Welcome.
Everything you need to know
Tuition with me is simple... I teach you what you would like to learn. Here is a quick list of some common questions, anything else may have been asked in the frequently asked questions, or feel free to contact me!
What is a typical lesson like?
Well each slot is 30 mins long. We do a short warm up to get those fingers moving and then review what we did last week. This is your chance to let me know of any problems and I can help you get it right. Then it's time to play... something new... a new technique, a new tune... you can suggest anything you like. Then we recap the lesson, quickly whizz through your practice routine and I upload any files you need to your section of the student area on the web. Back to list
Do I have to own and/or bring a guitar?
Not really as you can borrow one of mine. I have guitars for students to use in the lesson if you struggle bringing yours with you say on the bus or straight from school/work. Also if you are new to guitar you might not own one so just come and try it out before you buy. I also offer a rental scheme where you can rent a guitar and take it home with you to practice with. That way you can be sure you want to learn and have picked the right option for you, plus for example electric guitar can be costly if you are not sure what to play! Back to list
Do I have to be able to read music?
Only if you wish to learn classical is this required. For all other types it's up to you! You can just play using TAB but it would be helpful to learn to recognise rhythms (don't need to worry about what note it is though!). This will improve your playing and help to keep you in time with your favourite songs (plus needed for exams if you are interested in taking any). Back to list
Can I do exams with you?
I don’t ever put you in for an exam unless this is something you want to do, I believe it depends on why you are learning so it’s a personal choice. But of course you can do exams if you’d like too - for electric there is the Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT) and Rockschool exams, for acoustic there is RGT, for classical there is the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams and for bass there is RGT and Rockschool exams. Back to list
Can I stay with my child?
Of course you can as there is plenty of room for another person! This helps actually with the younger ones as you know exactly what they need to practice. Once a child is more confident they can be left on their own with me and you can pop to the shops! I have been CRB checked and you are more than welcome to see my certificate so please do not hesitate to ask! Back to list
Do you do home visits?
No sorry, but there are plenty of good reasons why! You actually get a better lesson at my studio with all of my equipment, books and computer. This means you have access to anything you need. Plus there's my guitars, leads, spare strings and different amp sounds (making your guitar sound from distorted to clean). I can also record you playing, sounds scary but it isn't. It really helps as you can listen back and evaluate. I also have software that slows down a song making it easier to practice, and other instrument sounds that we can add together to make cool songs (we hope!). Back to list