retain an appropriate amount from payments already made to cover reasonable direct losses arising from the cancellation. Such losses may include, where applicable:

• work already carried out specifically for the booking;
• reasonable preparation costs;
• arrangements made specifically for the event;
• income reasonably lost because the date was reserved for the customer and cannot be rebooked; and
• other direct costs reasonably arising from the cancellation.

Webster Music Co. will take reasonable steps to reduce its loss, including attempting to rebook the date where reasonably practicable. Any amount retained will be considered in light of the circumstances and will not be intended to operate as a penalty. Where the date can be successfully rebooked and Webster Music Co.’s resulting loss is reduced, this will be taken into account when determining any amount retained. Where a customer has paid more than the amount reasonably required to cover Webster Music Co.’s loss, the appropriate balance will be refunded. Nothing in this section affects any statutory cancellation or refund rights that may apply.

35. Changing a Wedding/Event Date

If a customer wishes to move a wedding or event to another date, Webster Music Co. will first check whether the new date is available. Where the new date is available, the booking may be transferred to the new date subject to a £100 rearrangement charge. The rearrangement charge covers the additional administration and disruption involved in changing a confirmed booking. If the new date is unavailable, the requested change will normally be treated as cancellation of the original booking and Section 34 will apply. Any date change remains subject to availability and agreement.

36. Event Timings

Webster Music Co. will make reasonable efforts to adapt to the running order of the wedding or event. If the event is delayed, Webster Music Co. may be able to adjust the performance schedule where reasonably possible. However, if Webster Music Co. has another booking or commitment following the agreed finishing time, we reserve the right to finish the service at the originally agreed time. Additional playing time may be available at the applicable additional-hour rate where agreed and where Webster Music Co.’s schedule allows.

37. Additional Performance Time

Additional performance time may be charged at:

• £75 per hour during daytime services
• £100 per hour during evening services

Additional time is subject to availability and agreement.

38. Song Requests

Customers are encouraged to provide song requests as early as possible. Requests may include:

• ceremony entrance music;
• signing-of-the-register music;
• ceremony exit music;
• drinks reception music;
• wedding breakfast entrance music;
• first dance music;
• evening requests;
• preferred artists or genres;
• songs or artists the customer would prefer not to hear.

Customers may also provide a general musical “vibe” or style rather than a specific song list. Webster Music Co. will make reasonable efforts to accommodate suitable requests but cannot guarantee that every requested song will be available or suitable for performance.

39. Bespoke Music Requests

Requests requiring substantial additional preparation, bespoke arrangements, unusual repertoire or specialist preparation may incur an additional fee. Any additional charge will be discussed and agreed before the work is undertaken.

40. First Dance

Where a first dance is booked, the customer should provide the requested song as early as possible. Webster Music Co. will make reasonable efforts to prepare the requested song. Customers should understand that the performance may be an arrangement or interpretation rather than an exact reproduction of the original recording.

41. Venue Access

The customer is responsible for ensuring that Webster Music Co. has appropriate access to the venue and performance area at the agreed time. The customer should ensure that any venue restrictions, loading arrangements, parking arrangements, access restrictions or setup requirements are communicated in advance.

42. Performance Equipment

Webster Music Co. will provide the equipment reasonably required for the agreed performance unless otherwise stated. The customer is not normally required to provide instruments or amplification unless this has specifically been agreed. Any special venue requirements should be communicated before the event.

43. Outdoor Performances

Outdoor performances are subject to suitable conditions. The customer or venue must provide, where required:

• suitable shelter;
• protection from rain;
• appropriate protection from excessive heat or direct sunlight;
• a stable and reasonably level performance area;
• safe electrical power where electricity is required; and
• a suitable environment for the safe operation of equipment.

Webster Music Co. may refuse to perform outdoors, pause a performance or move indoors where weather, heat, sunlight, rain, electrical conditions, unstable ground or another safety issue creates an unreasonable risk to the performer or equipment.

44. Guest Behaviour

Webster Music Co. expects guests to behave reasonably and respectfully. If a guest becomes threatening, abusive, excessively disruptive, dangerously intoxicated or otherwise creates an unsafe environment, Webster Music Co. may stop performing or leave the event where reasonably necessary for safety. Where reasonably possible, the customer or event organiser will be informed of the issue before the service is stopped.

45. Equipment Damage

The customer or event organiser may be responsible for reasonable repair or replacement costs where Webster Music Co.’s equipment is deliberately or unreasonably damaged by the customer or their guests. This does not apply to ordinary wear and tear or damage caused by circumstances outside the customer’s reasonable control.

