How young do you start teaching children?
The youngest child that I currently teach is 7, but generally I have pupils from 8 years and upwards. Children wanting to learn clarinet are checked by me to see if their fingers will cover the holes correctly, and there is also the issue of the loss of baby teeth to take in to consideration for all reed instruments. Flutes may be required to have a crooked head joint if the child is small, but I will advise prior to lessons commencing. Please note that as I also work for North Yorkshire County Council's "Instrumental Music Service - North" and therefore am fully Enhanced CRB checked.
Am I too old to learn?
You are never too old to learn! The question that should be asked is; "Am I willing to take up a new endeavour and commit?" The youngest I have ever taught was 6 years old and the eldest was 68.
Do you do home visits?
I am sorry but the logistics of accommodating my students in the time available makes personal home visits impossible. On rare occasions I could offer a home visit if needs must, but this is dependent on the students’ home location and my other commitments that day.
Do you take the same holidays as a regular school teacher?
In general, Yes. As I live within a 2 mile radius of six schools, I tend to have a lot of school children as music students. I normally take the same holidays as they do with the exception of the 6 weeks summer break. During this period, I produce a form for the student to complete for their preference of lessons. This then allows for holiday breaks for both myself and the student and gives flexibility to lesson days and timings.
What times do you teach?
I teach on an evening from 4pm onwards - Monday to Friday. Working for schools within the area means that I cannot teach privately during the day.
Do you supply musical instruments?
I'm afraid that I don't! There are some good music shops within the local area that I can recommend who also provide hire schemes should you wish to try an instrument for some months before committing to a purchase.
How much does a lesson cost?
I charge £15 for a half hour lesson and £10 for 20 minutes. I find that young children ( up to 9 years) often respond better to a 20 minute lesson because of their attention span, but these lessons are dependent on the time slots that I have available.
What happens if I wish to discontinue lessons?
If you wish to discontinue, I need to be informed as soon as possible as I often have students awaiting a lesson slot. As lessons are paid for on a monthly basis, any remaining lessons that have been paid for but are unattended will not be reimbursed.
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