Ikebana Classes in Melbourne
Sogetsu School of Ikebana
(Certificate & Teaching Diploma Courses)
Discover the art of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, with weekly lessons designed to refresh and invigorate you or your team while deepening your understanding of Japanese culture and philosophy.
Course Overview
This course focuses on personal and skill development. Please note that materials are not provided. If you are looking for an all-inclusive experience, visit our workshops page.
For those unable to attend in person, join our Zoom Ikebana Dojo for high-quality online courses.
How to Enrol (For New Students)
- Review Information: Read this page, including all terms and conditions.
- Introductory Class: Attend our introductory session to understand the basics.
- Complete Enrolment: After the introductory class, submit the enrolment form. Do not use this form for introductory class bookings.
- Receive Confirmation: We will send you an email to confirm your booking.
- Payment: Pay the course fee via bank transfer, cash, or credit card (via our Booking Calendar). Cancellation fees may apply.
Fees & Payment Options
- $40/session: Flexible pay-as-you-go. Ideal for occasional participants.
- $200/term: Covers up to 8 sessions. Non-refundable for missed sessions.
- $100 for 3 sessions: Attend the 3 sessions in the same term.
Payment Notes:
- Payment must be made upfront on the first lesson of the term.
- A $10 late fee applies if payment is delayed.
- Fees do not include materials (flowers, kenzan, containers, etc.).
Essential Information
- Class Dates: Check dates online at our newsletter page.
- Mailing List: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
- Location: Classes are held in Murrumbeena, Melbourne.
- Bank Details:
- Account Name: Tsubo Melbourne Pty Ltd (Shoso Shimbo)
- BSB: 033-070
- Account No.: 527917 (Include your name in the reference section).
What to Bring
- Secateurs
- Container and Kenzan
- Flower Materials: 4-5 stems of one kind of flower
- Branch Materials
Borrowing options are available for your first session. You may only take home flower materials used during class.
Additional Costs
- Textbook: $45 (covers over 40 lessons).
- Container & Florist Foam: $20 (to take your arrangement home).
- Flower Materials: $25/session (prepaid; non-refundable).
Course Structure
- Certificate Course: 4 levels, 20 classes per level. Certificates available upon completion.
- Teaching Diploma: Progress through advanced courses, allowing you to teach and create large installations or commercial displays.
Additional Notes
- Accessibility: Our studio is located upstairs. If you have mobility concerns or difficulty using stairs, please contact us before booking so we can explore suitable arrangements.
- Allergies: We have a cat and a dog on the premises. If you have a cat allergy, please inform us in advance.
FAQs & Policies
- Missed lessons cannot be carried over to the next term.
- Refunds are not available for missed or incomplete terms.
- Late payments incur additional fees.
For more details, visit following our FAQ section or contact us via email at shososhimbo@gmail.com.
FAQ: Tuition and Payment Policies
Q: When does the late fee apply?
A: A late fee of $10 is charged for each session you attend without paying in full upfront. For example, if you pay on your third session, a $20 late fee applies as your payment was due at your first session.
If attending your first lesson without paying upfront (e.g., due to insufficient cash or unclear fee calculation), the options for the second session are:
(1) Pay $40 (1st lesson) + $40 (2nd lesson) + $10 late fee = $90
(2) Pay $200 for the full term + $10 late fee = $210
If starting from the second week or later in the term and paying on your first session:
(1) Pay $40 per lesson.
(2) Pay $200 for the term.
Q: I missed a lesson. Can I make it up in the next term?
A: Missed lessons must be made up within the same term. While we strive to offer makeup lessons, these are optional and subject to availability. For instance, if you missed the last session of the term, makeup lesson is not available. Missed lessons do not qualify for refunds or carry-over credits.
Q: What happens if the term is cancelled?
A: In rare cases of term cancellation, refunds will be issued proportionally based on the portion of the term not completed. Refunds are not based on the number of sessions attended, as payment is by term, not session.
Q: Can I get a discount or refund for missed lessons?
A: No. Term fees are fixed and non-refundable. Credits are only provided if we cancel a session and cannot schedule a makeup lesson within the term.
Q: What if I want to attend more than 8 sessions in a term?
A: After attending the 8 sessions covered by your term fee, additional sessions are $25 each. Payment must be made on the day of attendance; otherwise, a $10 late fee applies.
Q: What happens if I don’t pay on the first day of the term?
A: Payment is due on your first lesson to avoid late fees. If unpaid:
- At the second session, pay $90 (2 sessions + $10 late fee) or $210 (term fee + late fee).
- At the third session, the late fee increases to $20.
Q: I started attending late in the term. How should I pay?
A: You have two options:
- Pay $40 per session.
- Pay $200 for the term, regardless of the number of sessions attended (max. 8 sessions in the term).
Q: I paid by session but now want to switch from the third session to term payment. Can I?
A: No. Payment options cannot be changed mid-term. The only exception is paying an additional $200 to restart the term from your third session, allowing up to 6 weekly lessons and 2 makeups.
Q: What if I booked with a credit card and need to cancel?
A: Cancellations are allowed up to 48 hours before your session. Email your booking details to shososhimbo@gmail.com. Refunds will be processed through Stripe, minus administration fees (Stripe: 1.75% + $0.30; Smoothbook: 1.5%; government tax).
