Personal, Professional MUSIC TEACHING - THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
Best music teacher I have ever had the pleasure to be taught by, cannot recommend him highly enough. (S.J., working guitar player)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the youngest age I can start lessons for my child.
A: There is no hard and fast rule, but a good guideline is that a child must be able to read, be physically able to take charge of the desired instrument, (or a smaller version of it) but more importantly, they must have a desire to want to do it.
Q: What is the oldest age you teach?
A: There is no upper age limit, if you have a desire to learn, that is good enough. I have taught people in their late eighties, a colleague of mine taught a pupil until her death at 102! Pablo Cassalls the great cellist was asked at the age of 90 why he still practiced. His answer? 'Because I think I am getting somewhere!'
Q: How much notice is required to stop the lessons.
A: In reality 48 hours, the time asked to cancel a lesson. I see no point in carrying on lessons when the desire has gone. Any payments made and not used will be refunded.
Q: I don’t have an instrument yet, can you advise or help me choose?
A: I am happy to advise, and where desirable and possible to attend with you to buy a suitable instrument.
Q: I work shifts and cannot have a regular time, is that a problem?
A: During the day, no. If you are only free evenings please contact me as we can usually sort something out.
Q: Can I sit in on my child’s lessons?
A: Whenever you want to. With younger children a 'settling in' period is often helped by a parent being present. Please be conscious of the fact that parental presence in the lesson may inhibit the older child.
Q: Do you have conveniently placed toilet facilities?
A; Yes. Very close to the teaching area.
Q: My child is very shy, can you deal with that?
A: Yes, I have had much experience with that situation, and can deal with it on a case by case basis. Great improvements in confidence have come from learning to play a musical instrument.
Q: I have a disability, can I still learn a musical instrument?
A: I have taught people with many physical and mental disabilities and had great successes. Please call me to discuss your particular needs. Carers are welcome to accompany you at all times. Please see the 'students with special needs' page
A: There is no hard and fast rule, but a good guideline is that a child must be able to read, be physically able to take charge of the desired instrument, (or a smaller version of it) but more importantly, they must have a desire to want to do it.
Q: What is the oldest age you teach?
A: There is no upper age limit, if you have a desire to learn, that is good enough. I have taught people in their late eighties, a colleague of mine taught a pupil until her death at 102! Pablo Cassalls the great cellist was asked at the age of 90 why he still practiced. His answer? 'Because I think I am getting somewhere!'
Q: How much notice is required to stop the lessons.
A: In reality 48 hours, the time asked to cancel a lesson. I see no point in carrying on lessons when the desire has gone. Any payments made and not used will be refunded.
Q: I don’t have an instrument yet, can you advise or help me choose?
A: I am happy to advise, and where desirable and possible to attend with you to buy a suitable instrument.
Q: I work shifts and cannot have a regular time, is that a problem?
A: During the day, no. If you are only free evenings please contact me as we can usually sort something out.
Q: Can I sit in on my child’s lessons?
A: Whenever you want to. With younger children a 'settling in' period is often helped by a parent being present. Please be conscious of the fact that parental presence in the lesson may inhibit the older child.
Q: Do you have conveniently placed toilet facilities?
A; Yes. Very close to the teaching area.
Q: My child is very shy, can you deal with that?
A: Yes, I have had much experience with that situation, and can deal with it on a case by case basis. Great improvements in confidence have come from learning to play a musical instrument.
Q: I have a disability, can I still learn a musical instrument?
A: I have taught people with many physical and mental disabilities and had great successes. Please call me to discuss your particular needs. Carers are welcome to accompany you at all times. Please see the 'students with special needs' page