Our program is designed to be taught over a full year of learning. Please consider this carefully before enrolling as students learn in the same group throughout the year.

There are four terms over the year with 8 lessons per term. A Semester is made up of two terms, 16 lessons.

Students will be invoiced at the start of every Semester and will include two Semester payments for 12 months of group tuition.

Fees for Semester 1:

Term 1 $448 (8 lessons)

Term 2 $448 (8 lessons)

Semester 1 Total: $896 (16 lessons)

Fees for Semester 2:

Term 3 $448 (8 lessons)

Term 4 $448 (8 lessons)

Semester 2 Total: $896 (16 lessons)

Learning the cello in a small group setting offers several advantages over private lessons, especially for adult beginners:

• Lower Cost – Group lessons are more affordable than private tuition, making it easier to commit to learning over the long term.

• Social and Supportive Environment – Playing music together builds a sense of community. Adults often enjoy the encouragement and camaraderie of learning alongside others on the same journey.

• Motivation and Accountability – Group members inspire each other to keep practising. Knowing you’ll be playing with others each week helps maintain momentum and motivation.

• Ensemble Skills from the Start – Unlike private lessons, group classes give you the opportunity to listen, blend, and play in time with others—an essential skill for all musicians.

• Shared Learning Experience – Students benefit not only from teacher feedback but also from observing and learning from classmates’ progress and questions.

• More Fun! – Playing music together is inherently enjoyable and often less intimidating than performing one-on-one for a teacher.

Although we are unable to offer refunds for missed classes, you may be able to attend an alternative class for that week that runs at a different time slot.

Any make up classes must be arranged with the teacher prior to attending an alternate day to ensure that your teacher can prepare for you.

As a courtesy to the teacher, please provide prior notice if you are to miss a class. Your teacher will make contact with you in the week of absence and discuss via email what you have missed and what you can practise for the week.

A cello (with a case, rosin, cello stopper and pencil) that you can bring to class every week and take home to practise with.

If you are buying or renting a cello make sure that you are sized up properly by a trained professional at any music shop. Most adults require a full size (4/4) instrument.

A music tutor book, to be purchased either online or from any well stocked music shop. Details of the book that you will be using will be emailed to in our Welcome Letter upon enrolment.

A music stand that can be used for both home and weekly classes.

A firm chair with no arms at home to practise on. A standard dining room or kitchen chair is perfect

Monday Classes:

Term 1

Monday 2nd February - Monday 30th March

NO LESSON MONDAY 9th MARCH, LABOUR DAY

Term 2

Monday 20th April - Monday 8th June

NO LESSON MONDAY 27th APRIL ANZAC DAY

Term 3

Monday 20th July - Monday 7th September

Term 4

Monday 12th October - 30th November

Wednesday Classes:

Term 1

Wednesday 4th February - Wednesday 25th March

Term 2

Wednesday 22nd April - Wednesday 10th June

Term 3

Wednesday 22nd July - Wednesday 9th September

Term 4

Wednesday 14th October - Wednesday 2nd December

North Melbourne (Monday Evenings):

North Melbourne Community Centre

49 - 53 Buncle St, North Melbourne

Elsternwick (Wednesday Evenings):

St John’s Uniting Church (the East Room), Elsternwick

567 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick.

Students can form their own Whatsapp groups to chat and pass on any information in regards to their group lessons, homework, practise ideas or any other relevant information that group members may like to share.

Emails will occasionally be sent out with important information throughout the year. Your teacher can always be contacted via email or the Whatsapp group chat.

Email address:

info@melbournecommunitycellists.com.au

Before confirming your booking please read our Terms and Conditions thoroughly.

Terms and Conditions for Beginner Cello Lessons

By enrolling in Adult Beginner Cello Lessons, students agree to the following Terms and Conditions:

1. Enrolment and Commitment

• Lessons are structured in 8-week terms, with four terms running across the year.

• Students should enrol if they are prepared to learn and commit to all 4 terms (12 months) of lessons, as steady participation is essential for progress, group continuity and minimal disruption to class sizes.

• Students are encouraged to consider their availability and commitment for a full year of lessons to gain maximum progress and learning.

• Enrolment is confirmed once payment has been received.

2. Fees and Invoicing

• Invoices are issued at the start of every Semester, twice per year.

• Fees are due by the invoice due date to secure a place in the class.

• Your cello, tutor book, and other required materials are not included in the enrolment fee and must be purchased/rented separately by the student.

3. Cancellations, Refunds, and Missed Lessons

• No refunds are available once a term has commenced. In exceptional circumstances 75% of the fee may be refunded if a cancellation of the term is made shortly after the commencement of term (due to medical or unforeseen circumstances).

• No refunds or credits are given for missed lessons.

• A make-up lesson may be possible if another similar class is available in the same week; however, this is not guaranteed.

• If a student misses a lesson and is unable to attend a make-up session the teacher will make every effort to update the student via email with the key material covered in that lesson.

4. Lesson Structure, Attendance and Practice

• Lessons are held once a week for 50 minutes during term time.

• Students are asked to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the lesson and to respect the teaching and rehearsal space.

• Students are required to bring:

  • their own cello,

  • tutor book, and

  • a music stand for weekly lessons.

• Consistent attendance to classes will ensure steady progress.

• Students are encouraged to establish a regular practice routine of approximately 15 minutes of practice, 4–5 times per week. This will ensure steady development and allow students to keep pace with the class at this level of lesarning.

5. General Conditions

• The teacher reserves the right to alter lesson schedules if required (students will be notified in advance where possible).

• Students are responsible for bringing all necessary equipment and materials to each class.

• Respectful behaviour towards the teacher and fellow students is required at all times.

Please read our Terms and Conditions Policy

We are unfortunately unable to go over our class capacities, as they are specifically tailored to learning and teaching in small group sizes.

If you miss out on joining a class or you cannot find a class time that suits you, we will keep you informed of any new classes that may be starting soon.