General terms and conditions

English translation of the Dutch DSOPM terms, which state an effective date of 1 September 2025. The individual trial fee below reflects the current published fee.

DSOPM subscriptions

We offer a varied, largely tailored programme for all ages. Each school year consists of 34 lessons and three evaluations of musical development through our AMACK student progress system, divided into three modules. Modules may be taken separately or together. An annual subscription runs from September to July, depending on the start of the summer holiday.

Only an annual subscription may be paid in one instalment, with a 5% discount. Except for separate individual lessons, special workshops or a four-lesson card, you enrol for at least one module and cannot withdraw partway through it. Individual lessons are available in 45-minute (standard) or 30-minute formats. Subscriptions are offered separately for each school year, with a clear beginning and end.

Registration

Register using our registration form or the app linked on www.dsopm.nl. The app can be downloaded to your mobile phone, tablet or laptop from your device’s app store by searching for “Dutch School of Popular Music”. The registration button opens an overview of subscriptions. Select one or more options; return to the full overview to add further choices, such as songwriting, production or theory alongside an individual instrumental lesson. When you submit a registration form, our administration enters your details. Further administration is handled through the app.

Placement

Applications are handled in order of receipt. Group lessons, band classes and workshops have minimum and maximum participant numbers. If the maximum is reached, you will be informed that you are on a waiting list. Lessons or workshops proceed when the minimum is reached. If a lesson or workshop will not start, you will be notified at least one week beforehand.

For group lessons or workshops where placement depends on participants’ levels, you will first be invited to an introductory meeting to meet participants and teachers and learn about the programme. The teacher then places you in a suitable group. Applications, including mid-year applications, for group lessons, band classes or the pre-academy programme may involve a temporary waiting list if a suitable group cannot immediately be found. We aim to help you start as soon as possible.

Individual lessons can generally be started throughout the school year. We agree a lesson day and time with you. For an individual lesson every other week, arrange an appointment by telephone, WhatsApp or email and specify your instrument. Duo lessons are possible if you bring a partner or a fellow student can be found. A new timetable is prepared at the start of each module, with new opportunities to adjust or expand your choices. Further information is available on the website or in the app.

Payments

A full school year is charged over ten months. On enrolment, you authorise DSOPM to collect lesson fees monthly for the duration of your subscriptions. The first payment is made before the first lesson through iDEAL or, if approved, direct debit. Direct debit takes place on the first day of each month. No lesson fees are invoiced in July or August.

A 21% VAT surcharge applies to students aged 21 and over, as required by the Dutch tax authorities. If payment obligations are not met, DSOPM reserves the right to deny access to lessons; the payment obligation remains.

If a direct debit fails, you receive an invoice by email. If payment remains outstanding, a €7.50 administration charge is applied after the first reminder. In the event of repeated non-payment, the claim is referred to a debt collection agency. Always contact the administration if there is a problem paying lesson fees so that a suitable solution can be sought. Questions about using the app can also be sent to info@dsopm.nl.

Discount

The 5% discount applies only to an annual subscription paid in one instalment through iDEAL or an invoice.

Intake conversation and trial lesson

At the beginning of each school year, we hold an information and intake day for new and continuing students and, where applicable, their parents or guardians. You can receive information and ask questions. Intake conversations with two teachers of your main instrument help us get acquainted and begin a programme suited to your goals and ambitions. You may also register for the new school year and indicate or change additional options.

During the school year, we offer a free intake conversation lasting up to half an hour. Together we discuss your goals and the options within DSOPM’s tailored programme. The conversation may take place in person or through Zoom, according to your preference and to avoid unnecessary travel.

An individual trial lesson is also possible. It costs €29 for students under 21 and €35.09 including 21% VAT for students aged 21 and over. Payment is made directly through iDEAL on the website or by invoice. After registration through the app, you receive confirmation of your registration and we contact you to arrange the trial. Email info@dsopm.nl or call 06-82812413. A WhatsApp message stating when you can be reached is helpful. After a successful trial, you can enrol through the app.

