Here are the most common questions you might have. If the below doesn't answer your query, then please feel free to give us a call on 0121 212 9642 or email us using our contact page.
So, how does it all work?
All lessons are 1-2-1, (either online or in person) so just the tutor and the student in a private studio (parents are also welcome). Lessons are pre-booked based on availability, so please either use our online booking system or contact us to find out the available lesson slots. Most students come for lessons weekly or fortnightly, but as our service is 100% flexible and pay-as-you-go, then you can have a lesson as often or as little as you like.
A 25% discount is offered on your first session. This first session enables you to see how the process works, meet the tutor and the team and it gives the tutor a chance to put together a plan for you. Please see the price list for the fees and payment options.
Unlike some other Music Schools, this is a pay-as-you-go service, so there is no commitment to long terms, no upfront fees and it's not course based. As long as you adhere to our strict 24 hour cancellation policy, then you can change or cancel your lesson anytime up to 24 hours before.
Lessons can be taken in person at our Birmingham Studios in the Jewellery Quarter, or as an online lesson from the safety and comfort of your own home. Choose your type of lesson when making a booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
Once a booking is made our 24 hour cancellation policy applies. A minimum of 24 hours is required to cancel or change your booking with us. The FULL LESSON fee will automatically be charged if you fail to show up for a lesson or if you cancel it (for whatever reason) late.
If you are ILL and cannot make the lesson booking, the lesson fee will still be charged unless we can rearrange the lesson for that same week, but this solely depends on teacher availability.
NOTE: Cancellations made within 48 HOURS of your lesson will not be charged, but will be recorded and priority given to students with the least amount of cancellations.
Please email any cancellations to cancellations@progress-academy.co.uk
How often will I need to practise?
Your tutor will advise what and how you need to practise in between lessons. Please remember that your progress will largely depend on the amount you practise in between lessons.
We also offer Practise Space, which is a personlised app dedicated to your practise. The app will contain detailed information from each of your lessons to include videos, notes, notation, links and more, to enable you to take your lesson home with you for more focussed practise.
How do I keep up to date with my bookings and payments?
Each customer has access to our bookings portal where you can view your past and future appointments, manage your payments, update your details and view/edit documents that are relevant to your learning.
Where can I park when visiting Progress?
You can park your car on the street directly outside Progress. It is pay and display (Edit: Now via the Ringgo app) during daytime hours (up to 6pm) and free after 6pm Mon-Sat and Sundays. There is also the main Jewellery Quarter NCP Car Park available just behind Progress.
On road parking outside Progress is generally the preferred option and there is usually ample spaces available.
Why should I choose Progress?
We offer a truly unique and professional service. Each and every lesson is specifically tailored to suit the student's learning style, musical preference, aspirations, and goals. This means we will identify and apply the best possible teaching method for you and provide the correct format for your learning. Your progress is constantly monitored and adjustments are consistently made to ensure you are on course. Plans are established, regular progress reports are issued and goals are set for you.
All our tutors are hand picked by Progress and a strong team ethic is in place. Regular teacher training and full ISO level quality control is in place to ensure the highest quality lesson is delivered each time every time.
Other benefits of choosing Progress include our association with Marshall Amplification, our Trinity College Exam Centre endorsement, discounts through our links with local music stores, the use of all on-site facilities to include the rehearsal studio, taking part in our showcase events and the option of using our full Logic X, Cubase recording studio, all contained within our 2,000 square foot premises.
How will I know if I am making progress or not?
Your tutor will keep a record of your progress and discuss this with you at the end of each of lesson. If there are concerns about your progress, your tutor will be very upfront about this to you. You will be issued with lesson notes and a progress/homework record and have the use of our Practice Space to target all of your practice.
Do you take safety and Safeguarding seriously?
ALL of our tutors are fully DBS checked (Enhanced) and follow a strict safeguarding and reporting procedure. A thorough vetting process & reference check is also performed prior to employment.
How do I pay for lessons?
ALL payments are processed via our secure online payment provider (Stripe). Customers are required to store their payment card details with our provider and individual lessons are automatically charged. Payments for lesson packs and other items are pre-confirmed in advance. Regular payments can be set-up. We do not accept in-store cash or card payments.
Will I have the same tutor each time?
You will have the same tutor 99% of the time, although we may change tutor very occasionally due to absence, illness or availability.
Can I book lesson online?
Yes of course. You can use our online booking system here. If you are a new customer and booking online for the first time, we require payment upfront before we can confirm your lesson. If you are a regular or current student you can use our Online booking system to check your tutors availability and confirm your next lesson.
Our online booking system also allows you to log-in and manage your account, see your upcoming and previous lessons along with the ability to fill in specific documents to aid your learning with us.
Can I take Exams?
Of course! Progress Music Academy is Birmingham's exclusive approved Trinity Rock and Pop Exam Centre, so students from all around the Midlands come to Progress to take their exams. You can study towards your exam during lessons and we will take care of entering you into the relevant exam period. You get to take your exam right here at Progress.
All the exam grade books are available to purchase from Progress and we will take care of your exam entries, your reporting and Certificates for you.
We can also take you through other exam syllabuses such as ABRSM, RGT and Rockschool etc but you would have to go to the nearest respective exam centre to take the exam.
For information, exams are completely optional.
Further information about our Trinity Rock & Pop Exams is available here:
Do you offer discounts for purchasing lessons in advance?
Yes, we offer some great discounts for customers who would like to purchase lesson packs. Please see our price list page for full information. If you purchase a lesson pack, you still book each lesson individually as you normally would, you just receive the discount for your payment in advance.
Customers who purchase lesson packs will have priority over regular lesson slots. Once started, lesson packs are strictly non-refundable and MUST be used within six months of purchase.
How do you handle your customer data?
Since the new EU GDPR Data Protection regulations came into effect, we have taken the opportunity to revise our policies. Our new Privacy Policy can be viewed here.