About Music Lessons
Q: What instruments do you teach?
A: I teach flute, piano, saxophone, clarinet and theory.
Q: What qualifications do you have?
A: I have professional qualifications in both teaching and performance, and I have teaching diplomas in all of the four instruments that I teach. Please click on the link to see them in detail.
Q: What experience do you have?
A: I have 17+ years of music teaching experience and have taught students of all ages from around five years old to retired adults, and all standards from beginner right up to and including diploma level. I have worked in several schools in the Nottinghamshire area and currently work as an instrumental teacher in two local independent schools. Please click here for some lovely comments from past and present students.
Q: What do you include in music lessons?
A: Every student has a different approach to learning a musical instrument and as such my music lessons are tailored according to the specific needs of the individual. Whether students wish to learn for exams or purely for pleasure, enjoyment of music is emphasised at all times.
I like to introduce students to a wide variety of repertoire in their lessons, including baroque, classical, romantic, modern, jazz and more popular styles. I am also keen to develop well-rounded musicians and ensure that many important skills are covered including sight-reading, aural training and technique as well as music theory. As I am a pianist my woodwind students have the opportunity to develop ensemble skills with regular practice playing with live accompaniment.
Q: Do you include music theory in lessons?
A: Yes. Music theory is such an important part of learning an instrument so it is incorporated into all music lessons in some form. Preparation for the grade 5 ABRSM theory exam is also included should students wish to progress beyond grade 5 practical in their instrument.
Q: Do you put students in for exams?
A: All students have a different approach to learning and some may wish to follow exams whereas others may wish to learn purely for pleasure. Should students wish to study for exams they are guided through all aspects of the exam during lessons, including all supplementary tests such as aural tests, sight-reading and scales.
The main exam board used is the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, but I do use the London College of Music for pre-grade one piano exams, some diplomas and the more informal Leisure Play exams. As a pianist I am also able to provide accompaniment for my woodwind students during their exams.
Q: Where are you located?
A: I teach from a well equipped home-based music room, which includes an upright Zimmermann piano, shelves/cupboards bursting with sheet music, music games and interactive learning on the computer, all of which are made use of during lessons. I am located in the Nottinghamshire area and I also teach in two local independent schools.
Q: How much do you charge?
A: Please enquire for details of fees for the current year.
Q: When are lessons held?
A: Lessons are held from Monday to Friday during daytime and evening, and roughly follow the local education authority terms. Mostly lessons last 30 minutes each but more advanced students sometimes prefer longer. Please enquire for current availability.
Q: What is the best way to contact you?
A: By telephone (01623 408457) or email. Email is often the best way to contact me as I prefer not to disturb student lessons by answering the telephone. Please contact me if you would like to discuss music lessons.
Q: Are you a member of any professional associations?
A: I am a full member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), a professional association promoting the art of music and the interests of the music profession.