Registration confirmation

You register through the DSOPM app and sign to confirm acceptance of the general and payment terms. You may then pay directly or receive an invoice. Your registration confirmation appears on screen and is also sent by email. If necessary, we contact you as soon as possible to make the required arrangements. If requesting a quotation or being asked to make an appointment, contact us by email at info@dsopm.nl or telephone on 06-82812413.

Refunds of course fees

Course fees are refunded only in the following circumstances:

Long-term illness of the student, supported by a medical statement;
Unsuitability of the student, with termination agreed between the teacher, parents/student and DSOPM management;
Death of the student.

After recalculation, an appropriate refund is agreed. Send a written request to info@dsopm.nl. If more than four lessons are cancelled due to DSOPM, fees are recalculated at the end of the school year and the cancelled lessons are refunded.

Termination by DSOPM

DSOPM reserves the right to deny students access to lessons for misconduct, non-payment or failure to meet the criteria applicable to the lesson.

Ending a course

If you decide to end a subscription, notify the DSOPM course administration at info@dsopm.nl by email at least one month in advance. Except for the circumstances described above, the full fee for the module remains payable. If you wish to cancel because your work or school hours have changed, we first consider whether your lesson can be moved to another time or day.

Online lessons

If the school must suspend in-person lessons, the programme continues online. If preferred, it is also possible to freeze the course fees and resume the programme only when in-person lessons restart.

Course prices

Course prices are published on the DSOPM website and in the Dutch School of Popular Music app, available from the app store on your mobile phone, tablet or computer. Prices are adjusted annually at the beginning of the school year in line with inflation.

Study materials

Students pay for their study materials and learning resources. DSOPM provides a complete set of instruments for use during scheduled lessons. Outside these times, students must have suitable instruments and necessary study materials where required, such as a laptop with software for production lessons.

For the introductory stage, DSOPM offers instrument rental, subject to availability. A fixed monthly fee and one-off deposit are payable. The deposit is returned when the equipment is returned in its original condition. Repair or replacement costs are charged for damage. Contact info@dsopm.nl to enquire.

Student absence

If you cannot attend a lesson, notify us as soon as possible through info@dsopm.nl or 06-82812413. For group and band lessons, ask fellow students about progress and continue following the work as far as possible. For individual lessons, we wish to keep the teacher informed of absence due to illness or exceptional circumstances.

Teacher absence

If a teacher is unavailable, another teacher is the first option for cover. If an occasional lesson cannot take place, you are informed through the app. If circumstances or a performance occasionally prevent a teacher from teaching at the usual time, the teacher agrees an alternative day and time with you for a replacement lesson. If more than four lessons are cancelled due to DSOPM, fees are recalculated at the end of the school year and the cancelled lessons refunded.

Lesson agreement

The agreed subscription ends automatically at the end of the course duration. A course lasts at least one module and no more than one school year. You must register again through the registration form or app for the following school year or a new module.

Changes to personal details

Notify the course administration in writing at info@dsopm.nl as soon as possible if your personal details change.

Privacy

DSOPM records customers’ personal details for administration and to inform you about courses and activities. These details are not passed to third parties. By signing and taking part in concerts, you give DSOPM permission to use photographs and video material.

Images and sound recordings of lessons and activities may be made for DSOPM publications unless you expressly object in advance. Participation in activities where recordings are made implies permission for DSOPM to use those recordings. We do not publish photographs that could harm students. We do not publish students’ surnames alongside photographs or videos.

Liability

DSOPM accepts no liability for costs arising from injury, accident, theft or damage during lessons or in the building’s rooms unless DSOPM’s legal liability has been established.

Lesson fees and general terms

By enrolling, you agree to DSOPM’s general terms. For questions, email info@dsopm.nl or call or send a WhatsApp message to 06-82812413.

Safety and reporting concerns

DSOPM aims to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment. For questions or reports about unwanted or inappropriate behaviour, contact confidential adviser Sunya Bierman on +31 6 180 24 878. Reports are handled carefully and confidentially.

info@dsopm.nl · +31 (0)20 419 22 00 · +31 (0)6 82 81 24 13