What ages do you teach?
I have most experience teaching secondary school age children but have taught children as young as 8. There’s no upper age limit to who I teach, I have had students in their 70s.
Do I need my own piano?
It is important to have access to a piano or a quality keyboard as regular practice between lessons makes for faster progress. An absolute beginner might want to start with a keyboard with the intention of upgrading later on. Buying a piano is a big commitment and can have its pitfalls. Always ask for advice before buying a piano.
Do I have to do grades?
No! Grades can offer ‘motivation’ for many students but can also be a barrier to enjoyment for others. To make progress it is important to enjoy what you are doing. There is no obligation to do graded exams but, if you do want to do graded exams, I can guide you through the process.
Do I need anything before I start my first lesson?
Usually I will have a chat before the first lesson so we know where we are starting from and what we are aiming for. I wouldn’t expect an absolute beginner to bring any materials with them to a first lesson.
What kind of music will I study?
There’s a great variety of music and it is good to be familiar with a range. Whatever it is we chose to learn, it should help develop your piano technique and musicianship.
How do I know if you are the right teacher for me?
A very important question, we both need to feel comfortable. Try a couple of lessons with no commitment to continue. In the case of younger children, parents may wish to ‘sit in’ and observe the lesson.
How much practise is necessary?
This really depends on age and the level you are at. Someone studying at Grade 8 level will be practising over an hour a day whereas a 10-year-old beginner might be practising 20 minutes a day. The amount of time can be a red herring; many people do not know how to practise efficiently and so waste time. I will show you how to make best use of your time.
Practise helps reinforce and improve the skills you learn in lessons. A week without any practise can, in the worst-case scenario, mean that anything learnt in the previous lesson has been forgotten by the next.
How regularly would you recommend having a lesson?
It is usually recommended that children have weekly lessons to help maintain continuity. Adults often find a fortnightly lesson is more suitable.
What happens if I can’t make a lesson?
If you are unable to make a lesson, I request that you give me 24 hours notice. We can then simply rearrange the lesson for a more convenient time. Unfortunately, if less than 24 hours’ notice is given, the full lesson amount will be charged.
