TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The foundations that ensure our work together is inspiring, professional and respectful.

SESSION BOOKINGS

Once we’ve confirmed a session time, I’ll send you an invoice, generally on the Saturday before your session. If you haven’t received it by Saturday evening preceding your session, please let me know so I can ensure your booking is set up correctly.

PAYMENT TERMS

Please make payment upon receiving your lesson invoice. Session fees are due in advance to secure your booking.

SESSION TIMES & DATES

You will receive a Google Calendar invitation confirming the date and time of your session. Please check that these are correct and let me know as soon as possible if anything looks wrong.

ONLINE SESSION SET-UP

For online sessions, please join on a laptop or computer rather than your phone, and have a separate phone or device available for playing music and backing tracks.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Please treat your session bookings as you would your gigs. These are commitments.
• Cancellations require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. With less notice, the full session fee remains payable.
• “Rescheduling” is treated in exactly the same way as cancelling.
• Repeated cancellations, with or without the required notice, may mean I’m unable to accept further bookings.
• In-person studio sessions: Sessions requiring a private studio booking require 7 days’ notice of cancellation. For example, a session booked for Saturday at 10am must be cancelled by 10am the previous Saturday. Later cancellations incur the full session fee.
• Please bear in mind that cancellations and rescheduling create difficulties for professional teachers who reserve this time specifically for you. They should be occasional rather than a regular occurrence — ideally no more than once or twice a year.
• If you do need to cancel, an acknowledgement and apology for the inconvenience is always appreciated, whether or not you are within the required notice period.

MANAGING ILLNESS & LATENESS

• If you are coughing, sneezing, have a runny nose or are otherwise potentially infectious, your in-person session can take place online at the originally booked time instead.
• If you’re too unwell to sing but don’t want to lose your session, we can use the time online to work on other aspects of your artistry, expression or development. No problem — the show will go on!
• If you’re running late, please message me on WhatsApp. If I haven’t heard from you within 15 minutes of the session start time, I’ll consider the session missed and the full fee will remain payable.

COMMUNICATION

• WhatsApp is great during office hours, 9am–5pm. Email is best for contacting me outside these hours.
• Acknowledging messages: A quick acknowledgement when you’ve read a message — even a simple “Received” — is much appreciated, even if you’re not able to reply fully until later.

Please ensure you have read through the following “Legal Bit” before going ahead with sessions. It’s short, but important.

Introduction:

Expressive Voicework blends singing, songwriting & self expression coaching to guide you in exploring and enhancing your vocal and artistic abilities. 

Jen May – Your Guide on This Journey:

Teacher, Mentor, Coach, Artist, Guide: I draw on years of experience and training in a wide array of disciplines. My background includes over 25 years of specialised training in vocal technique and coaching methodologies, among other areas. I am committed to customising my approach to suit your unique needs. Your active participation is vital; your input regarding preferences, boundaries, and goals is not just welcomed—it’s essential. I urge you to communicate openly with me. This enables me to know how to ensure the sessions fulfil your desires. The essence of our work together is rooted in this dynamic exchange.

The Therapeutic Nature of Expressive Voicework:

Expressive Voicework can indeed be ‘therapeutic’ it is however not therapy. It’s natural for emotions to surface during voicework. This is absolutely fine. I am fully committed to supporting you as your teacher and coach. If you find that issues are emerging which go beyond the scope of a teacher or coach, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a qualified therapist or medical professional.

Confidentiality:

• Mutual Trust: What happens in our sessions stays in our sessions, except under rare (never happened before) circumstances where the law requires disclosure.
• Respect for Content: Please don’t share or distribute any session materials, including session recordings, without my prior written permission. Any recordings made are strictly for you only.
• Recording the Sessions: Sessions may be recorded, at your request. I will not share any clips of you (in person or voice) without your permission. This is a shared, reciprocal agreement.
  
• Please download your session recordings from zoom upon receiving should you wish to keep them. They will not stay online indefinitely.

Technology Use:

Communication Tools: We may use a range of communication platforms (e.g. email, text message, Zoom, etc.) throughout our work together. While I take care to use reputable tools, I encourage you to familiarise yourself with the privacy policies and terms of service of any platforms we use. Please note that I cannot be held responsible for how these third-party platforms manage data or operate their services.

Your Health and Well-being:

• Full Disclosure: Please inform me of any past or present physical or psychological treatment you have received before we start our sessions. It’s important that you’re healthy to engage in the work we do together.
• Voice Health: If you’ve had vocal trauma or been advised to see a voice specialist at any previous time, please let me know. We need to ensure that voice coaching is suitable for you at this time.

Medical Disclaimer:

• I am not a doctor nor healthcare provider. Any information or guidance I offer is not intended to replace medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional.
• If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding a medical issue, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider promptly. If you suspect you may have a medical condition, do not delay seeking medical advice, ignore existing advice, or discontinue medical treatment based on information I provide.
• I expressly disclaim all responsibility and shall not be held liable for any damages, loss, injury, or liability incurred by you or any third party as a result of reliance on the information or guidance I offer.

Client Responsibility:

• Taking Charge: You are responsible for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as the decisions and actions you take.
• Outcome Ownership: Whilst I will guide and support you, the ultimate responsibility for your progress lies with you. I can make no promises as to the outcomes you will receive through doing this work. 

Liability Disclaimer

By participating in sessions, you acknowledge that singing and vocal activities, like any physical activities carry inherent risks, including but not limited to vocal strain, fatigue, or injury. Participation is at your own risk. Jennifer May of Expressive Voice will not be held liable for any injuries that may arise from your participation. By joining and participating in Expressive Voice sessions, you agree to adhere to the voice care guidelines and accept the terms of this liability disclaimer.

I always endeavour to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date; however, I shall not be liable for any claims arising from information that may be inaccurate, outdated, or otherwise.

Termination:

Either party reserves the right to terminate our working relationship at any time, provided that all outstanding payments have been settled. Please note that sessions are non-refundable; however, they may be transferred to someone else as a gift with agreement amongst all parties.