How do I find a good teacher?

My advice is before you go to a teacher ask around and find out a few things to make sure they can do what they are teaching to a high level.

What professional playing expierience do they have? Are they qualified? Do they have a good amount of teaching expierience,? Do they have an organised curriculum or just teach exams? I have been asked all of the above and am happy to answer, it shows me that a student is interested in good quality tuition.

Why are some other teachers cheaper? (and some more expensive)

This is a frequent question and you have every right to ask. My rates are set inline with the musician union and based on my experience as a professional, my qualifications, the quality of the set up that I offer (both online and in the the studio) and my 25 years teaching expierience.

With a tutors rate bear in mind that a lower hourly rate doesn’t always equal greater value for money.

• One teacher will take a student further in 30 minutes than another can in one hour.

• One may provide a professional facility and another may have a kit in a house

• One may spend hours on preparation of a curriculum so everything is organised and another may just play songs or exam material.

All this doesn’t mean you can’t work to a budget, but 30 minutes with one teacher may be far more valuable that 60 with another.

Do I have to choose face to face or online ?

The choice is yours and you can chop and change as often as you like. The cost is the same and either way I will be in the studio teaching you. If things come up and you can’t travel just let me know and we can switch.

Can children be left at the lesson ?

I insist that parents stay for the first three lessons just so children are comfortable but after this it’s up to you. To get the most from your time arrive early and use the waiting room. Please also be punctual when collecting.

Do I have to take exams ?

Not at all. If exams motivate you then I’m happy to work on them but my own curriculum covers all the same material and more. We are all different so it’s about finding what works for you.

Do I have to audition?

No No No - For many students music is a hobby that they are passionate about so all you have to do is be keen to learn. For advanced students I will offer consultation/audition lesson but this is not a pass or fail it’s just a quick way to figure out what they need to most.