Terms & Conditions of Membership

Any young person (aged 17 and under) who wishes to engage with and/or join Sound Pop Academy should seek a parent or legal guardian’s permission prior to submitting a taster application or engaging in a full membership with Sound Pop Academy.

By ticking the box titled ‘I have read and agree with your terms and conditions’ both you and your child (the “member”) are confirming that you have read and fully agree to the following information in this document, which acts as our terms and conditions of membership as well as expectations of behaviour from our members throughout their journey with us.

Terms and conditions are agreed to when a taster session form is submitted. Should a young person decide to sign up as a full paying member, the terms and conditions of membership as well as member behaviour and expectations have already been agreed to. They can be viewed at any point by logging into the membership area on our website.

You also confirm that you are medically fit to take part in all activities within Sound Pop Academy and you will provide access, allergy, medical, next of kin and any other relevant information prior to attending your first session with us. You also agree to keep us informed of any changes to these details throughout the length of your (child’s) membership with us.
In these terms and conditions, we may refer to Little group as Little and Advanced group as Advanced.

MEMBERSHIP & Taster Sessions

In return for the monthly membership fee, Sound Pop Academy provides a weekly session, apart from any weeks outlined in the term schedule, in a suitable environment. Membership also includes access to most performances, selected Sound Pop Academy events, and the online Members’ Area. Attendance is not compulsory, but we do encourage regular participation. The membership fee has no correlation to the number of weekly sessions provided by Sound Pop Academy.
All young people are required to attend a taster session before joining Sound Pop Academy. Taster sessions are chargeable unless we are running a free promotion, such as ‘Bring a Friend Week’. Payments for taster sessions are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule your child’s taster, you must contact memberships@soundpopacademy.co.uk before the session takes place. Each child is entitled to one free reschedule. Any further reschedules will be chargeable. If a reschedule request is received after the date of the missed session, a new booking, including payment, will be required.

One free taster session is available per person. No free taster sessions will be offered to past participants or former paying members.

If your child decides not to join after their taster, there will be no further payment required. If they do wish to join, membership fees must be paid before their next session with us and are set at £32 per month for the Little group or £42 per month for the Advanced group. The date of your first payment will set the date for future monthly payments. For example, if you join on the 27th, all future payments will be taken on the 27th of each month.

Membership fees are non-refundable, even if you choose to leave partway through the month.

If a member leaves and wishes to return at a later date, a £15 rejoin fee will apply. If a member cancels during July or August, they will also enter a three-month lock-out period, meaning they will need to wait three months before being able to return. For example, if a member cancels on 1 August, the earliest return date would be 1 November. During any period where membership is inactive, access to the Members’ Area, performance opportunities, and academy communications will be withdrawn.

We understand that family or school commitments may sometimes prevent members from attending. For this reason, members are able to pause their membership for up to three months. To arrange a pause, you must contact us directly. Membership must resume within three months; if it does not, the membership will be cancelled, and a £15 rejoin fee will apply if the member wishes to return. Memberships cannot be paused during July and August.

We love seeing members at sessions as often as possible, but we recognise that attendance may vary. If a member misses six weekly sessions in a row, we will get in touch to check everything is okay. If a member does not attend or communicate with us within three consecutive months, their membership will automatically end, even if payments continue to be made.

One free taster session is available per person. No free taster sessions will be offered to past participants or former paying members. New members will receive access to the online Members’ Area as soon as their membership has been set up.

Sound Pop Academy reserves the right to decline or end membership at any point, although we always try to avoid this wherever possible.

MEMBERSHIP FEES – 2026

Little (Ages 6 – 8): £32.00 per member & per calendar month

Advanced (Ages 9 – 17): £42.00 per member & per calendar month

Sound Pop Academy months are based on calendar months and are not calculated weekly. We take a yearly membership and divide it by 12. This means that if a member attends only one week of a calendar month, the full £32 (Little) or £42 (Advanced) fee is applicable. Similarly, when we break for the summer (one month), the full membership fee is still due. Paying the fee during this period continues to allow the member access to the online Members’ Area and materials. Membership fees may change at any time, but parents/guardians will be informed in advance and given the option to end the membership if they wish.

