Question 1

Do you teach adults?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Most of my students are children, so most of my literature is geared towards parents, but I have many adult learners; some complete beginners, and some ‘re-learners’ (starting again after learning as a child), all of whom enjoy their lessons and practising very much.
 
Many adults learn an instrument as something to enjoy away from work or family demands, and although finding time to practice can sometimes be more difficult than with children, adults do get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from their lessons.

Question 2

How much practice should I/my child be doing?

Accepted Answer

That very much depends on the age of your child and their playing level.  I can advise and support each individual student, but here are a few general guidelines to start with:
 
Little and often is always better than one big practice the night before a lesson!

a 4 year old beginner will need roughly 5 minutes practice a day
A 7 year old beginner, 15 minutes practice a day
A grade 1 student, between 20 and 30 minutes a day
A grade 5 student, 45 minutes a day
A grade 8 (and beyond) student will need to be practising for minimum an hour a day

Longer practises should be broken down into multiple shorter ones (e.g. a post grade-8 student practising for 90 minutes might practise in 3 x 30 minute intervals)

Question 3

What instrument do you have in your studio?

Accepted Answer

I own a Steinway Model K upright piano.  The model K is an exceptional quality instrument, handcrafted to the same standards as Steinway’s concert grands.

Question 4

How early can I drop off my child / arrive for lessons?

Accepted Answer

Since 2022, I have been teaching a combination of online lessons and in-person. As I often teach back to back, this means my monitor may be showing another student's home, and so I am unable to let any student in before their allotted lesson time.

If you do arrive early, please be prepared to wait outside, as I do not have a spare waiting room.

Question 5

My child has piano lessons at school.  Can they continue with these while they learn with you?

Accepted Answer

Different teachers teach in different and often conflicting ways, and it can be extremely confusing for a student to have two teachers at the same time. If you are considering a new teacher though, you are more than welcome to come along for a trial  lesson or two, while continuing with your current teacher.
I also understand that there is often a 'crossover period' when students are changing teachers, and I am happy to work temporarily with students who have teachers elsewhere but are contracted in until the end of a half term.

Question 6

What equipment will I need to have for online lessons?

Accepted Answer

Very little!

You will need a device with a camera and microphone - a smartphone, tablet, or laptop will work well.  Which device you use is a matter of personal preference - we can try a few different setups out to find which is more suited to you.

For students using Zoom, you will need to download the Zoom app, which is free, and I will send you a link each week which you click on to take you into the virtual meeting room.

For students using FaceTime, I will take your phone number or Apple ID, and I will video call you at the beginning of your lesson.

Frequently asked questions

Do you teach adults?

How much practice should I/my child be doing?

What instrument do you have in your studio?

How early can I drop off my child / arrive for lessons?

My child has piano lessons at school. Can they continue with these while they learn with you?

What equipment will I need to have for online lessons?