FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

​Do you enter pupils for exams?

• I enter many of my students for exams but I do not consider it an essential part of learning an instrument. Aiming for an exam can be motivating and an aid to progress for some students, but not all. I like to work together with my students to discuss their goals and how best to reach them. 

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How much practice should I do?

• Good quality, regular practice yields better results than occasional long sessions 'without thought'. It depends on the individual and their circumstances as to how much they can do each day. 10 minutes of focused practice daily is a great start for a young beginner. 

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We don't have a piano. Can my I/my child still have lessons? 

• Progress cannot be made on lessons alone. You will need something to practice on at home. However, I am happy for you to have an initial lesson before you get an instrument.

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What kind of piano should I get?

• If you have space, an upright acoustic piano is recommended, but these days the best digital pianos have advantages over a mediocre upright piano. If you are considering getting a second-hand upright piano these can sometimes be very cheap, but make sure you check when it was last tuned - if it has not been tuned regularly it may have become so out of tune that it cannot be brought back to concert pitch. 

  In choosing a digital piano, the thing to look for is fully weighted keys; some digital pianos have an action that mimics that of an acoustic piano, which is essential for developing sound technique. A cheaper, good quality option is a stage piano like the Roland FP10. 

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Do you teach online? 

• Yes, but it is not my preference.  Online lessons are a helpful option for the week the car is being repaired or baby sister is sick. I only take on long term online students in exceptional circumstances, as progress can be affected by the limitations of virtual learning. 

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How do I help my child progress? 

• As a parent, your involvement is important in motivating your child and helping them progress. Help them to develop and maintain a good practice routine, encourage them, and allow them to perform to you and to enjoy making music at home.