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Forte Music Toowong and Coorparoo

Teaching muisc in Brisbane since 1997

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Our story

Since it’s inception in Brisbane in 1997, Forte Music has expanded to create popular music schools all over the world.

Forte Toowong and Forte Coorparoo is now among Brisbane’s largest private music schools. Forte Toowong is passionate about providing inspiring and dynamic music lessons to people from all ages. Our teachers use award winning programs to share our love of music with our students. Come along and be inspired!

David, our Director

David Doherty joined Forte in 2008 and under the guidance of Forte’s creator Gillian Erskine to soon become the owner manager of Forte Music in Toowong & Coorparoo.

As a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium David was awarded the Conservatorium guitar prize in 2003. David then went on to travel, live and teach music in Japan, Canada and the US. Teaching and performing in those countries proved the bedrock for a life of teaching and sharing music. More recently, David has continued his development by completing a Honours degree in psychology, where his focus was on child development, and the importance of play in learning and connecting – something that informs all aspects of his music schools.

FAQ

  • Can I split payments?
    We are able to split payments between account holders, simply set up both parties in your Opus1.io account and let us know how you would like the payment to be split.
  • How does payment work?
    Lessons are payable as an automated monthly subscription processed on your first enrolled lesson, then on the 1st of each month going forward. Once you select a lesson time, we reserve that teacher’s time every week for you. Your tuition rate will be dependant on the amount of lessons to be held that month, and tuition is subject to an annual increase. You can securely store any credit card or bank account on your file. Cash payments for tuition are also acceptable, but must be paid up front before the 1st of the month. Please always ensure your credit card information is up to date by contacting our office or updating your payment method in your Forte Student Portal account. Any payments that are over 10 days overdue are subject to a $25 late fee.
  • How much are lessons?
    Our lessons span a wide range of ages, abilities and offerings: Classes: Jungle Babies: $17.95 for a 30minute lesson Jungle Tots and Friends: $21.95 for a 45 minute lesson Music is Fun: $24.95 for a 45 minute lesson Junior and Piano Keys: $34.50 for a 45 minute lesson Private lessons: 20minute: $34.50 30minute: $43.95 45minute: $61.50 60minute: $81.95
  • Do you offer refunds / credits?
    No refunds or credits are given for missed lessons - your lesson fee reserves your spot in your teachers schedule.
  • How do I pay?
    You can securely store any credit card or bank account on your file. Cash payments for tuition are also acceptable, but must be paid up front before the 1st of the month. Please always ensure your credit card information is up to date by contacting our office or updating your payment method in your Forte Student Portal account. Any payments that are over 10 days overdue are subject to a $25 late fee.
  • Do you offer exams?
    Although we do not require students to sit exams, we find that the majority find this a really rewarding way to get to know their instrument, ensure that their skills are progressing and gain a sense of accomplishment. There are a number of different exam pathways : Forte’s own Foundation Exams for beginning piano students, AMEB exams for voice and all instruments and ROCKSCHOOL exams for guitar and drums. Please speak to your teacher to discuss which option is best for you/your child.
  • Can I change my lesson day or time?
    Absolutely. We have over 40 music specialists working on our team and our timetable extends from Monday to Saturday 8am – 8pm (close at 3pm on Saturdays). We are able to offer you a number of options if your current time doesn’t suit, and you can do this at any point with no charge.
  • Who is my teacher?
    Our teachers are not only expert tutors but are also skilled musicians in their own right. We are able to attract the best instructors in the area because they want to teach here. Every one of our instructors has been carefully screened, auditioned, interviewed, and selected to teach our students with the utmost care and dedication. Our teachers enjoy an abundance of resources at our school which are not typically available for private teachers or at other schools. Because of this, our teachers are constantly energized, refreshed, and knowledgeable about the best strategies with students.
  • What instruments do you teach?
    We teach a broad range of vocal and instrumental lessons including : voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, drums, violin, cello, flute, clarinet and saxophone. Again, with over 40 music specialists we've got most instruments covered - just ask!
  • Can I sit in on the lesson?
    Absolutely, we have an open-door policy. It is your choice to sit in on your child's lessons, but not required. Some students find it distracting, but others work better with Mum or Dad in the room. The teacher can give you some advice on this after they get to know your child.
  • What if a student and teacher's personality is not a good fit?
    One of the advantages of studying music at Forte is that we have multiple teachers for each instrument. Sometimes a student needs a different teaching style, and we have the flexibility to accommodate this and place the student with the perfect teacher for them.
  • What happens if we’re sick?
    For your convenience, please use the Forte Student Portal to cancel a lesson. Forte Music School will provide a private or group makeup class credit based on what your account is eligible for. Students are allotted 2 private makeup credits per 90 days. Makeup credits must be used within 30 days of issue date. To be eligible for a private makeup credit, lessons must be self- canceled through the portal at least 12 hours prior to the scheduled lesson time. Private makeup credits may be used to self schedule makeup lessons. Students may schedule makeup lessons with any instructor available at a time that is convenient for you. When a teacher is unavailable for any reason, the school will provide a relief teacher for that lesson. In the event a relief teacher is unavailable, or you would prefer your original teacher, the lesson will be rescheduled.
  • What happens if we're late?
    Students who arrive late to their lessons are allotted the remaining time. Instructors are unable to extend the lesson to compensate for the missed time. If you are going to be late to your lesson, please notify the office so they can advise the instructor. If you would like to switch to an online lesson due to time constricts, please notify the office and we will be happy to accommodate you and can do so at late notice.
  • What happens if we want to finish up?
    If you are finishing up learning with us, notice by email must be received by the 7th of your final month. Students will be responsible for their last month’s tuition whether or not they attend lessons and the last month’s tuition will not be prorated for any lessons you do not attend. Refunds are not issued for any lessons you do not attend regardless of any advance notification.
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