Instrumental Lessons FAQs

Recorders have a bad rep, right? That plasticky screechy thing that we were all forced to play at school. But really they're a great first instrument for many reasons. They're affordable, they're easy to store and care for, they're easy to make a good sound out of, and they're easy for smaller hands to hold. The recorder is really the gateway into music for many children, and really shouldn't have the reputation it does!

More information is available here, but for younger children I recommend starting with recorder. It gives learners a very tangible sound almost immediately, and they can quickly learn tunes. For younger children who may change their mind about learning, recorders are far more affordable which is an important consideration for many parents! I expect most learners to transition to flute as they become used to lessons and they are physically strong (and long!) enough to play the flute.
Older children may choose to start on recorder or flute, whichever is their preference.

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. We 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.

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. I currently have availability for lessons on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday after school hours.

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 the flute and the recorder. 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. I will also give your child a recorder in their first lesson if they are taking recorder lessons. The cost for this (£9) will be added to your first invoice.

I ask that parents do not join us in the learning space so that learners can focus on their lesson.
Parents of new starters and young learners are welcome to wait outside the room until their child is comfortable. The classroom door always stays open. 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 our family home. 

If your child is learning recorder I will give them their instrument in their first lesson, and the cost of this (£9) will be included in your first invoice.
If your child is learning the flute, I recommend that you hire or purchase an instrument through my recommended suppliers. Further information about buying instruments will be sent to you when needed. Alternatively you can take advantage of my new starter instrument and lesson packages for lesson starting in September 2025.

Your child will need to bring their instrument, any learning sheets they have been given, their tutor book, 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.

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!

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. This enables me to be able to arrange a make-up lesson at another time, or if this is not possible, a lesson credit given against your next invoice. 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.

Invoices are sent out two weeks before the start of the next half term and need to be paid before the commencement of those lessons. Non-payment will result in no lesson. Payment can be made via BACS or by card through the invoice.

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.

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.