Thank you for choosing Firebird School of Music for your music learning experience! We look forward to getting to know you better and sharing in your musical journey.

Address: 81 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056.

Contact email: contact@firebirdschoolofmusic.com

Mobile Number: 0499 246 159

Landline: 03 7064 4751

For all enquiries about music lessons and bands/ensembles at Firebird, including rescheduling lessons, adjustments, please contact the above email address or phone numbers. We have lesson administrators at the front desk you can chat to directly if you need to change lesson bookings or have any questions.

This information pack is your guide to our music lessons at Firebird. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us with your enquiries. We hope to see you in our music lessons and bands!

Business Administration Hours:

• Monday - Thursday:
  12pm - 8:30pm

• Friday:
  12pm - 6:30pm

• Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am - 2:30pm

Lesson & Band Scheduling Hours

• Monday - Thursday:
  2pm - 8:15pm

• Friday:
  2pm - 6:30pm

• Saturday & Sunday:
  10am - 2:15pm

The music lessons & band program services we currently have on offer include the following:

• Piano: all levels and styles

• Guitar: all levels and styles

• Voice: all levels and styles

• Drums: all levels and styles

• Electric bass: all levels and styles

• Woodwind: saxophone, clarinet, flute and recorder: all levels and styles

• Music Production: all styles and levels

• Guitar for Singers/Songwriters: curated curriculum for students looking to develop their guitar skills in relation to being a guitar-based singer/songwriter

• Piano for Singers/Songwriters: curated curriculum for students looking to develop their piano skills in relation to being a piano-based singer/songwriter

• Songwriting: all levels and styles

• Violin/viola: all levels and styles

• Cello: all levels and styles

• Composition & Arranging: all styles and levels

Our teachers are all tertiary qualified on their instruments and musical disciplines - if you would like to read more about our teachers’ experience, you can read it on our website.

BANDS & ENSEMBLES PROGRAM

We offer a comprehensive bands and ensembles program that runs concurrently to our music lessons. We highly encourage students to participate in these groups as they deeply solidify their music learning in a highly fun and enjoyable environment where they can make friends, network and learn how to make music in a group setting.

The types of ensembles we offer include but are not limited to:

• Rock and pop bands

• Jazz, R&B and improvisation bands

• Funk and soul bands

• Chamber music group (classical voice)

• Chamber music groups (classical - instrumental)

• Classical guitar ensemble

• Contemporary guitar ensemble

• Guitar for Singers group

• Songwriters Circle

• Improvisation Workshop

• Percussive Pals Music Group (children under 6)

Further to this, we offer a holiday workshop series every school holidays presented by teachers within and outside of Firebird. We also offer mid-term workshops themed around certain topics. You can stay tuned for information on these throughout the year through our Mailing List on our website. If you would like to read more about our bands, ensembles and workshops program, you can read it on our website here.

First Lesson:

Try our first lesson with no commitment to see if it suits you. If you like it and want to continue, just let us know, and we'll book more lessons for you.

Lesson Reservations:

We'll reserve a lesson for you every week at a specific day and time with a recommended weekly schedule. If you prefer a different schedule, contact us directly. Please note that we only accept bookings after a 7-day notice.

Payments:

Weekly Payment: Pay weekly via direct debit, processed on the Sunday before your lesson.

Term Lesson Payments: Lessons are billed by the school term. If you start mid-term, we'll adjust your bill accordingly.

Bands/Ensembles: Our band program is fortnightly, but if you're on direct debit, we charge you weekly at half the rate for your convenience.

Bands & Ensembles:

Ensembles meet every two weeks for 90 minutes in a 2-hour block.

Students enrolled in lessons get a discount for band program enrolment. Those enrolled in the band program, but not in lessons, also get a discount for ensemble enrolment. Casual attendance rates are available for those without a term commitment.

Rates:

Student Rate: $35 per session

Non-Student Enrolled Rate: $40 per session

Casual Rate: $45 per session

Firebird Choir:

Rates:

Casual Rate: $25 per session

Non-Student Term Rate: $20 per session

Student Rate: $20 per session

Firebird hosts performance nights where ensembles and students can perform solo acts with or without their teacher.

