FAQ

Click here for my Studio Policy.

  1. What is your musical experience, both professional and educational?

    I’ve been playing the guitar for about 25 years. Knowledge of the music industry.
    20 years of expertise and experience in recording studios.

    Formal guitar credentials up to Grade 8, as well as a Btec National Diploma in Music Performance with a diverse teaching background that includes special needs and adults. I am a certified Registry of Guitar Tutors member.

  2. How long have you been a teacher? What age groups do you teach?

    I have taught the guitar on and off for around 5 years teaching ages from early teenagers to young and older adults.

  3. How do you keep up with your professional development?

    I have a practice schedule to keep the chops up and I am also pursuing my BA(Hons) in Music at the Open University, as well as my Diploma from The London College Of Music – DipLCM in Teaching.

  4. Do you have a studio policy in writing? Will you have a look at it with me?

    I am always here if you have any questions or queries. I am currently working on my Studio Policy, and I will link it here when it is completed.

  5. Do you assess your students’ development on a frequent basis?

    I assess students’ development every time we interact. As far as formal assessments go, I do teach the Registry of Guitar Tutors syllabus from grade 1 all the way to grade 8. There are examinations and certificates to be earned for each grade! These examinations are held by trained examiners at official RGT testing centres.

  6. What kind of teaching materials do you implement?

    As far as teaching materials go, the sky is the limit with the internet and technology these days. I like to learn with a more traditional approach using books at the core and using pragmatism to incorporate the equipment and technology a student has access to.

    If the student wants to study for certified graded exams, then we will encourage the student to purchase the appropriate learning books and materials, to which I can provide a member discount.

  7. What types of music do you educate?

    I teach the fundamentals to be fluent in most styles of music. The core of my teaching is to focus on Music Theory and expand the student’s repertoire and appreciation for different musical styles. If a student shows keenness and interest in a particular musical genre I always encourage them to focus on that if it’s what they enjoy!

  8. What other areas do you cover in your teaching?

    I cover many areas during my teaching sessions which cover music technology, modern recording techniques and their uses, how to build a practice routine that works for the individual using a person-centred approach, music production, mixing and mastering songs and musical software. Also, learning to read/write music which makes people good at Math!

  9. Do students have to perform in studio recitals throughout the year?

    This is not necessary if the student does not want to. I would encourage playing live whenever possible and in front of an audience, it is the best.

  10. Do you provide your pupils with other performance opportunities, such as festivals and competitions?

    I do not provide these services myself, but I will support any student who strives to perform if it means helping them with practising and performing.

  11. Do you make use of computers, music education software, and digital keyboards in your studio?

    I absolutely do! One amazing fact about music is how everything in the industry is evolving all the time. Computers provide amazing input and have almost zero thresholds when it comes to learning applications. I use software called Guitar Pro and often my learning materials are sent electronically via this format. If the student has access to a digital keyboard or a midi keyboard + PC then learning music is much more streamlined.

  12. How much practice time do you really need daily?

    I recommend it as much as you can!

    Anywhere from 10 minutes to 3 hours to 9 hours. It all depends on how much time the student has and how much dedication, discipline and motivation they possess.

    When I work with the student to create a practice schedule, however, I am working around the basis that most students will practice on average for 30 minutes to one hour per day, a minimum of 10-15 minutes. As exams draw near, you’re looking at around at least one hour per day of structured and logged practice.

  13. What do you require of your students and expect from their parents?

    I require that the student be punctual, enjoy learning music and practice the guitar! As far as parents go then having excellent communication skills is essential. For example, I require 24-48 hours of lesson cancellation notice if possible.

  14. What is the role of the parent?

    Having an active interest in your child’s learning journey is ideal. I find when the parents are receptive to what’s happening with their child’s learning then progress can be more efficient with good support!

  15. Do you have a per-lesson fee or a monthly fee?

    I charge for one-off lessons, per month or per term.