Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need an instrument at home?

For all keyboard courses you will need at least a 61note keyboard with full size keys, or a piano. These can be purchased cheaply in BigW or Target or a music supplier will have more up market models.

For all other instruments, the student must own an instrument that they need to bring to lessons each week and for practice purposes at home. The teacher will be able to advise on the correct size of instrument required for guitar and string students. All other instruments only come in one size so the child must be big enough, usually 8 years old, to be able to manage the instrument.

How much does my child need to practice?

It is important to understand that a parent or caregiver is involved  in the practice.  4-7 year olds need lots of support and encouragement.  Young children are not able to practice effectively on their own. Read more on our Blog 6 Ways to make Practice ‘Perfect’ not Painful

The first thing in the morning seems to be a good time for most but if another time works better, great.  The important thing is to try to make it the same time each day, so that you can establish a routine.  It is good to link a practice schedule in with homework. Make sure you mark down the practices for a reward from the teacher.

Younger children only require a small amount of time each day, usually 5 to 10 minutes. When students start practicing for AMEB exams it is important for the practice routine to be consistent and the amount of time needed will increase with the increase in the level of skill required. Consult your teacher for their advice on the amount of time needed for your child’s grade level.

How much are lessons?

The price of lessons depends on the appropriate course.
The following prices are for 2025.

What are the payment terms?

Fees are payable on the 3rd week of every school term for the term upfront.

Fees are paid 2 weeks in advance into the following term to confirm enrolment ongoing.

At the beginning of the year, families can pay for the year upfront and receive a 10% discount.

If a term in advance is difficult, you can opt to pay for a month at a time on request via direct debit.

Cancellation of lessons must be made in writing 2 weeks in advance.

Do I just enrol for a term at a time?

All of our music courses cover at least 6 months, therefore enrolment is ongoing until you notify us in writing with 2 weeks notice.

Benefits of music lessons are more obvious over an extended period of time, especially for small children. Consistent practice and attendance at weekly lessons will produce the best results.

When are fees due?

Term fees are due on week 3 of the school term.

Monthly payments are due on the 1st day of the month.

How old must my child be to start music?

We begin teaching music to children as young as 12 months.

Our Jigglemusic classes are for children aged 12 months to 3 years. Kinderbeat classes are designed for preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years and our Keyboard classes are for school aged children aged 5 to 11 years.

Private lessons ideally begin at 8 years of age, but sometimes we teach younger children in a private lesson. This is especially for violin and other string instruments which can be sourced in instruments as small as 1/16th of a full size instrument.

Can we trial a class to see if we like it?

Jigglemusic, Kinderbeat and Keyboard class students are eligible for a Free trial lesson in a group setting.

If the student is beginning in a private lesson, the first lesson is only $20 as a half price trial lesson.

How many students are in a class?

Our Jigglemusic classes are capped at 8 students per class.

Kinderbeat and Keyboard classes are limited to 6 or 7 students in a class.

Shared private lessons are for 2 students and private lessons are a 1 on 1 lesson with the teacher.

Is the parent allowed in the class?

Parents are necessary as a learning partner in Jigglemusic, Kinderbeat and younger Junior keyboard classes. This parent presence not only assists the teacher but also provides the student with extra assistance and the parent with the knowledge of the skills that the child is supposed to be practicing later at home.

Jigglemusic and Kinderbeat classes require the parent to be very involved in the class as smaller children require alot of help and modelling examples.

Parents are allowed to sit in with students in private lessons but this isn’t necessary and sometimes is counterproductive depending on the parent /child relationship. All teachers have been certified by NSW Working with Children Check.

What happens if the child has younger siblings that must attend?

Younger siblings are welcome to attend our classes. In most cases they will be included in the fun in Jigglemusic if they are old enough to participate.

Kinderbeat and Keyboard classes require more concentration and structure so there are limited opportunities for younger siblings to join in and they must be restrained when skills are being learnt at the keyboards.

If younger siblings become disruptive and distracting, they should be removed from the room until control can be regained.

What happens if we miss a lesson?

• No refund or credit for lessons that are missed by the student.
• The teachers each have limited time and availability. The lesson timeslot with the particular teacher, is the actual thing that you are paying for. Teachers are not expected to give up time on other days, if you are unable to attend your lesson time.
• You must contact Dynamic Rhythms at least 1 hour before the lesson time if you are absent, and you can ask to be put on the makeup waiting list.
• If a teacher has a cancellation, a makeup lesson can be offered BUT makeup lessons are NOT guaranteed.
• Another teacher cannot make up your lesson as your existing teacher is paid for your timeslot, whether you attend or not.
• If you are absent from a class, we are only able to offer you another class at a similar level, if a class exists, alternatively a homework sheet can be sent to you via email.
• Absences from keyboard classes or shared lessons are difficult to makeup so please try to attend.