A discount of £5 per member, per month is available for each sibling who also attends any Sound Pop Academy group. For these terms, a sibling is defined as a child aged 17 or under who permanently lives at the same residential address as their brother or sister and is a member of our Little or Advanced groups.
If one sibling cancels their membership, the fees for any remaining active siblings will be adjusted automatically for future months. No additional discounts can be applied on top of the sibling discount. All decisions regarding discounts and membership fees are final.

When a Little member turns 9, their membership will automatically transition to Advanced membership at the start of the next term unless it has been mutually agreed that a member will remain part of the Little group. Terms begin with the first session after Christmas, Easter, or the summer holidays. The membership fee will be updated accordingly to reflect the Advanced rate.

MEDIA CONSENT

Sound Pop Academy loves to celebrate and showcase its members. This often includes featuring members in print, video, online, live streams, social media, and other marketing materials. By sending your child to Sound Pop Academy, including sessions, workshops, bespoke events, classes, trips, and socials, you are giving us permission to photograph and record your child and to use these images and recordings for marketing and promotional purposes.

Photos and recordings may appear online, on social media, in print, in news articles, with our partners, or on other media platforms. All media created by or for Sound Pop Academy remains the property of Sound Pop Academy.

Media consent must be agreed to at the point of booking a taster session, and participation in the session confirms your agreement.

While we have a strong Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and take measures to protect all members, we cannot prevent third parties from taking photographs or recordings of your child in public spaces, such as at external performances, shows, socials, or other events.

WEEKLY SESSIONS

At Sound Pop Academy, we run safe, engaging, and productive weekly sessions. Our sessions are full and fast-paced, so it’s important that members arrive on time to ensure everyone gets the most out of their experience. Constant lateness or leaving early can disrupt sessions, and repeated issues may result in membership cancellation.

We’re aware that other groups are really eager to find out the secret ingredients of what we do, which is why we try to keep all the materials, harmonies and big ideas close to our chest. We’d appreciate if members could respect this and not pass on any Sound Pop Academy information to any other groups or companies… no matter how much they offer to pay!
Our sessions run in line with school terms. September – December (autumn term), January – April (spring term) and May – July (summer term). Across the year, there are usually around 40 sessions. Membership fees cover the year as a whole, even if some weeks are not in session. We also take a short break over the summer to allow staff to rest and prepare for the next year. We are proud to offer one of the highest numbers of sessions for young people throughout the year. Full term and session dates are available in the Members’ Area or via the FAQ link on our ‘Contact Us’ page.

Sound Pop Academy focuses on contemporary pop music. We select songs that are age-appropriate and currently in the charts. We do not learn songs we consider too mature for the age group, and only choose songs that would be played on daytime radio. By joining, you agree to our music and song selections.

Our sessions are for Sound Pop Academy members only. We wish to keep this exclusivity and therefore non-members (including parents, siblings, grannies and dogs) cannot attend.
No school uniforms should be worn; members should arrive dressed and ready to rehearse.

Correct footwear must be worn at all sessions and performances. Trainers, canvas shoes and shoes covering toes are acceptable. Bare feet, flip-flops, dolly shoes and shoes with a heel are not acceptable and members will be not able to participate.

We cannot be held responsible for any property left in the weekly session venue, although we will try to return any property found to the owner.

Sound Pop Academy cannot be held responsible for any personal property left at the session venue, though we will make every effort to return items if found.

If a session is cancelled due to extreme weather or circumstances beyond our control, membership fees for that session are non-refundable, and no replacement session will be arranged.

Mobile phones and other electronic devices, such as tablets, are not permitted during sessions, workshops, trips, or other events, except during planned breaks. We want members to be fully engaged, learning, and enjoying the group experience. Phones can be a distraction, so they should only be used during breaks.

SOCIAL EVENTS, TRIPS & PERFORMANCES

Opportunities for Little and Advanced groups will differ. Each opportunity is tailored to the age group and subject to local authority licensing conditions that we must follow. While we aim to offer as many performance opportunities as possible each year, these are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and we cannot guarantee that a member will be able to perform.