Attendance Policy

Student Attendance:

If you can't make it to your lesson for any reason, please call or text 0499 246 159 or 03 7064 4751

If you'll be more than 5 minutes late re will also require a call.

This rule applies to online lessons too. We ask that all students arrive about 5 minutes early for a smooth transition between lessons. If you're running late, the lesson generally can't be extended, and it must end as scheduled, out of respect for the next student. This also applies to online lessons.

*If you arrive more than 10 minutes late without notice, your lesson is considered forfeited, and your teacher will commence making a Lessonmate for you.

Lesson Absences Policy - Teachers & Students

Student Absence:

*Please note we have a no refund policy.*

This meaning, if you are unable to attend a lesson, or a teacher is away, your lesson credit will be used toward one of the following;

Lessonmate: If you are going to be missing a lesson, we have a fantastic solution called Lessonmate. Your teacher records a video lesson during your regular time and sends it to you, which you can access it anytime.

Please note: You have up until the time your lesson is due to begin to request a Lessonmate.

Rescheduled Lesson: You can reschedule a lesson within 7 days of your regular lesson date.

You must give us 24 hours notice to reschedule a lesson. This includes for illness.

Makeup Lesson: We offer makeup lessons within the current term. Please remember that any payment credits must be used within the current term, and we'll work with you to schedule your makeup lesson before the term ends.

You must give us 24 hours notice from your lesson time, to book in a make up lesson.

Workshops, Bands & Holiday Programs: Your payment can be used for one of our band/ensemble groups or holiday workshops run during the term or school holidays.

We recommend Lessonmate or rescheduled lessons within the week because makeup lessons depend on both teacher and student availability within the term. You're entitled to 2 makeup lessons within the term.

*Please keep in mind that makeup lessons and reschedules can't be credited to lessons that are already reserved or booked. Makeup lessons are scheduled in addition to your regular lessons.

Teacher Absence:

If your teacher can't make it due to illness or other unavoidable reasons, we offer the following options:

• A fill-in teacher who follows the same lesson plan and materials as your current teacher. This is our top recommendation for a consistent learning experience.

• Rescheduled lessons within the week.

• In the rare situation of us not being able to provide a substitue teacher or makeup lesson when a teacher is away, you will be credited to your account for your next lesson.

• Makeup lessons within the term.

• Lessonmate videos: Your teacher will send you a Lessonmate video within 48 hours of your scheduled lesson (unless teacher illness prevents otherwise)

In our band program, you'll either get a fill-in teacher or a payment credited within the term.

Please note that Lessonmate and rescheduled lessons are the best options for teacher absences because makeup lessons are limited to 2 per term for student and teacher absences. If you have remaining credits at the end of the term and we can't find a suitable makeup lesson time, you're welcome to use your lesson credit for our band and ensemble programs or attend our holiday workshops. These programs are led by Firebird's director, Fiona Steele, and our band program director, Max West. They are tailored to the group's lesson types, ages, and learning levels.

First Lessons:

Your first lesson can be scheduled by phone, in person, or via email. Once set, you'll receive a confirmation email and text with the details. Payment is required in advance, and we'll send you a reminder text the day before your lesson.

Ongoing Enrollment:

If you wish to continue with us, simply contact our staff at the front desk, by phone, or through email. We'll reserve a lesson for you at the same time and day each week

Enrollment Deposit:

When you enroll, you'll make a deposit equivalent to the cost of two lessons. This deposit is credited back to you when you end your enrollment, covering your final two lessons.

Please note that this deposit is non-refundable at the end of enrolment.

Setting Up Billing & Payments:

Payments can be made when you enroll or before the upcoming term if you decide to continue. Currently, we bill via direct debit every Sunday, but starting in 2024, we'll switch to monthly direct debit.

Reschedules & Make-Up Lessons:

*Please not we have a no refund policy.*

This meaning, if you are unable to attend a lesson, or a teacher is away, your lesson credit will be used toward one of our alternative options.

We ask for a minimum of 24 hours' notice for reschedule requests within 7 days, and make-up lessons must be used within the term. In cases where a suitable reschedule time can't be found, a Lessonmate video recorded by your teacher will be provided.

