Issues with missed private music lessons - AIBU??

[Marvololo]

Hello all,

I started having private music lessons last September and the teacher said I'd have to pay a half term upfront. I didn't sign a contract and no written terms and conditions were provided. I didn't have an issue with paying half a term upfront and I had to miss a couple of lessons due to my work commitments. However, on January, I contracted COVID at the start of the new term. I had to cancel my lessons whilst I was testing positive (2 in total). I then developed bronchitis and was very unwell. I asked the teacher if I could pause my lessons and start after the February half term because I needed time to recover. The teacher said I have to give half a term's notice to stop lessons so I owe her for all the lessons for this half term. I've also discovered that the teacher has been offering virtual lessons during the pandemic, however this was never offered to me when I couldn't attend.
I've had experience with a music teacher charging a late cancellation fee but I've never had such onerous terms as this. I don't feel it's right to be paying for half a term's lessons that I've not even received, especially with no written contract. In any event, I feel that the relationship with the teacher has broken down and I'm now receiving "robust" messages and emails demanding payment.
Am I being unreas

TIA

It depends..if you don't want regular lessons on a set day and time. I'd ask for lessons as and when a time becomes available (cancellations can be offered to you) but if you've agreed to a set day and time, missed or cancelled lesson policies are the norm.
Half a term or a terms notice is normal since the teacher has to reserve this space for you.
If I pay for classes or at a gym for a block of tennis lessons for example, the fee is non refundable if Im unable to attend. If you've paid for the block of lessons then she has had to reserve your space that then can't be allocated elsewhere.
I'd say that if you have to reschedule, youre normally given 48 hours notice as a cancellation can't be recovered.
If all parents/clients kept cancelling (regardless of the reason) she wouldn't be able to operate effectively. Next time, ask for the terms and conditions in writing, sign and keep a copy. That way ther is no confusion and it benefits both parent and child because you know where you stand.