Most performance opportunities are exclusively for Advanced group members, though some may be available to Little group members at school fairs and local events.

Depending on the stage or performance area, capacity of the event, the nature and legality of the performance or at the request of the event organiser, we may invite members to a performance based on member age, location, attendance record, length of membership or through audition. Some Advanced performances may only be offered to those who participate in Sound Pop Academy’s ‘Academy Ambassador Programme’.

When Sound Pop Academy holds a concert, performance or social event, members are usually responsible for arranging their own travel and providing any necessary food or drink. Members may also be required to purchase their own performance costume and/or accessories. New members must have attended at least six weeks of in-person rehearsals before being eligible to perform; individual rehearsals via the Members’ Area do not count towards this requirement.

To maintain the quality of performances, we ask members to attend as many rehearsals as possible. Low attendance may mean members struggle to learn the material, and for certain shows or performances, we may require members to have achieved a minimum percentage of attendance. If this applies, we will notify members well in advance.

Members may be asked to wear official Sound Pop Academy-branded t-shirts or other designated performance attire. Merchandise and performance clothing can be purchased through the Members’ Area. Members must be dressed in the correct attire to perform.

While most performances are free of charge, some events organised by external organisations or special trips may have a participation fee. Any additional costs for trips, events, or bespoke workshops, such as tickets, travel, or food, will always be communicated in advance.

Before each performance, we will ask members wishing to participate to confirm their next-of-kin/emergency contact details and their local authority information. Members who do not provide this information will not be able to take part, as this is a requirement of local authority licensing conditions.

To comply with UK performance licensing regulations, Sound Pop Academy must be informed if a member is scheduled to perform four times or more within any six-month period. Performances to be counted include those taking place outside of school or other similar groups, such as Brownies and Scouts.

Parents/guardians must notify us if their child is involved in other performing arts groups in addition to Sound Pop Academy and is due to perform four times or more within a rolling six-month period. This ensures we remain compliant with licensing requirements and can continue to provide safe and legal performance opportunities for all members.

performances – Two strike rule

At Sound Pop Academy, we love giving our members the chance to perform! Before we confirm any performance, we ask for member availability using Muzodo, our performance management tool. Muzodo can be accessed via the Muzodo app or on a web browser. Members can respond with a Yes, No or Maybe to each performance opportunity. We use this information to decide if a performance will go ahead, to let event organisers know how many children are attending and to make sure we have the right adult-to-child ratio for safety.

If a member says yes to a performance but doesn’t attend (without letting us know in advance), they will receive a strike. Two strikes in an academy year (1st September to 31st August) = a 90 day suspension from all performances. The strikes reset after the 90 days are up or on 1st September (whichever comes sooner).

Strikes can be avoided by providing accurate availability by the RSVP deadline shown on the Muzodo invitation. Once this deadline passes, attendance is locked in and a member must let us know via Muzodo or by emailing memberships@soundpopacademy.co.uk or hello@soundpopacademy.co.uk if they can no longer attend after this date.

Sound Pop Academy understands that life can be unpredictable. If a member receives a strike for non-attendance but there is a genuine reason for their absence, parents/guardians should contact us to explain the situation. We will review all cases fairly and consider emergencies or exceptional circumstances.

While there is no obligation for any member to perform, once a parent/guardian has confirmed participation in a performance, the member is expected to take part. This ensures that performance opportunities are fair and well-organised for all members.

This policy supports Sound Pop Academy’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality performing arts experiences. It helps us remain organised, maintain child safety and deliver performances that are enjoyable, supportive and inspiring for all participants.

OTHER ACTIVITY

Bespoke events and workshops run by Sound Pop Academy, such as Hive Family Festival or our Music Video Recording Project, are not included with a Sound Pop Academy membership; however, discounts may be provided.

NUTS & ENERGY DRINKS

Sound Pop Academy is a nut free zone. No nuts of any shape, size or variety can be brought to sessions, socials or events.

No energy drinks should be consumed whilst at any Sound Pop Academy session, social or event.

