Frequently Asked Questions

How does learning with Epic Music Academy work?

Epic Music Academy is an in-school music learning option that makes learning music fun and accessible. We teach 25-30 minute group lessons each week to primary and intermediate-aged children.

Beyond music, we focus on teaching life skills that help kids grow. We teach:

- Resilience which helps students to keep going even when learning gets tough;
- Responsibility by taking ownership of their practice;
- Confidence to believe in themselves through performance opportunities;
- Creativity as they express who they are through music.

At Epic, we’re not just building musicians, we’re building strong, capable, and inspired kids!

Does my child need to bring an instrument to lessons?

No, students don’t need to bring their own instrument, but they’re welcome to if they’d like. We provide all the necessary instruments so your child can focus on having fun while learning.

It is essential that your child gets an instrument after they’ve been learning with us for more than one term! The first term gives them time to build a solid foundation and understanding of the basics. After this, having an instrument at home to pracitse on is essential for getting the most out of their music lessons.
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If you'd like to hire an instrument for your child, please head to Epic @ Home page here!

What if my child misses a lesson?

If your child misses a lesson for any reason (e.g. sickness or holidays), you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a Workshop Credit.

This credit can be used towards our Holiday Workshops, so your child can continue learning and get the most out of their music education. You can find a detailed guide on how to apply for a Workshop Credit in the Workshops section of this page.

What happens if my child's tutor is sick?

If your child’s Epic Music tutor is unwell, we do our best to send a replacement tutor to cover the lesson. If no one is available to cover on the day, we’ll reschedule the lesson for a future date.

If we’re unable to reschedule for any reason, you will be notified, and a Workshop Credit will be added to your account.

What happens if my child's school has an event on?

When given enough notice, our goal is to either reschedule lessons or arrange an alternative timetable.

If the event involves the whole school, such as cross country, camps, or athletics, lessons may be moved to another day. For smaller events involving fewer students, we do our best to adjust the timetable to make sure as many students as possible still get their lesson.

In the event that the school forgets to inform us about an upcoming event, we cannot ensure resheduled lessons or workshop credits . If you know of something happening at your child’s school that could affect their music lesson, please get in touch and let us know.

What are my payment options?

Epic Music Academy offers two payment options for your convenience. You can choose to pay an upfront term fee, or opt for weekly or fortnightly instalments through Ezidebit.

We send out invoices about one month before the start of the next term, giving you plenty of time to make arrangements. Every invoice is sent before the school holidays, so if you haven't received yours by then, please get in touch. All upfront payments must be made before the term begins. If you choose to pay in instalments, the first payment will also be processed before the term starts.

Can students join at any time during the year?

Yes, students can join our music lessons at any time during the year, subject to availability. While we follow a term-based pricing system, we welcome new students throughout the year. If you sign up partway through a school term, the cost will be fairly adjusted.

If you'd like to enrol for music lessons today, you can fill out an online enrolment form online! Click here to enrol.

What opportunities are there for my child to perform?

Epic students have two main opportunities to perform each year. First is the mid-year Showcase, where students share their progress from their tuition books in front of friends and family. At the end of the year, we hold our Epic Live Concert. This is our big event for the year where students perform to a larger audience in a more formal setting. These concerts are also a great way for you to connect with your child's tutor.

In addition to these major events, students may also have opportunities to perform at school assemblies or for their class. Individual students might be invited to perform based on their progress and confidence. These performances are not guaranteed like the Showcase and Epic Live Concert.

What is the Epic Holiday Program?

The Epic Holiday Program is a music-focused holiday care option run by our experienced Epic Music Academy team. We have two great locations - Palmy and Feilding!

All of our staff are police-vetted and trained to manage a wide range of child behaviours, ensuring your children are safe, supported, and smiling every step of the way. Each day includes a planned activity, from crafts to bowling and everything in between. If you would like to find out more, click here!

What is the OSCAR subsidy and can I apply for it?

The OSCAR subsidy (Out of School Care and Recreation) is a payment that helps families with the cost of approved holiday programs. We are proud to say that Epic is one of those approved programs. This subsidy is designed to support families who may not be able to afford school holiday care for their children.

To see if you can apply, head to OSCAR Subsidy

When is the cutoff for WINZ bookings?

Bookings must be made at least two weeks before the holidays to allow for WINZ processing times.

If you need to book closer than this, please contact us directly. We will do our best to help, but we cannot guarantee WINZ approval for late bookings. Parents who still wish to book through WINZ earlier than two weeks in will need to pay in full, with the WINZ subsidy potentially being paid to them later.

What is your sun care policy?

During our summer holiday programs, we prioritise sun safety by applying sunscreen at least twice a day. On days when we are outdoors for longer periods, we may apply it up to three times to ensure full protection. Please ensure your child is sunscreened before coming each day.
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Wearing a hat is also a key part of staying sun-safe. While outside during the summer, all children are required to wear a hat to protect their face, neck, and ears from the sun. If a child forgets their hat, they may need to remain in shaded areas during outdoor activities. Sun safety is a top priority for us, and wearing a hat helps ensure children can enjoy their day while staying protected.

What happens if my child is sick on the day?

If your child is unwell, please call or text us the morning of so we can mark them as absent. Our mobile number is, 0210 831 9551

Notifying us promptly helps us keep accurate records and ensures we know your child is safe. A quick phone call or email in the morning is all it takes, and it allows us to adjust our plans for the day if needed.

Can I change dates I've booked for?

Yes, you can, as long as you give us at least two weeks’ notice.

To change your booking, please email epichp@epicma.nz with your child’s name and the dates you’d like to adjust. Giving us two weeks’ notice means we can offer your spot to another family, plan for your newly booked date, and make sure everything runs smoothly.

What are your staff to child ratios?

Our staff ratios are a minimum of 1 staff member for every 10 children, both on-site and off-site.

We keep our ratios consistent across all activities to make sure every child gets the attention and supervision they need. Whether we’re running activities at our venue or heading out on a trip, you can feel confident knowing your child is well looked after.

Are workshops the same as lessons?

No, and that is actually a great thing! Our Epic Workshops are a supercharged learning environment for your child's music journey.

Workshops are 45mins long. Students get the chance to learn new techniques and skills that are not typically taught in regular lessons. Drummers will spend the entire workshop on their own drum kit (no practice pads today). Guitarists will get to try out electric guitars, and keyboardists will explore techniques to play full songs.

How do I gain and redeem a Workshop credit?

To gain a Workshop credit, email us at schools@epicma.nz. Please include your child’s first and last name, along with the date of the missed lesson. Once we receive your request, a digital credit will be added to your account. This can then be redeemed during the next school holidays. Workshop credits expire at the start of the following term.

When the next set of workshops is scheduled, you will receive an email with all the Workshop dates. You can then book a time slot and redeem your credit. If you hold a Workshop credit, you will also receive priority booking, so make sure to book as soon as you get the email!

We were sick for a workshop, can I rebook?

As long as we still have space available, yes.

If this happens, please email our Concert and Workshops Coordinator at concerts@epicma.nz. Make sure to do this at least 24 hours before the workshop is scheduled to begin.

Can I do a workshop if I don't have a credit?

Yes. You can still book a Holiday Workshop without a credit.

We prioritise bookings for families who already hold credits, giving them early access to secure their spots. If you do not have a credit, enrolments for you will usually open about two weeks before the school holidays, provided there are still spaces available.

Sign Up Today!