Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Provide Lessons Remotely?
Yes. If you would prefer a lesson delivered over the Internet, I can provide such lessons using Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts or whichever online video meeting service you prefer.
Preparatory Setup Before the Lesson
- Please note that we will need to keep to a regular lesson time.
- At least one day before your first lesson, I will need you to send me:
- If using Zoom: Your email address so that I can send you the meeting link
- If using Skype: The email address associated with your Skype account and your Skype account ID. (Apparently the email route is more reliable).
- If using Google Hangouts: Your GMail address so that I can send you the meeting link
- If possible, but it isn’t essential, please take a clear photograph of each page of the music sheets you are using and email them to me, ideally as multiple attachments in a single email.
- Ideally ensure that you have headphones or earbuds available to avoid feedback.
For The Lesson Itself
- Please ensure that there isn’t a significant amount of background noise in your location.
- Please have everything setup and ready in good time, by 5 minutes before the start of the lesson. I will try to start as promptly as possible but the previous lesson may run on for a minute or so, as it can do normally when having face-to-face lessons.
- It is best if you wait for me to call you at the start of a lesson. Trying to contact each other at the same time will cause confusion. Please note that when I set you up as a contact for either Skype or Google Hangouts, your Skype/GMail Hangouts will prompt you to ask if you are willing to connect with me. Just click your approval to start the conversation. On subsequent occasions this approval prompt won’t be necessary.
- Headphones/earbuds apparently help avoid feedback but are not essential.
- Please set up your webcam/laptop to give as clear a view of your keyboard as possible, ideally a view along the keyboard from slightly above the level of the keyboard.
At what age should my child start lessons?
I’d recommend starting at age 6 or older. If your child shows an interest in music or is picking out little tunes on the piano, that is a good indication that he/she is ready.
Can my child start lessons if I don’t have a piano?
You can certainly begin lessons and make quite good progress from one week to the next. Obviously there will be more progress with a few practice sessions mid-week. A decent keyboard is a good alternative to a piano and a financially much more reasonable option.
How much practice should my child do?
Little and often is the best way to learn and 5 sessions per week is ideal. For beginners and young children the session can be just 10 minutes.
As a rough guide:
| Level | Amount of Practice |
| Beginner | Five sessions of 10 minutes per week |
| Grades 1 and 2 | Five sessions of 15 to 20 minutes per week |
| Grades 3 and 4 | Five sessions of 20 to 30 minutes per week |
| Grades 5 and 6 | Five sessions of 30 to 40 minutes per week |
| Grades 7 and 8 | Five sessions of 40+ minutes per week |
These are very approximate times for pupils aiming to take grades where time is needed for all 4 elements of the exam.
Obviously this will vary enormously from time to time, but the grades will require approximately this amount of practice.
What if my child doesn’t do enough/any practice?
I wish there were a simple solution to this! It’s worth noting that many pupils go through a rough patch, especially when there are more exciting things to do than practice (I asked my own parents if I could give up more than once!).
It’s important to look for causes (such as work stress at school) or maybe a pupil’s musical tastes change and they’d like quite different pieces.
Often, just acknowledging the “change of heart” plus a change of ‘musical diet’ and going with an easier practice routine is enough to rekindle enthusiasm.
My child only wants to play pop/rock/metal, etc and not classical music.
I’m all for everyone finding the music they love. Any kind of playing will help a pupil’s development.
Should I sit in while my child practises?
This is advisable for beginners and younger children. It’s VERY important to be there purely as “back up” and never to project expectations or judgement.
Generally, children will let their parents know when they’re confident enough to practise alone.
My child is terrified of exams. Does he/she have to take them?
Not at all. The lessons are geared to every pupil’s wishes and best interests.
I’m an adult with limited time to practice. Can I still improve?
Absolutely. A large part of what I teach is really effective practising. If a pupil feels they are progressing despite limited time, their efforts are definitely worthwhile.
I haven’t played for (x) years. Do I have to start all over again?
No. Memory is an amazing thing – despite being “rusty”, almost all previous abilities can return in a relatively short time.
I hate playing scales/studies. Do I have to do them?
Not at all. Although these things have many benefits, much of this can be developed during the studying of pieces.
I can’t read music. Can I still learn to play classics?
Absolutely. It may take a little longer but it is very possible to learn any piece by rote. There is also software available to help this process. Other than that, the lessons will be the same as for those who do read music.
I stumble constantly when I play. Can you help?
Yes. There are very effective ways to overcome this which are all part of learning how to practise effectively.
I get very nervous in exams/auditions. Can you help?
Developing real security and confidence in playing is a huge part of effective practice, something I go into in depth. This will go a very long way to helping any performance.
Is there an upper age limit to learning and improving?
No! If there is a will to learn – learning will take place.
I have mild arthritis in my fingers. Can I still play?
I’m no doctor but my experience is that, as long as it causes no pain, playing the piano (N.B. with the correct technique and relaxation) improves mobility in the hand and fingers.