What happens when the teacher cancels?

If a teacher needs to cancel a lesson due to illness or a previous committment, firstly we try and find a replacement teacher for the lesson. If that is not possible, we can try and reschedule the lesson or we will give you a credit for the lesson off your fees.

Why do we use solfege when teaching young children?

Solfege is used world wide – it is a universal music language
Solfege are the notes that we sing, CDE are the notes that we play.

It is much easier to teach young children to sing the notes first as their reading skill is still developing and we find that the ability to read music develops in line with their ability to read words.

What are your Terms & Conditions?

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

Please read this document carefully and if you have any questions, please discuss these with the reception staff.

Enrolment/Fees

• If you intend to enrol, please confirm within 24 hours to hold your timeslot or space in the class.
• Enrolment is ongoing and continues into the next school term. To guarantee your spot moving forward, we require 2 weeks paid in advance into the following term.
• If you need to drop out, you need to give 2 weeks notice (in writing or via email) of your intention to drop out. Fees paid in advance of this date, can be refunded.
• Fees must be paid in advance for the school term by week 3. Weekly or fortnightly options are possible via direct debit only, not paid in person (see reception).
• Fees will be payable for all lessons, INCLUDING missed lessons, until cancellation is received. (See “Missed Lessons”)
• An Enrolment form must be returned for each student. Upon signing this document, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.
• Lessons run for 41 weeks of the year following the NSW school terms. A school calendar showing exact dates is available from reception.
• Families paying for 3 or more lessons/students per week, receive a 5% discount (this excludes books or miscellaneous items)
• A one-off $25 enrolment fee is charged per family for new enrolments. This is for continuous enrolment. If not continuous, this fee will be charged again on re-enrolment.

Missed Lessons

• No refund or credit for lessons that are missed by the student.
• The teachers each have limited time and availability. The lesson timeslot with the particular teacher, is the actual thing that you are paying for. Teachers are not expected to give up time on other days, if you are unable to attend your lesson time.
• You must contact Dynamic Rhythms at least 1 hour before the lesson time if you are absent, and you can ask to be put on the makeup waiting list.
• If a teacher has a cancellation, a makeup lesson can be offered BUT makeup lessons are NOT guaranteed.
• Another teacher cannot make up your lesson as your existing teacher is paid for your timeslot, whether you attend or not.
• If you are absent from a class, we are only able to offer you another class at a similar level, if a class exists, alternatively a homework sheet can be sent to you via email.
• Absences from keyboard classes or shared lessons are difficult to makeup so please try to attend.

Teacher Absences

• If the teacher is absent we will notify students as soon as possible.
• Dynamic Rhythms will, where possible, organise a replacement teacher.
• If we are unable to organise a replacement teacher, you will receive a credit for the lesson.

Creative Kids Vouchers

• We are a registered provider for the NSW Services Creative Kids Program. Apply for your Creative Kids Voucher from https://www.service.nsw.gov.au
• Email the QR code to info@dynamicrhythms.com.au , to deduct it from your lesson fees.

Teachers

• All Dynamic Rhythms’ teachers have undergone the required “Working with Children” checks and maintain high standards in teaching and professionalism.
• Dynamic Rhythms will endeavour to keep teacher changes to a minimum, and if a teacher is to leave, we will endeavour to transition their classes before their departure with the introduction of a new teacher.

Class Numbers

• A “Class Lesson” is tuition of 3 to 6 students and are 45 minutes (30 mins for Jigglemusic).
• A “Private Lesson” is tuition of one pupil by one teacher, generally 30 minutes in duration.
• A “Shared Private Lesson” is tuition of two pupils by one teacher. Shared Private Lessons are 30minutes in duration.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If a 45 min class drops in number to 2 students, it will become a 30minute shared private lesson.

General Information

• Parent attendance is welcomed at all times.
• Children up to the age of 6, MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 would benefit from a parent being present but it is not compulsory.
• If it is necessary to bring siblings into the class, they must be kept under control.
• Teachers reserve the right to maintain order in the classroom and unacceptable behaviour towards students or staff will not be tolerated and may result in a student being excluded from lessons.
• The standard of behaviour which is to be regarded as unacceptable in lessons or on the premises shall be determined by Dynamic Rhythms. Dynamic Rhythms will take all reasonable care to ensure pupils are safely supervised.
• Students and parents MUST NOT consume food or drink whilst in the music studios.
• Dynamic Rhythms offers equal opportunities and equal treatment of employees and students regardless of their sex, colour, age, race or nationality.
• If you are unable to resolve the problem with your teacher, please telephone Dynamic Rhythms and ask to speak to the Director

Kath Swallow

Director, Dynamic Rhythms Music Centre