DRUGS, TOBACCO & ALCOHOL

Under no circumstances will we tolerate the use of drugs, tobacco or alcohol by members at Sound Pop Academy sessions, events, workshops, classes or performances. The legal age to smoke and drink in the United Kingdom is 18 and over. Any member found or believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or found to be smoking whilst representing Sound Pop Academy, will have their membership terminated immediately and their parent or guardian called.

Religious & Themed Activities

ACCESS

Sound Pop Academy is proud to be accessible and open to all young people who wish to participate in the arts. For members who require additional assistance in order to access Sound Pop Academy, including but not limited to those who may consider themselves disabled for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, a carer must be present at all times whose job it is to care for and look after the relevant young person. A carer (not at the expense of Sound Pop Academy) must be available for any activity that takes place ‘off site’. We consider ‘off site’ to be any place where activity takes place that is outside of the members’ rehearsal venue, including but not limited to performances, social events and trips. Sound Pop Academy strives to ensure that it offers a fair experience to all members, but cannot be held responsible should a Sound Pop Academy performance or event not be fully accessible. The reason a performance or event may not be fully accessible may be due to the location of the performance (outdoor events), grade listed buildings (theatres or museums without lifts) or any other factor. In the interests of safety, Sound Pop Academy leaders have the final say in any decision as to whether any member may perform. Should you have any questions about accessibility with Sound Pop Academy, please get in touch.

MEMBER BEHAVIOUR & EXPECTATIONS

At Sound Pop Academy, we strive to provide all young people with an experience, that will allow them to grow in confidence and to gain experience in music and performance. We strive to continually provide a premium service and our staff, leaders, assistants, volunteers and other members of the team deserve the respect and cooperation to be able to provide this service.

We will not tolerate any young person or member who is disrespectful or not obeying an instruction given by the Sound Pop Academy staff team because that’s not cool. By agreeing to these terms and conditions and by engaging in a Sound Pop Academy membership, you agree that if you/your child is guilty of any of the following behaviours they will be removed from Sound Pop Academy and their membership cancelled:

• Behaving in a manner which puts either themselves or another person in the building at risk
• Guilty of causing harm either physically or emotionally to another person
• Behaving in a disrespectful manner towards members of staff or Sound Pop Academy members
• Compromising the enthusiastic and positive environment of the session for other members
• Guilty of causing damage to the building or any of its fixtures or fittings
• Guilty of causing damage to property that does not belong to them this can include personal items belonging to other participants, property belonging to Sound Pop Academy or our local partners, or items that have been hired or borrowed
• Failure to follow the instructions given by a member of the Sound Pop Academy team
• Continued failure to change behaviour following continued requests to do so
• Any behaviour which can be deemed to be gross misconduct

REFUND POLICY

Members may cancel their membership at any time through their Members’ Area. If a membership is cancelled on the same day as a recurring payment is due, the payment for the following month will still be taken and is non-refundable.

It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to cancel the membership. If a membership is not cancelled, fees will continue to be collected and cannot be refunded.

Refunds are not available for membership payments once they have been made.

Payments made for trial bookings are non-refundable.

FORCE MAJEURE

In the event of an unplanned local, national or worldwide crisis, such as a pandemic, epidemic or natural disaster, Sound Pop Academy reserves the right to close with immediate effect. Any crisis will be dealt with on a case by case basis and the Sound Pop Academy Director’s decision will be final. Members always have the ability to immediately cancel their membership by logging into their account via the members’ area, which will stop any future payments and cease their engagement fully with Sound Pop Academy upon their next bill date. Alternative content or engagement may be delivered should a membership offering continue, which could temporarily replace any face to face sessions that are unable to run, for whatever reason. Refunds will not be available for previous payments made and new membership fees may be considered to reflect the service offered. Terms and conditions will also be able to be fairly altered without notice by Sound Pop Academy HQ in this instance, to protect Sound Pop Academy as a business and any of our amazing members and their families.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please note Sound Pop Academy reserve the right to update ‘Terms & Conditions’ at any time. Members will be notified and will remain bound to the agreement unless they decide to opt out. Opting out of our terms and conditions set out in this document will automatically terminate a membership.

Anyone unsure of these requirements should email hello@soundpopacademy.co.uk with enquiries. Subject to change at any time.