I am a complete beginner. Do you have an instrument I can try to see if I like it?

I don't have a supply of instruments so you will need to obtain one before your first lesson. As a beginner you might want to think about hiring one first. I don't believe any local shops offer this facility so you could try online shops such as Dawkes Music, Myatt, sax.co.uk (for saxes obviously) or uksaxhire. If you want to buy then you might like to consider a second-hand instrument-Dawkes and Myatt can help out here. Be a bit careful with online auction sites-you may get a bargain but any money you save can easily be lost if the instrument requires repair. NOTE: Having said that, John Myatt have their own ebay shop here.

I am ready for my first lesson-can you come to me and do I get a freebie.

Unfortunately not to both of those. Lessons will take place at my house and you will still need to pay for your first lesson. If you sign up and later introduce someone to lessons, you can earn commission.

How long are the lessons.

Most people start with 30 minutes a week. However as you get more advanced I would recommend this be increased to 60 minutes. Lessons will happen every week usually with a break at Christmas. If you are at school or an adult with school age children then breaks can be taken during school holidays as well. Be aware though, as the summer break can last anything up to 8 weeks, not having lessons for this time will have an impact on your progress.

So what's the damage then.

Lessons are £15 per half hour therefore £150 per 10 week term or £300 for 60 minutes per term. Payment for lessons will be in advance (by cash, credit/debit card or PayPal) so that your lesson slot can be reserved. Please note you will be committing to a minimum of 10 weeks at a time. The good news is although everything else is going up as usual, there will be no increase in fees for 2018.

Do tuition fees cover any other expenses?

No. The amount you pay me will only cover the cost of your lessons. I won't charge anything extra for arrangements I may make for you to play, backing CDs or marking theory papers. You will be responsible for the cost of music and any other accessories including reeds where appropriate.

I suppose I will have to practise.

Oh yes! As a beginner you will probably be able to manage 15-20 minutes a day, maybe more as long as you don't overdo it-you will be using muscles that you probably haven't used before. If you are an adult you might want to consider how learning an instrument might impact on your family life. You will need to practise every day so are you able to set aside enough time to do so?

Do I have to have weekly lessons?

This is preferable so I can keep a regular check on your progress. If any mistakes are creeping in they can be corrected quicker than if lessons were irregular. Also time slot priority will be given to students who are having weekly lessons-you might find your lesson day and time changes to match my available spaces. Also if you intend coming to your lesson straight from work will getting stuck in traffic or doing overtime mean you will not be able to get to your lesson. Are you expected to work away for any length of time which can have an effect on practising and progress. If you anticipate missing lessons on a regular basis it will not be possible to add you to my teaching list. Please remember you will be charged for the lessons you do not attend.

I don't want to leave my child on their own.

That is not a problem. You can sit in on the first few lessons if you like-be warned though-you may be required to take part! As space in my teaching room is limited I can only accommodate one additional person. You may find that your child might not necessarily like having an audience.

Do you have a DBS check?

No. A private teacher does not require one or is able to obtain one.

I have an irrational fear of exams.

Not a problem. I do not expect or require my students to do exams if they don't want. I can teach you how to play an instrument purely for your own pleasure.

Some teachers require a contract to be signed before I have lessons-do you and what happens if I don't want to sign anything?

Yes. Don't worry though, it doesn't require you to sign your soul to the Devil or anything-you can read the details here but I will go through the fine print at our first meeting. If you are unable to agree to any of the conditions or just don't want to sign the Agreement then unfortunately the offer of tuition will be withdrawn. I am, however experimenting with a PAYG scheme whereby lessons can be given at a flat rate of £30-regardless of length but no longer than one hour. The lesson will take place when I have an available space and can change each week.

I would like to buy some lessons for my husband/wife/partner/other. Do you offer gift vouchers.

Yes I do. Vouchers are available for 10 x 30 minute lessons costing £150. Please be sure that your husband/wife/partner/other definately wants lessons as the cost is non-refundable. The voucher will expire three months after payment has been accepted.

I am in my 40's-am I too old to have lessons?

Ha ha!! Of course not. My students over the years have ranged from 10 to 66 so age is not a problem for me.

Your list hasn't answered a question I have.

I will keep adding to this page as other questions arise. In the meantime you can call me on 07782 496013 and leave a message and I will call you back to see if I can help.

(updated 12 March 2020)