FAQs (Frequently asked questions)

 
My child has expressed an interest in the piano. When is it a good age to begin lessons?
Ages 5 ½-6 is a good age to begin formal lessons. There are exceptions, however, but generally lessons can begin when the child is familiar with the alphabet and has basic numeric and co-ordination skills.

 

We only have a keyboard at home, not a piano. Will this make a difference to the way my child develops on the instrument?
If the keyboard is full-sized (i.e 88 keys), or as near to, and has good weighted keys (more commonly known as ‘keyboard resistance’), then this shouldn’t be a problem. Some people are unable to accommodate a piano in their homes, and keyboards are often a very good alternative. Not only are they portable, but they don’t require the regular tuning and maintenance of an acoustic piano.  A full-sized keyboard by the way can also refer to synthesizers or electric pianos that contain a certain amount of keys or that have key size and spacing similar to that on most pianos. This may be a little confusing since a synthesizer called full size might only have 61 keys, while the average piano has about 88.

 

We don’t want to buy a piano or keyboard if we think that our child may give up lessons after a short time? Is there a less expensive option? 
Many good piano shops will offer some kind of monthly hire option (many starting as low as £35 a month), and some will even include the cost of the first tuning. If your child decides to continue, and you would like to purchase the piano at the end of the hire term, then most shops will also allow you to offset the hire costs against the eventual purchase cost of the instrument. If you don’t want to hire a piano, there are a number of shops that will hire out keyboards also.

 

I understand that it’s important to practise between lessons. How much time should my child be practising between lessons? 
Of course, if your child is to make any progress, then it’s very important that they practise between each lesson.  Time is not the important factor here. What is achieved during the practising is more important than how much time is spent doing it. It’s a difficult lesson to learn, but if the child is taught correctly from the beginning, then it’s a skill they have for life. Generally speaking, however, most kids starting out can benefit from 10 minutes a day, and then building up gradually, depending on level, age and ability. A practice notebook is a necessity, and Tim will write down exactly what needs to be practised and how this is to be done. Tim ensures regular contact with all his students’ parents, whether in person, by e-mail or by phone, so that everyone knows exactly what is going on and what needs to be achieved.

 

I’ve just come across your website, but how do I know if you are 1) a good teacher first of all and 2) the right teacher for my child?
Firstly, the best way to establish whether I am any good or not is to get a personal recommendation from an existing parent or student. I will always arrange a non-obligatory consultation lesson for all my new students, making you fully aware of how and what I teach, thus allowing you to make up your mind before starting. All parents are allowed to sit in on the lessons should they wish to. Furthermore, I have been teaching for over 25 years, and my busy practice and student examination successes speak volumes. In addition to this, I am a fully paid up member of two of the most respected musical organisations, the ISM (The Incorporated Society of Musicians) and EPTA (The European Piano Teachers’ Association). Of course, no one size fits all, and no one student will be the same as the other, so if for whatever reason you are not completely satisfied, I will do my best to find you an alternative teacher.

 

Are your lesson prices reasonable and how do I pay, once I’ve agreed to start?
My fees reflect both my teaching experience and qualifications. If you consider that I aim to give all my students an invaluable life-long and pleasurable skill, then my fees are more than reasonable. I invoice all my clients for a term (approximately 10-12 weeks) in advance, and asked to be paid by or before the initial lesson. Terms and conditions apply, so please read these and download from this website when necessary. Payment can be made by cheque or bank transfer, either directly to me in person or via this website. I make every effort to accommodate as many people as possible, and for those individuals facing difficult financial circumstances, I am able to offer monthly payment plans.

 

What kind of teaching styles do you offer?
My teaching is classically based, and I aim to give all my students, whatever age and ability, a solid technical and musical foundation. However,  I want to introduce my students to as many different musical styles as possible, whether it’s jazz, rock or pop, and to encourage them to learn by ear and to write their own compositions.

 

Are there any particular music books that my child will need, and do I need to buy them?
No one size fits all, and Tim will make his assessment and take care of all the musical needs himself.  If he thinks you should get something, he will let you know. At the early stages, only one or two books are required and, as your child progresses, there will obviously be more. However, Tim has an extensive musical library, and students are encouraged to borrow whatever they might want.

 

Do you organise concerts for any of your students?
There are always informal concert opportunities, for those who wish to play, and Tim is always encouraging his students to play not only solo repertoire but duets as well. Tim is also a great supporter of those kids who wish to perform at musical events at school too.

 

Do you enter kids for exams?
I encourage all my students, even the young ones (the ABRSM Prep Test is a great introduction), to do the ABRSM graded exams and occasionally other examination boards as well. However, each student is different and I will never force anyone into an examination situation if they feel uncomfortable in any way.