Lesson FAQs

Do I need to read music? No, you would be learning to read as you go.
How long are lessons?  Depending on your level lessons would normally be 30 or 60 minutes long on a weekly basis, generally following the school term.
How much practice will I/my child have to do? The beauty of playing an instrument is that progress is generally dictated by your enthusiasm. The harder you work, the quicker you move forward and the music becomes more and more interesting. At the beginning it is very helpful if you can do a 10 minute burst of practice once a day. Sometimes family and/or working life doesn’t accommodate every day practice but you should certainly aim to playing 4 or 5 times a week. The length of practice will increase as you want to master more complex playing. It is important to build muscle memory and regular practice is the best way of doing this.
I’m a parent and ‘not musical’. How can I help my child practice? There is no need for a parent to be able to play or read music. Small achievable tasks will be set each week for the pupil. General support and interest is all that is required from the parent. Very quickly your child will be able to practice by themselves.
What if my child isn’t practising? Playing an instrument is another expense to family life and contact would be made to let you know if I felt that there was a lack of practice over a prolonged period. Mainly there is a clear reason for this –too busy/not in a routine/ doesn’t want to play – help would be given where possible, working with the pupil and parents to make changes. Ultimately though, it’s not for everyone and  communication helps prevent parents paying for something that isn’t working in the end.
Is my child physically suited to play the flute? Happy to advise on this. It’s recommended to have a consultation before embarking on lessons. If your child’s arms are not quite long enough then they will find practice very tiring. There are ways around this with special flutes if your child is desperate to play, or perhaps it might suit better to begin on the fife. A good starting age is 10 but this will depend on a child’s physique. Players sometimes start as young as 8 …or even as late on as 60!
Will my child sit music exams? The answer to this is case specific. Gwen has entered well over 400 pupils for Associated Board & Trinity College exams. In time, most players like to know where there playing is at and feel a real sense of achievement when they receive their fancy certificate! However it’s not for everyone and as long as each individual is making progress at their pace, then that’s great!
Lessons seem expensive? It’s no doubt more expensive than group activities but your child will receive one to one attention meaning that the lessons are tailor made to their learning styles, helping them make the most of their strengths and helping them with any challenges. The rate is based on the Musician’s Union’s recommendations and competitively reflects experience.
What about insurance? Yes. The Musicians’ Union who cover Public Liability. I have a full and current PVG and regularly attends child protection training sessions.
If I am bringing my child to a lesson do I sit in whilst they are being taught?  You are very welcome to sit in on lessons or you can collect your child at the end of the lesson.