Lessonmate:

You can request Lessonmate up until your scheduled lesson begins.

Absence without Notice:

If you miss a lesson without notifying us, your lesson fee is forfeited, except in cases of a medical emergency.

Pausing Lessons:

You can pause your lessons for up to 2 weeks. The remaining lessons will be rescheduled or made up.

Lesson Scheduling Administration Staff:

Our reception handles all lesson scheduling. If you can't make a lesson, please get in touch with our reception team, not your teacher.

Refunds and Cancellations:

We have a no refund policy, however in the case of missed lessons, we provide various options for missed lessons such as make-ups, reschedules, and lesson credits for enrolled lessons, bands, ensembles, and workshops.

Substitute Teachers:

In the situation of your teacher being absent, Firebird will provide a suitable substitute teacher for your lesson. In order to maintain a smooth learning momentum, opting out of the provided substitute teacher is not refundable, and is a billable lesson. In the rare occasion where a substitute teacher is not provided by Firebird, you will be issued a credit to your account.

Cancellation Fee:

The fee of canceling a lesson with no alternative is the full amount of that lesson or band session. In the case of not showing to your lesson, the fee will also apply.

Emergency Situations Clause:

In case of emergencies like fires, floods, or health crises, we can't refund payments for the affected services.

Three Strike Rule:

If your direct debit fails three or more times, we'll transition you to a termly bulk payment process for smoother management.

Private Lessons

• 30 mins - $40

• 45 mins - $60

• 60 mins - $80

Duo Lessons

• 30 mins - $25 (each)

• 45 mins - $35 (each)

• 60 mins - $45 (each)

Group Lessons

• 30 mins - $18 each

• 45 mins - $27 each

• 60 mins - $36 each

*these lessons are subject to availability and scheduling

What to Bring to Your First Lesson:

Bring Your Instrument:

We recommend bringing your own instrument to the lesson. If you don't have one or are unsure about what to get, no worries! You can use part of your first session to talk to your teacher about instrument recommendations. We'll guide you on what to look for in a beginner's instrument. Plus, we have instruments on-site (excluding brass and woodwind) so you can just show up and start playing if you'd like!

Sheet Music / Exercise Book:

If you're currently working on a specific piece of music or an exercise, please bring it along. We also suggest getting a display folder for your music sheets.

Prepare Questions:

It might seem basic, but don't hesitate to jot down any music or instrument-related questions you have and bring them to your lessons. We're here to help!

Equipment We Provide:

We've got you covered with various equipment:

• Upright Piano

• Bass Amplifier

• Guitar Amplifier

• Guitars (Acoustic, Nylon, and Electric)

• Picks, capos, and guitar accessories

• Instrument tuners

• Spare reeds (woodwind) and student woodwind instruments

• Violin

• Music Stands

• Electronic keyboards

• Drum kits and drum sticks

• Instrument leads/cables

• Instrument Maintenance:

Need instrument maintenance? We can help with instrument restrings, setups, and minor repairs. Just ask us if you require these services.

We highly encourage students to participate in our group music bands and ensembles as this is where some of the best music learning happens! This is highly enjoyable way of putting the skills learned in lessons in to practise in a highly enjoyable way. You can ask our receptionist or your teacher about the bands and ensembles available and suited to your instrument and music learning.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you!

For students who are children, parents are especially welcome to sit in on the lessons, but this is not essential.

If parents attend, but do not wish to sit in on the lesson or wish to sit in on only part of it, there is a comfortable sitting/waiting area in the reception area of Firebird with magazines you are welcome to read. There are also children’s toys in this area if you have younger children with you as well.

Some children learn well with parents/guardians present in the room, and others learn well by themselves. It is worth discussing this with your child and their teacher what you feel is best suited to your child’s learning needs.

Firebird offers Gift Cards which are creditable to music lessons, merchandise, workshops, ensembles and our band program.

Gift cards can be purchased through our website, over the phone, via email or in person from our friendly reception staff!

Gift cards are only redeemable through Firebird credit, and cannot be refunded or exchanged for cash.

Firebird is not liable for any lost/stolen giftcards.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you!