FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

  • Last updated: 22 January 2026

1. Who provides the lessons

  • All lessons advertised under AberMusic Lessons are provided through Swindells Music Ltd trading as AberMusic Lessons using an agency model.
  • This means AberMusic acts as an agent to introduce students to self employed teachers and to arrange and administer lessons on the teachers behalf.
  • Swindells Music Ltd arranges and administers lessons including bookings invoicing and customer support.
  • Lessons are taught by inspiring conservatoire trained musicians who work with us as independent teachers.
  • Your customer relationship for lesson administration including payments and policies is with Swindells Music Ltd.

2. What ages do you teach

  • We teach children from age 5 and up as well as adults of all ages.
  • Lessons and resources are tailored to the age and experience level of the student.

3. Which instruments can I learn

  • We offer high quality music lessons in person and online (subject to teacher availability).
  • We will confirm what lessons are available when you register and we match you with a teacher.
  • Sheet music resources are available for all levels.

4. Where do lessons take place

  • In person our main studio is based in Ceredigion Wales at Unit 11 & 12, Market Hall, Great Darkgate Street, Aberystwyth, SY23 1DW.
  • Online lessons are available worldwide via high quality video platforms.

5. How do I sign up for lessons

  • Please complete our online registration form at abermusic.wales or contact us directly via email or phone.
  • We will confirm availability and match you with a tutor.

6. Will I have the same teacher every week

  • As far as possible yes.
  • Consistency is important to us and our teachers.
  • In rare cases of teacher absence for example illness we will offer a cover tutor or reschedule your session in line with our lesson agreement terms.

7. How do I pay

  • Invoices and automated payments we typically take payment via automated payments where set up or by invoice depending on what you have agreed in your Lesson Agreement.
  • Lesson frequency weekly vs fortnightly. Premium Slots weekdays 4 to 7pm and all day Saturday are for weekly lessons only. Standard recurring lessons at other times can be scheduled weekly or fortnightly every two weeks subject to availability.
  • When we bill you. If you have a regular weekly slot or a premium slot we will bill you monthly in advance on the 1st of each month. If you are booking ad hoc lessons these are billed on a weekly basis. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your teacher is ready for you.
  • Ad hoc students billing. If you are booking ad hoc lessons we send invoices on Mondays for the week ahead (in advance). The standard 24 hour cancellation policy still applies.
  • When payment is due. Payment is due in line with the terms on your invoice and or your Lesson Agreement usually monthly or by term.
  • Late fees. If an invoice becomes 14 days overdue a £10 late fee applies.
  • Separate billing for shop items. Sheet music resources purchased from the shop are billed separately by Aber Music Ltd trading as AberMusic Shop.

8. What if I need to cancel a lesson

  • If you cannot attend in person. If you cannot attend your in person lesson at the studio then the lesson will be held online instead (at the same time) where possible.
  • 24 hour notice credit. If you give us 24 hours notice or more for a cancellation the lesson fee is credited to your account instantly. You will see this credit reflected on your next invoice where it will be automatically deducted from the total.
  • Teacher cancellations credit. If we or your teacher need to cancel a lesson the lesson fee will be credited to your account and deducted from your next invoice consistent with the credit policy above.
  • Last minute cancellations extenuating circumstances. For last minute cancellations involving extenuating circumstances we may issue a Make up Credit so you can catch up on your lesson later.
  • No refunds. We do not offer refunds but we will always try to help you stay on track.

9. How does AberMusic keep childrens information safe

  • Take a look at our Child Friendly Privacy Notice for kids and our general Privacy Policy.
  • We only collect the information we need for lessons such as name birthday contact details and instrument of choice.
  • Your information is kept safely and never shared with third parties except where legally required or for lesson delivery for example assigned teachers.
  • You can request changes or access at any time just contact us.

10. Will lessons be recorded or photographed

  • Lessons are not routinely video or audio recorded except where there is a specific agreement for example for Performance Week or for special projects.
  • Students parents will always receive a Media Consent Form prior to any recording or public sharing.
  • You may withdraw consent at any time.
  • For more details refer to our Media Consent Form and Performance Week Event Addendum where relevant.

11. What are Makeup Credits

  • Makeup Credits are not standard and are only considered in extenuating circumstances.
  • Not guaranteed and discretionary. Makeup Credits are not guaranteed and are issued at AberMusic’s discretion.
  • What they are. A Makeup Credit is a credit you can use to book a replacement lesson subject to teacher availability and scheduling.
  • Expiry. Makeup Credits expire within 3 months of being issued.
  • When they are not issued. Makeup Credits are not normally issued for late cancellations under 24 hours except in cases of teacher cancellation or serious illness as outlined above.

12. How do I stop lessons

  • If you would like to end your regular lesson slot we require 4 weeks notice to terminate.
  • Year 11 and Year 13 exam seasons holding fee. If you are in Year 11 or Year 13 and need a temporary pause during exam season you can keep your regular slot by paying a 50 percent holding fee for up to six weeks (maximum).
  • Your usual lesson time remains reserved for you during the notice period.
  • Cancellation policy still applies. The 24 hour cancellation policy continues to apply during those final 4 lessons so please keep giving notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
  • The easiest way is to email us at [email protected] so we can confirm the end date in writing.

13. Is my data safe

  • Yes.
  • We take privacy seriously and keep things clear and age appropriate.
  • Please see our friendly Privacy Policy and for younger students our Child Friendly Privacy Notice.
  • We only collect what we need to provide lessons and support for example contact details and relevant lesson information.
  • You can request access correction or deletion of your data at any time subject to legal requirements.

14. What about photos and videos

  • We only use student photos videos for promotional purposes if you opt in.
  • Our Media Policy explains what we might use where it might appear for example website socials and how consent works.
  • You can choose not to opt in and you can withdraw consent at any time.

15. How do I complain

  • If something is not right please tell us we will do our best to resolve it quickly and fairly.
  • Complaints are handled under the dedicated Complaints Policy for Swindells Music Ltd.
  • To start the process email [email protected] with a short summary of what happened and what outcome you are looking for and we will reply with next steps.

16. What happens during Performance Week or Special Events

  • Participation by students and teachers is always voluntary.
  • Event specific guidelines safeguarding media consent and privacy standards are provided in advance in the Performance Week Event Addendum.
  • We maintain high brand and safety standards at all events.

17. How do I access the Student Portal and Practice App

  • When you enrol you will receive a welcome email with your login details to our Student Portal and complimentary practice app.
  • The portal includes practice tools lesson resources and communication features.
  • Parents can also access information for under 18s.

18. How is AberMusic Lessons different from AberMusic Shop

  • Lessons provided by Swindells Music Ltd trading as AberMusic Lessons.
  • Shop selling sheet music resources provided by Aber Music Ltd trading as AberMusic Shop.
  • Separate invoices and bank accounts are used for each in line with HMRC requirements.
  • To you as the customer it is all under the trusted AberMusic brand.

19. Is AberMusic accessible for students with disabilities

  • Yes.
  • Our Ceredigion studio is accessible.
  • Online lessons can be tailored for individual needs.
  • Please see our Accessibility Statement or contact us to discuss specific requirements.

20. How do I update or delete my information

  • You or your parent guardian if under 18 can ask us to change correct or delete any of your data at any time.
  • Simply email us at [email protected].

21. Who do I contact if I have more questions

  • Email [email protected].
  • Website abermusic.wales.
  • This FAQ references our Child Friendly Privacy Notice Privacy Policy Lesson Agreement Media Policy Complaints Policy Media Consent Form and other official documents.
  • If you would like a copy of any policy or agreement just ask.