What about books? Are these included in the price of a lesson? Or do I need to obtain books myself?

Books need to be ordered by the parents.

 

What if I am late getting my child to their lesson?

The lesson will start when your child arrives, but the lost time cannot be made up at the end of a lesson when another pupil is about to start their lesson. All lessons must start and finish on time.

 

What if I am late picking up my child?

Please make every effort to pick up your child at the agreed time the lesson ends. If you are late your child will have wait in the hall until you arrive. Although it may be interesting for your child to observe and listen from there to another pupil’s lesson this isn’t really totally fair on the other pupil or the parent of the pupil who has arranged for a one to one private lesson. It can be disturbing and disruptive for the other pupil when finally, the door-bell rings and I have to see your child to the door as I cannot allow the child to let themselves out themselves as this would be totally unacceptable from a child protection view point.

I understand that heavy traffic can interfere with being able to arrive in time. However, lesson times cannot be adjusted on the day depending on the parent’s ability to get their child to the lesson as there are other pupil’s lessons to be considered as well as in addition to my own planned and necessary breaks.

 

Can I sit in on my child’s lesson?

Yes. I do encourage parents to do this from time to time, and obviously more frequently with the younger children. A parent can see how the lesson is structured, how much work is covered and get an insight into how well the pupil is doing within the assessment.

Some of the lesson will deal with HOW to practise efficiently at home and in what areas. Realistic targets will be set, and notes are made in the notebook so both pupil and parent can read them, recapping points raised in the lessons to provide a reminder of the lesson content.

However, there are also enormous benefits to a child having a special one to one with myself. If a parent is always present at a lesson, it is more difficult to build up a special rapport with the pupil. This is fundamental to the teacher-child relationship build up from which learning can be more natural, relaxed and fun, so if you would like to sit in on a lesson please do so occasionally though I would rather this be restricted to just one parent.

On one or two extraordinary occasions I have had an entire family sit in on a child’s lesson. Although useful for both parents however, if siblings are present, I find one of the parents has to deal with the sibling which can be distracting for both myself and the pupil. So, in summary, if you want to sit in on lessons please do so but I’d prefer just one parent please and only in exceptional circumstances the presence of another child.

 

Can I arrange extra lessons?

Yes, this is usually possible, but would depend on the current timetable. Many parents request extra lessons during the weeks leading up to exams. These must be arranged well in advance of the particular exam week. It may not always be possible to accommodate this, as there may be several pupils requesting extra lessons and please also do bear in mind that it is the work done several months before an exam which is the most important time for preparation. Practise cannot be crammed in during the final few days before an exam as it may be with academic subjects.

I like to focus on the polishing of subtle musical detail, exam technique, running through mock exam scenarios and generally building up of confidence towards the performance and helping nurture a really positive attitude in the weeks prior to an examination. It may also be worth considering that I am only prepared to enter a pupil when all three pieces are accurate in notation and rhythm and fingering, so, with this in mind, be aware of the closing dates for exam entry submissions which are mid-January, April and September.

 

Do lessons take place in the school holidays?

The three main blocks will incorporate periods of no lessons which will tend to correspond with school holiday periods. In August, there will be a three week break, in December, a two week break and at Easter and October a one week break. There may be weeks when lessons will continue such as the last week in July and the first week of August and other times when your child is not at school because their particular school has a different holiday week to other schools. On the whole I do aim to coincide weeks of no lessons with the local school’s holidays which the majority of my pupils attend. If you plan to be going away on holiday immediately the school breaks up in July I can usually organise replacement lessons for these missed lessons as long as I am notified in good time.

 

When do you take your holidays?

I tend to plan my holidays within the school breaks. Very occasionally I may take time off within term time and notification of this time is given to parents at the start of a new term.

 

What if I want to terminate lessons?

One month’s written notice is required for termination as per clause 6 in the Terms and Conditions document. Once the agreement document has been signed by the parent or adult pupil and myself all aspects including this this becomes binding.

 

What if I wish my child to have a break from lessons to concentrate on school exam studies?

This is a very infrequent request. On the rare occasion I have agreed to this I have found it to be disruptive. Most pupils are keen to continue their lessons throughout school exam periods. If necessary, the odd lesson can be rescheduled if they clash with exams or revision days. The activity of practice and attending lessons can be mentally restful and therapeutic. Usually musical individuals do not want their precious hobby to be interrupted. I will however consider this if absolutely necessary.

 

Do exams have to be taken?

