This can depend on various factors; which instrument(s) your child is interested in; how old they are; and how physically developed their bodies are (e.g. for wind/brass instruments front teeth are needed).
FAQs
Tuition
How do I choose an appropriate instrument for my child?
Can I choose tuition on any instrument?
Yes, provided that instrument is available at the ensemble or centre of your choice and we have a viable number of pupils wishing to learn that instrument at the time you apply. There may also be limitations on number of instruments available at the time of application.
My child wants to join an ensemble/choir; how do I know which one is suitable?
Generally, students will need to already be learning an instrument to join an ensemble.
All children are welcome to join our choirs
Who will be teaching my child?
In addition to our core team, we have a pool of over 30 highly trained, experienced music tutors plus ten Lead Instrumental Teachers, experts in teaching their instrument groups.
Please see Our Team page to read a short bio about our teaching team
Applying
The application section of the website is HERE; which will take you to an online application portal.
I have submitted an application form online. When will I hear about my child’s place?
Once we have received your application, we will automatically place your child on the waiting list for their chosen centre or lesson. If your application was submitted partway through a term, we will be in touch with you before the start of the next term to let you know if there is an available place for your child.
How do I apply for fee reductions?
When completing the online application form, you will see details of the concessionary fees available.
We are able to offer Instrument hire, Ensembles membership and Group and Paired lessons with a reduced rate of 70% fee for those eligible for Free School Meals (linked with income as outlined in DfE guidance found here). Applications for discounts should be made here
Is there a reduction for members of the same family?
No, sorry.
If you are experiencing any financial difficulty then please contact CMA to discuss alternative payment arrangements. All information will be dealt in the strictest confidence.
I live in another borough but my child attends a Croydon school. Can we apply for lessons?
Yes – children need to either live in the Croydon area or attend a Croydon Maintained school, but it doesn’t have to be both.
Yes – children need to either live in the Croydon area or attend a Croydon maintained school.
Cancellation
How and when can I cancel lessons?
Lessons and memberships automatically continue term on term and year on year until appropriate notice of withdrawal is received.
Pupils may only withdraw from lessons or membership at the end of a term with prior written notice.
Notice to withdraw from lessons must be given in writing (email or letter) to the Croydon Music and Arts office by:
• 15 February - to stop at end of Spring Term
• 15 June - to stop at end of Summer Term
• 1 November - to stop at end of Autumn Term
CMA reserve the right to charge a late notice fee of 50% of the termly fees if the required notice to withdraw from lessons is not given.
Once lessons have started in any term, the full term’s payment is due in lieu of notice for that term.
If a pupil withdraws part way through a term, 100% of the term’s charges remain payable in full.
Notice given verbally or in writing to the teacher will not be registered as notice and you may continue to be charged for lessons.
How should I return the instrument once my child stops lessons?
On the discontinuance of hire, the instrument must be returned immediately to the CMA office and not to the school.
In the event that an instrument is returned to the borrower’s school, the contact and/or borrower named in this agreement will continue to be charged for hire until the instrument is returned to the CMA Office.
Instrument Agreement
Payment of your CMA Invoice confirms that you have read and agree with the below terms for instrument hire with CMA .
The instrument will remain at all times the property of Croydon Music and Arts
The hirer will continue to be invoiced, and liable to pay hire charges until such time that instruments are returned to our registered office.
In the unlikely event of failure to return an instrument, appropriate action will be taken to recover the item of property, or the replacement cost from You.
We aim to issue the instruments in good condition and expect them to be looked after and returned in the same condition with all accessories. It is the hirer’s responsibility for purchasing consumables such as reeds, strings and oil.
Any person hiring an instrument from CMA must accept full responsibility for the safekeeping of the instrument and in the event of loss, theft or damage make restitution to CMA.
CMA accepts no responsibility for damage to, or the loss or theft of hired instruments.
It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that appropriate insurance is in place to cover the full replacement value of the (Please check with your home insurance as this may already be covered).
The instrument....
• is only to be used by your child. It must always be used with care and replaced in its case when not in use. Mouthpieces must always be removed and bows loosened.
• must always be carried in a case where provided.
• when not required at school, must be kept at home and stored in a safe place.
• must be kept away from heat and damp and must be maintained in good playing condition
We accept that some minor wear and tear is inevitable. In cases of serious damage, theft or loss, a payment up to the full cost of the instrument towards repairs/ replacement will be required.
The hirer is responsible for supplying replacement strings, rosin, reeds and any other accessories.
Instruments in need of repair must be returned to the CMA office and must not repaired privately.
No payments will be made by CMA in respect of repairs undertaken privately.
On the discontinuance of hire, the instrument must be returned immediately to the CMA office and not to the school.
In the event that an instrument is returned to the borrower’s school, the contact and/or borrower named in this agreement will continue to be charged for hire until the instrument is returned to the CMA Office.
Class Information
- Lessons run for 10 sessions each term, in term-time.
- There are often end of term concerts and other events which ensemble groups perform at.
- All Music Centres, Choirs, and Ensembles are delivered and run by DBS checked, and skilled tutors employed by Croydon Music and Arts.
- Parents/carers are expected to bring/collect pupils to all rehearsals unless they have given written consent that pupils can leave on their own.
- It is essential that all up to date contact information is provided, in case of an emergency.
- Events/performances may be photographed/filmed. If you do not wish you child to be photographed/filmed then please inform the ensemble leader.
How do I Pay?
As part of Croydon Council, we use their finance systems to receive payments for services. Speedadmin, our database, is the main way to pay once a parent/carer is logged into their account.
If you are having trouble logging into your account, please email our office for a password reset at musicandartseducation@croydon.gov.uk
Please note places are not secured until payment is made, and your child’s place will be withdrawn if you do not pay subsequent invoices promptly.
Can I pay using childcare / kiddicare vouchers?
Unfortunately we are unable to accept these or similar vouchers as a form of payment.