Frequently Asked Questions

The studio is found in Holtspur, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. It is easily accessed by coming off the M40 near High Wycombe (Tesco/Dreams Roundabout in Loudwater).

All new students from September 2021 onwards are expected to be brought to the studio for the lessons. Further, as part of my safeguarding policy, students must have at least one adult present for the entire lesson.

My fees are subject to change. Since September 2022 the fees are as follows. Fees are cumulative each week for a family. E.G one family of beginners with two 30 minute lessons a week = one hour = £43. Families are strongly encouraged to pursue two lessons a week for the youngest beginners to get them off to a good start.

Up to grade 5

Half an hour: £25

45 minutes: £34

One hour: £43

Grades 6 and 7

MINIMUM 45 MINUTES

45 minutes: £40

One hour: £46

Grade 8 and diploma levels

MINIMUM ONE HOUR

One hour: £50

One hour and a half: £70

I teach all ages over 4, and thus far have taught people up to the age of 66. I would say that I am most confident, experienced, and at my best as a teacher working with children between the ages of 5 and 13, however students outside of this age range have also had very positive outcomes of which I can speak proudly.

Very young students will be assessed for their readiness to take piano lessons. This is to ensure that they do not begin piano lessons at the wrong time, which can be harmful to their piano experience. 

I have taught some students with special needs, and with positive results. I am not specially trained to teach with students with learning disabilities however, and so I would suggest for such children that we have a meeting and discussion to ensure that I am the right fit for the child.

I organize one student recital each term for my students to have the opportunity to perform, try out new repertoire, and gain experience and confidence. 

Yes, in the early stages from ages 4-11 regular adult supervision is needed to support and encourage daily practicing and to reinforce points covered in the lesson. This is how the child will make the best progress possible. 

I have prepared students for exams ranging from Grade 1 up to ARSM (post Grade 8) level with many of them achieving merits and distinctions. I enjoy preparing my pupils for them and watching how students progress in working towards a goal like this.

I see exams as being part of the whole, in that working on three pieces, scales and sight reading may at certain points in a student's development be exactly what he/she needs to be sufficiently challenged. However, I do not drive students from exam to exam, relentlessly entering them for the next one as soon as they finish the previous one. There is much more repertoire and music out there to learn, and exams cannot create a complete musician. This is important to know before starting lessons with me - I will use exams when I feel they benefit the overall learning experience and not just for their own sake or because of external factors such as school portfolios.