No. The decision to do an exam is arrived at via mutual consent by myself, the pupil and parent. The pupil must be totally positive about it from the start otherwise it is a totally futile endeavour. Exams must be taken seriously.

 

Are you able to help with GCSE Music?

Yes. I am happy to assist in whatever is brought to a lesson. Many pupils have mentioned that they have to do a composition as part of their GCSE, and I can help get them going with ideas and the developing of ideas, structuring a composition, and helping the individual to present it in written music format. I often get involved in helping pupils prepare their chosen pieces for performance, and also assisting with ensemble preparation. I am happy to be involved and go along to the school to help in performance ensembles which I have done on several occasions in the past.

 

Do you give lessons at the pupil’s home?

No. All my pupils attend lessons at Orrell or at my home. I feel this is much more beneficial for the pupil.

 

Does my child know what to work on between lessons?

Yes. Notes are made in the pupils note book during the lesson, usually an assessment of progress made, comments, directions, information regarding all of the areas covered in the lesson and specific new targets set for the week ahead, so please encourage your child to read the notes I have made very carefully each week. If notes are not read, it will have been a waste of my time doing this (and your money!). This is an important aspect of the lessons.

 

Do you issue end of term written reports?

No. I make plenty of notes in the pupil’s note book at each lesson so if you get into the habit of reading the notes regularly you will get a good picture of the progress that is being made regularly. If any parent wishes to speak to me about their child, please telephone me. Lunchtimes area good time to catch me, however it may be a good idea to suggest a time (via email) when you can be contacted during the day time. I am usually unable to talk during the evenings and Saturdays which are my busiest periods. Mornings and early afternoons are better during the times when I may not be teaching, so it’s best to give me a few optional times, or just keep trying. Please do not expect an in-depth conversation on the door step, when another pupil is about to start their lesson. I prefer (and I am sure you would also) a discussion in private.

 

My Child is currently attending music lessons at school. Do you think it will be okay to have the private lesson alongside?

Possibly. I prefer to teach a child the basics myself. I have found when pupils come to me having had lessons with other teachers, there are often many bad habits already in place which can be difficult and sometimes impossible to rectify. However, it can also be good for a pupil to experience different teachers from time to time. At the beginner level there can be a tendency for conflicting methods to be confusing for the child especially at a young age. (One example would be the learning of stave notes with different sayings). Every teacher has their own preferred method. If a pupil is learning a specific piece with one teacher, I tend not to interfere with the teaching of that particular piece, though I will help if specifically asked, but on the whole, I think it is best if one teacher oversees the development of a piece from the initial stage through to the finished performance. Alternative ideas with how to learn tricky passages can be advantageous to the pupil if a pupil is struggling, as sometimes trying out an alternative method may help the pupil, but to get involved in a piece which is work in progress has to be undertaken with great care I feel.

 

Do you prepare and enter pupils for festivals?

Over the past seven years I have had a small number of pupils take part in Crosby, Southport and Rainhill festivals when they have been running. Crosby sadly has now finished. Some parents have entered their children themselves to take part in festivals in other areas of the country. Festivals take place all over the UK and abroad.

If you are interested in your child taking part in a festival these can offer a good opportunity to showcase you child performing their exam pieces and help them to gain confidence but do bear in mind the closing dates for entry are very early and often months prior to the event date. If you are interested do let me know.

 

Is it ok to purchase music books in addition to the ones you recommend?

Yes of course, by all means do this. The more music your child has access to and explores the better! The cultivation of healthy curiosity is to be encouraged for sure. Exploring music has many advantages including the development of good sight-reading skills.

 

How often do you organise concerts?

I like to bring the pupils together for at least one main event each year. I send out invitations and expect the pupil to prepare a piece to a good standard during the weeks leading up to the event.

 

What do you consider to be good progress with regard to grade exams?

The average progress tends to be a grade per year, but there is no reason why pupils can’t progress more rapidly. In the past I have had pupils taking grades more frequently, but these are the pupils who invest a lot of time in practice and probably do a minimum of an hour’s practise each day. Achieving grade levels should not be the sole point of learning the piano. If grades are pursued relentlessly one after the other, much can be missed, such as the study of alternative repertoire, ensemble, creative work, repertoire, and the study of technical areas, which build skills that will help the grasp of new pieces to be manageable and tackled easily within the next grade level.

 

Are you CRB checked?

Yes

 

Are you a member of a musical affiliation?

I am a member of E.P.T.A. (European Piano Teachers Association).

 

What are your qualifications?

