Frequently Asked Questions
General
What days and times are the lessons?
I teach Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm and from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. You will be given a lesson slot for the same day and time each week, however, if you can't make your usual lesson, I will do my best to rearrange it for that week.
How long are the lessons?
I usually offer:
30 minutes (children aged 7 and under)
45 minutes (children aged 8 and over)
60 minutes (adults)
How much do you currently charge?
30 minutes - #10
45 minutes - #15
60 minutes - #20
(These rates can be subject to change)
Teaching materials are provided at an additional cost - see below: 'What books do you use?'
I don't have a piano at home. Can I still have lessons?
You don't have to have a traditional piano at home, but you do need to have access to an instrument you can practise on in between lessons. Even a small electric keyboard is fine for complete beginners.
What are the pros and cons of a traditional piano and a digital piano?
Traditional piano (hammers and strings)
Pros:
Full-sized keys
Easy to play loudly and quietly
Built-in sustain pedal
Not dependent on a power source to work
Often cheaply available, second-hand
Makes an attractive piece of furniture!
Cons:
Requires a large amount of space
Needs regular tuning - sensitive to temperature changes
Too heavy to move around a room. Transporting it requires a professional piano mover.
If second hand, it may be in poor condition and costly to repair
No volume control so can be noisy!
Digital piano/keyboard (electric)
Pros:
Available in smaller sizes, so better where space is limited
Can be played loudly and quietly if keys are weighted
Doesn't need tuning
May have additional 'voices' (eg organ, harpsichord)
Easy to transport or move around a room
Has volume control and can usually be used with headphones to eliminate noise
Cons:
Keys may be small
If keys are not weighted, you cannot play loudly or quietly
Dependent on a power source to work (some may have a battery backup)
May not have a built-in sustain pedal or potential to attach an external pedal
Which would you recommend?
If you are looking to purchase an instrument which will last you for more than the first few months of lessons, I would probably advise either a traditional piano in good condition, or a digital piano with a minimum of 60 weighted keys (5 octaves). The weighted keys are important as they enable you to play loud and soft notes. Ultimately it is a matter of personal preference and circumstances, but it may help to bear in mind the points above.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel a lesson, I would ask for as much notice as possible. Cancellation may be in person or by text message. Provided you cancel before the start time of the lesson, payment will be at your discretion. If you cancel at or after the start time, or if you do not notify me at all, I expect payment in full for the missed lesson.
What do I need to bring to my lessons?
You will need to bring the book(s) and/or sheet music we are currently working on. A small, blank (preferably lined) notebook is helpful for me to to note down what we have covered during the lesson and what you will need to practise for next time.
How can I pay for lessons?
I prefer payment by bank transfer, but will accept cash if necessary. Payment can be made on or after the date of the lesson, but (please!) not before. If you forget to pay, I will send a friendly reminder via text message :)
How often should I practise?
In general, the more you practise, the better. However, be realistic about the amount of time you have available to spend on it each week. If you are able to set aside an uninterrupted hour or two a day, that's great, but be aware of when you're losing concentration: take a break and come back to it.
If you have a busy schedule, don't worry - short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes' practice throughout the day can really mount up and also help you to stay focused. I understand that some weeks are busier than others and there may be times when you come to your lesson feeling under-prepared. That's okay!
Can I take exams?
Yes, if you wish to. I can prepare you for exams run by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) up to and including Grade 4. If you don't want to take exams, that's fine too - we will cover broadly the same material, without the exam element.
Do you teach over school holidays?
I don't usually teach over the Christmas holiday, half-terms or Easter holidays. The only exceptions are occasional extra lessons for pupils who have exams coming up.
During the summer holidays I try to arrange one or two lessons for each of my pupils, where possible, as I feel that six weeks is a long time to go without a lesson! I can generally be quite flexible with days and times.
Adults
What books do you use?
I've never had music lessons before. Am I too old to start learning the piano?
Children
Is my child old enough to start piano lessons?
What books do you use?
