Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions for Tuition at Monster Music
As of September 2025
The following Terms and Conditions apply to all lesson agreements made between Monster Music and its students and the parents/carers of its students (“the customer”).
Note: While these Terms and Conditions may seem strict, they are designed to keep things clear and fair for both families and Monster Music. We run on tight margins, so some lines have to be firm in order to protect our tutors and keep the programme sustainable. That said, we always approach situations with good faith and flexibility, and we ask families to do the same.
1. Term Dates
1a. Teaching weeks at Monster Music roughly align with New Zealand Ministry of Education school terms. Occasionally there may be differences, which will be communicated by email.
1b. It is the customer’s responsibility to be aware of the first and last dates of term.
1c. A typical Monster Music term consists of 8–10 lessons.
2. Communications
2a. All customers must provide a valid email address and phone number.
2b. All correspondence will be sent by email, text, or phone call.
2c. Customers are responsible for keeping contact details up to date. Monster Music is not responsible for missed communications due to incorrect information.
2d. Many communications are sent via bulk delivery services (e.g. Mailchimp). Mistakes are not intentional; please notify us at office@monstermusic.nz if you spot an error.
2e. Customers are responsible for regularly checking email inboxes (including spam).
3. Timetabling of Lessons
3a. Customers will be informed of lesson day/time and start date prior to lessons commencing.
3b. Students are responsible for arriving at their scheduled lesson time. Tutors will do their best to locate absent students, but this cannot be guaranteed.
3c. Site-based lessons: if the agreed lesson time/day changes, customers will be contacted and alternative arrangements made.
3d. School-based lessons:
If the agreed lesson day changes, customers will be contacted and alternative arrangements made.
If the lesson time changes within the same day and school hours, prior notice may not always be possible; tutors will collect students at the new time.
4. Absences and Catch-Up Lessons
4a. Monster Music does not offer 1:1 catch-ups for student absences. Instead, students may attend Monster Make-Up workshops for explained absences.
4b. Absences should be logged via our online platform, Opus1.
4c. If notice of absence is not received by 8am on the day of the lesson, the lesson will be forfeited and no make-up offered.
4d. If notice of absence is received by 8am on the day of the lesson, this is deemed an “explained absence” and is eligible for a Monster Make-Up.
4e. For sickness, notice must also be given by 8am on the day of the lesson to qualify for a Monster Make-Up.
4f. A maximum of two make-ups per term are available for explained absences.
4g. Unexplained absences are not eligible for make-ups.
4h. No make-up will be offered if a student is absent from school due to sickness but still attempts to attend a lesson.
4i. In the event of tutor absence, Monster Music will aim to provide a replacement. If not possible, management will determine the best course of action.
5. Duration of Lesson Agreement – Enrolment & Annual Fee
5a. Enrolment runs on a school-year basis. Families must re-confirm their intention to continue each year through our re-enrolment process. This also updates contact details. A lesson spot cannot be guaranteed unless re-enrolment is completed. To withdraw, families must complete the online Withdrawal Form at: https://www.monstermusic.nz/withdrawal
5b. Annual Fee: A $50 annual fee is charged at enrolment (for new students) or re-enrolment (for continuing students). This fee:
Covers all curriculum books (physical or digital), essential resources, wristbands, lanyards, handouts, and small rewards/prizes.
Acts as a deposit to secure your child’s lesson spot for the following year.
Is generally non-refundable once lessons have started, except where Monster Music cannot provide a lesson placement within 3 months.
May be pro-rated for families enrolling part-way through the year.
May be reconsidered for advanced students (red wristband or higher).
6. Cancelling the Lesson Agreement
6a. Customers must submit the withdrawal form on the Monster Music website to cancel enrolment (https://www.monstermusic.nz/withdrawal).
6b. A minimum commitment of 3 months is expected.
6c. Monster Music requires 4 weeks’ notice for cancellations. Cancellations are only accepted on specific withdrawal dates each year (see the Parents’ Handbook for the updated list at: https://www.monstermusic.nz/parents-handbook#withdraw).
6d. Verbal notice to tutors is not sufficient; the online withdrawal form must also be completed.
6e. Exceptions may be considered by management for special circumstances.
6f. If Monster Music cancels a lesson agreement, two weeks’ notice will be given where possible. Any unused prepaid lessons will be credited.
6g. In exceptional cases (e.g. property damage, harassment of staff), Monster Music may cancel enrolment immediately.
7. Photography & Filming
7a. Monster Music occasionally takes photos and short videos of lessons, concerts, and events for use on our social media pages to celebrate our students and share what’s happening.
7b. If you’d prefer that your child is not included in these, just let us know in writing and we’ll make sure to respect that.
8. Tuition Fees and Accounting
8a. Tuition fees are charged annually and spread across ten flat monthly payments (February–November). No payments are due in January or December.
8b. Tutors cannot accept payments directly at schools.
8c. Invoices are automatically generated and charged on the 1st of each month through Opus1.
8d. Full payment must be received before lessons for that month begin.
8e. Payments are accepted by credit/debit card only, processed securely via Stripe. A 2.9% + $0.30 Stripe processing fee applies.
8f. Families must enter current card details into Opus1 prior to lessons starting.
8g. Lesson fees are “set fees” spread evenly across the year (taking into account shorter/longer terms).
8h. Public holidays or school closures will be covered by Monster Make-Ups.
8i. Annual Increase: Fees increase by 1.5% each year on 1 June. This is below the national CPI and helps cover the rising costs of delivering high-quality lessons.
9. Penalties
9a. Overdue accounts incur a $30 penalty after 14 days, and $15 for every additional 14-day period.
9b. Monster Music may suspend students with unpaid accounts and reassign their lesson slot.
9c. Accounts more than 60 days overdue may be referred to debt collection, with all costs added to the outstanding balance.
Lesson Rates
For the most up-to-date information on fees, please see our Fees Page: https://www.monstermusic.nz/fees
(As of 2025, rates are: $92/month for 30-minute group lessons, $105/month for 20-minute private lessons, and $136/month for 30-minute private lessons. All fees are subject to the 1.5% annual increase from 1 June, plus Stripe processing fees.)
Contact
Email – office@monstermusic.nz
By enrolling with Monster Music, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Updated versions will always be available on our website, and families will be notified of any changes by email or social media.