Instrumental Lessons FAQs

Lessons are held at my home in Alfold, Surrey. I teach in a room with a piano, a digital screen for musicianship skills, and plenty of space for learners.

Yes! I offer a free trial lesson to all new instrumental students. Please scroll down and fill in the new lesson enquiry form to book your child’s trial lesson.

I offer free trial sessions so that your child can come and meet me and see our learning space, and explore both their chosen instruments. Trial sessions may be done individually or in groups.

For your first lesson you only need to bring yourself! For new starters who do not yet read music I will provide learning sheets as needed.

Parents of new starters and young learners are welcome to join us in the studio until their child is comfortable - I do find that children are more ‘themselves’ when parents are not in the room, and getting to know your child well enables me to teach them more effectively!

We live directly opposite a cafe and small play park if you are bringing other children with you for lessons. A bathroom is available if children need it, but I ask that parents and children respect the privacy of the rest of my family home. 

It's what is more commonly known as music theory, and explores the fundamentals of music - things like volume, speed, rhythm, notation, and reading music. I teach this alongside practical instrumental skills to keep children engaged and learning the basics of music in a fun way, regardless of ability on a specific instrument.

To make the most of your child’s music lessons it is important that they have an instrument they can practice their growing skills on at home, and away from the music studio.

If your child is learning the flute, I have a variety of different instruments they can use whilst in the music studio, and I may loan these to students whilst decisions are made on purchasing an instrument. Guidance on buying instruments will be given as it is needed.

Whilst it can be tempting to purchase an instrument from second hand websites or marketplaces this is not advised, particularly for flutes. Second hand instruments often need maintenance - the cost of which exceeds their worth and your initial purchase price! A new, good quality instrument will be the better investment.

Your child will need to bring their instrument, any learning sheets they have been given, their music, and their practice record to all of their lessons. Students may bring a water bottle, but food should not be eaten during lessons (or whenever they're playing their instrument!)

For all new starters I will provide 'learning sheets' to start with, before we make a recommendation on a tutor book. Developing the children's musicianship skills from the start means they are less daunted when it comes to learning notation and reading music. Additionally, different students require different lesson guidance, so there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to music learning and book purchases.

Your child should practice their instruments at home, much like they practice their reading and writing skills! I suggest that young learners practice at home three times a week for 10 minutes. As children progress, the time and frequency of their practice should increase, but it is important that practice does not become too much of a chore at an early age!

Having an area dedicated to music that is set up and ready for your child is the best way to encourage regular, non-stressful practice!

Children should have a quiet space for practice, ​somewhere without too many distractions. ​As learners start to read and play from music they need a sturdy music stand which can be raised to the correct height. Your child will ​need a cloth (cotton or muslin) for cleaning ​flutes and recorders. A cleaning rod should come with each instrument. Once your child has music books and learning sheets, a folder or bag to keep everything together is advised!

It does not matter if you are not 'musical', you can still support your child in their musical journey by encouraging them to talk about what they've learnt in their lessons, by encouraging them to practice at home, and by supporting them at our concerts throughout the year.

For those children who want to, I will prepare and enter them for exams but this is not the sole purpose of music lessons. I am able to enter children for both ABRSM or Trinity music exams, the majority of children will follow the ABRSM system. We also recommend children follow the 'music medal' system and also complete the prep test. Please note that exam entry fees will be charged on top of your usual lesson fee.

If your child is unable to make a lesson please let me know as soon as you can. Please make sure you give at least 24 hours notice. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may not be able to be made up or credited.

I use an online system called ‘My Music Staff’ which keeps track of lesson schedules, invoices and communications between adult and teacher. You will receive an email on registration about how to log in to your portal for your child.

For your initial few lessons, invoices are sent for the rest of the half term block. After this point, lessons paid for every month, by Autopay, with the amount being the same each month. Your monthly payment is calculated as below:

(Lesson price x 39 weeks) divided by 12 months.

Having regular monthly payments makes budgeting easier for families rather than being a variable, less regular expense. Please do let me know if this is not suitable for your family.

Depending on interest, I hope to hold 'musical camps' in the holidays which will include some ensemble playing. Students will also work on ensemble pieces during their lessons to perform in our concerts.

I hold an enhanced DBS disclosure certificate which can be viewed on request. At the commencement of lessons, parents/guardians will be required to sign a contract that outlines my policies for safeguarding, GDPR, social media, and medical emergencies. This contract is provided by the Musician's Union.

I also hold a Level 3 Paediatric First Aid Qualification.

If your child does not want to continue lessons, please talk with me first so we can see if there's a particular area of their lessons that they don't enjoy. You must give half a term's notice by email to cancel lessons, and fill in the cancellation form which is attached to your contract.