I have a B.A.( Hons) a combined subjects degree with Music as a main subject area, the other areas being Art and Psychology, (I studied this course for four years at The College of Ripon and York St John, Affiliated to Leeds University).

I hold a Certificate of Teaching

I have Grade 8 Piano (ABRSM)

I have Grade 7 Violin (Trinity Guildhall)

I have an ATCL in piano performance (Associate of Trinity College London)

 

Keeping abreast of the current teaching climate.

Over the last fifteen years I have attended regularly the Manchester piano teacher forum meetings which were founded by Miss Joan Greenburgh and co-ordinated by Doctor Valerie Langfield. As well as sharing thoughts ideas and issues in general amongst the teacher group, we invite guest speakers from time to time. I also attend, usually as an observer, the Chethams Summer School which was the brainchild of Kathryn and Murray McLachlan.  This runs in August and is in its nineteenth year next year and is a fabulous opportunity for anyone to soak up the wealth of musical culture on offer. I am also a member of a variety of on line forums.  

 

Do you teach any other instruments?

I teach violin.

 

Do you teach singing?

No. I am often asked this question. I teach basic exercises to assist in the singing part of the aural examination. I encourage singing as it can be enormously beneficial.

 

Is it possible to attend lessons just for theory only?

Yes, and I currently have a couple of pupils who do this.

 

Are there any other details I should be aware of as a parent?

I ask all parents to make sure their children arrive for lessons with their mobile phones on silent. Please bring all books including notebook. No chewing-gum. No sweets (unless I can have one!) No muddy shoes (if caked in mud please leave at the door). No sticky, inky or dirty fingers are allowed on the piano keys. 

 

I expect good behaviour and co-operation at all times in all lessons. Bad behaviour, answering back and laziness will not be tolerated, so please bear in mind if I decide to terminate lessons I may do so if I feel progress is not happening as it should due to incompatible attitudes. Also, pupils should be alert in lessons. If I experience pupils yawning and concentration is lacking I will bring this to the parent’s attention if it tends to become persistent. I like pupils to arrive two minutes early and in this period, they should be taking off their coat and getting their books out of their bags in preparation.

 

On the matter of girls with acrylic nails, please do consider that these will very much hinder piano playing. The teaching of technique will be totally impossible as will being able to play in general so please do consider the practicality of this aspect when contemplating a trip to the nail salon. It is far more impressive to be able to play the piano beautifully than flaunt decorated nail extensions! If absolutely necessary I can focus on music theory and aural training during lessons until the wretched things are removed or drop off!

 

If your child has a cough or cold, please remind them to get into the habit of sneezing into a tissue. There are always plenty of tissues in the piano room. If I see a child put their fingers in their mouth or sneeze onto their hands, I immediately ask them to wipe their hands with an antibacterial wipe. I try to eliminate the spreading of germs from one pupil to another and myself via the piano keys. The keys are cleansed daily before each teaching period.

 

Do you do accompaniment work?

I am happy to consider accompaniment for non-piano instrumentalists for exams and concerts as long as I am contacted at the latest at the start of the term the exam will be taken (i.e. September for a November exam, January for March exam, April for a June exam etc. Ideally earlier! I will look at the piano score and let you know at this point if I agree to it, which will depend on the complexity of the music and working out and if I will have enough time to practise it. Usually I like to get together with the instrumentalist for one or more rehearsals well before the exam/event.

I do charge for this and these prices will vary depending on the difficulty of the music and how much time I feel I will need to work on the accompaniment part. Please bear in mind that I will probably have to spend time rearranging my own regular teaching on the day of the exam/event, and for any rehearsals arranged, which is another reason I need enough time beforehand to plan ahead in order to make the necessary arrangements. There is also my time and expense involved in travelling to and from the venue, so although initially the fee may seem expensive, it is not when all of the above is taken into account. If I agree to do the accompaniment you are guaranteed a quality accompaniment and my promise to be reliable and available for you.

In the past I have had many enquiries for accompaniment work at the eleventh hour when a teacher or someone else has pulled out for whatever reason, and unfortunately it is usually difficult to step in at this late stage especially if the scores are complex at high grade levels. I will consider helping you if the music is relatively straightforward and I am able to rearrange lessons without too much trouble, so it is always worth enquiring letting me know and outlining the works involved. I will try to find someone else if I am not able to do it.

 

In conclusion

If you have a question I have not addressed, please drop me an email via the contacts page and I will be happy to answer your question.

I hope all the above is helpful. Your cooperation is important in helping everything to run smoothly and essentially in helping you to learn how to play the piano well.