46. Performance Safety

Webster Music Co. may refuse to perform or may stop a performance where continuing would create a serious and unreasonable safety risk. This may include unsafe electrical supplies, unstable performance areas, extreme weather, dangerous guest behaviour or other circumstances that could reasonably cause injury or significant equipment damage.

47. Reasonable Care

Webster Music Co. will provide services with reasonable care and skill. Customers and venues are expected to take reasonable care of Webster Music Co.’s equipment and performance area. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions limits any statutory rights that apply to the services provided.

48. Personal Belongings

Customers and guests remain responsible for their own personal belongings. Webster Music Co. cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings except where caused by our negligence or where otherwise required by law.

49. Customer Responsibilities

Customers are responsible for providing accurate information and ensuring that agreed arrangements can reasonably be carried out. For wedding and event services, this includes communicating:

• correct venue details;
• access information;
• timings;
• relevant restrictions;
• parking or loading arrangements;
• special requirements;
• accessibility requirements; and
• any other information reasonably necessary to provide the service.

50. No Guaranteed Outcome

Webster Music Co. cannot guarantee a particular:

• examination result;
• level of student progress;
• performance outcome;
• audience reaction;
• song availability;
• lesson slot;
• event running order;
• website availability; or
• other result outside our reasonable control.

This does not affect Webster Music Co.’s obligation to provide services with reasonable care and skill.

51. Personal Data

Webster Music Co. will process personal information in accordance with its Privacy Notice. Personal information may be used for purposes including:

• enquiries;
• bookings;
• lesson administration;
• communication;
• payments and invoices;
• safeguarding;
• legal and accounting requirements;
• event administration; and
• promotion where appropriate and lawful.

Further information is provided in the Webster Music Co. Privacy Notice.

52. Photography and Video

Webster Music Co. may take photographs or videos of performances, weddings or events for business records or promotional purposes where appropriate. Where identifiable individuals are to be used for promotional purposes, Webster Music Co. will take appropriate steps regarding permission, consent or another lawful basis as required. Customers may inform Webster Music Co. if they do not wish identifiable photographs or videos of themselves to be used for promotional purposes. Specific photography/video preferences may also be recorded as part of a booking.

53. Website Content

Webster Music Co. will make reasonable efforts to ensure that information published on its website is accurate and up to date. However, prices, services, availability, photographs, descriptions and other website content may change from time to time.

54. Website Availability

Webster Music Co. cannot guarantee that its website will always be available or free from technical problems. Temporary interruptions may occur because of hosting, maintenance, technical failures or circumstances outside Webster Music Co.’s reasonable control.

55. Ending Tuition

Either the student/customer or Webster Music Co. may end an ongoing tuition arrangement. Where lessons have already been booked, the relevant cancellation and payment terms continue to apply. Any outstanding payments for lessons already provided remain payable. Where a block booking is ended before all lessons have taken place, any refund or amount retained will be assessed in accordance with Section 19.

56. Ending Services Due to Serious Conduct

Webster Music Co. may end a tuition or event relationship where there is serious or repeated:

• abusive behaviour;
• threatening behaviour;
• harassment;
• unsafe behaviour;
• safeguarding concerns;
• deliberate damage;
• refusal to follow reasonable safety requirements; or
• other serious conduct that makes continuing the service unreasonable.

Where Webster Music Co. ends a service in these circumstances, any refund or payment arrangements will depend on the circumstances and applicable consumer law.

57. Child Protection

Where services involve children or young people, Webster Music Co.’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy applies. The policy sets out the approach taken to safeguarding, professional boundaries, communication, attendance, disclosures, allegations, photography/video and concerns about welfare or safety.

58. Changes to These Terms & Conditions

Webster Music Co. may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time. The version applying to a booking will normally be the version provided or made available when the booking is confirmed. Changes will not retrospectively alter an agreed booking unless this is required by law or agreed with the customer.

59. Severability

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.

60. No Waiver

If Webster Music Co. does not immediately enforce a particular term or right, this does not mean that the term or right has been permanently waived.

61. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the law of England and Wales. Any disputes will be dealt with in accordance with applicable law and the customer’s legal rights.

62. Contact

For questions about these Terms & Conditions, bookings, payments or services, please contact: Webster Music Co. Callum Webster Email: [email protected] Website: www.webstermusiccompany.co.uk