Music

What’s available?

I offer individual tuition in piano, singing, flute, saxophone, double bass, and music theory. I teach both children and adults. I encourage students to focus on the musical styles that interest them and to explore a range of learning processes, including the use of video tutorials, chord symbols and staff notation. Although some of my students take graded examinations, I do not use these as the basis for a curriculum: instead, I work with each student to develop a technique and repertoire that meets their particular aims.

Where do lessons take place?

I teach from my home in Acle NR13, and in local schools. For students who live further away, a hybrid programme of in-person and online lessons can be arranged.

How can we stay connected?

I use Acuity to schedule lessons and take payments, and this system sends reminders via text message and email.

Depending on each student’s preferences, I will make them either a video or a written to-do list after each lesson. Parents, please review this with your child and let me know if there is any confusion about what they need to do!

I hold online ‘office hours’ once a fortnight, where students and parents are welcome to meet with me online to discuss progress, explore new ideas, or raise any concerns.

I regularly make resources for my students, including videos, PDFs and audio tracks. I share these via the secure section of my website.

What are the terms and conditions?

Music tuition costs £36/hour. Most beginners and intermediate students choose to have lessons lasting for 30 minutes (£18) or 20 minutes (£12). Some school subsidize their students’ lessons, meaning that the cost to families is less than this price.

You can pay for lessons using Acuity. This app is secure, easy to use, and provides automated reminders about lesson times. If you are not able to make online payments via Acuity, arrangements can be made to pay for lessons using BACS or cash.

There is no notice period for ending lessons. However, I do request that all payments are made in advance. Most schools and individuals agree for payments to be made in sets of 5 lessons. I will not teach lessons prior to receiving payment. To avoid embarrassment, please ensure that your child’s lessons are paid for in advance.

Lessons may be cancelled up to 3 hours prior to start time for a 100% reimbursement. Lessons that are cancelled after this point, or which are not attended, will be charged at the full rate.

I’m a beginner, where can I find an instrument?

Musical instruments are a big investment. If you are new to playing your instrument, I strongly recommend that you hire one for a few months before committing to a purchase. Ann Smith, another local music teacher, offers an excellent instrument hire scheme. Her collection of instruments includes flutes, saxophones, and other woodwind, brass and stringed instruments. Ann services instruments before delivering them to you at home, and her standard rental fee is £25/term. I am happy to pass on Ann’s contact details if required.

There are also several specialist instrument stockists in East Anglia, and private purchases can be arranged online too. Always try a specific instrument before buying it, rather than purchasing via online delivery. Each musical instrument plays a bit differently, so checking that it feels good to YOU is very important.

P.S., accidents happen and sometimes instruments get damaged. But NEVER try to repair instruments at home! If there is a problem, send your teacher or supplier a photo and they will advise you about next steps.