Lessons

Introduction

My lessons either take place in my music room, or I can offer online lessons. I'm afraid I do not travel. If you come here, you might meet Mango the ginger cat and Rosie the Trailhound. Please let me know if you are allergic or scared so I can keep Rosie and Mango away.
I encourage all my students to call me Sue - even small children. This gives a pleasant informal and friendly feel to the lessons.
I am prepared to teach any age (ideally no younger than 5!), beginners and upwards, and am quite happy if an adult wishes to sit in the lesson.
I don't mind your children / siblings sitting and listening, but they must be able to sit quietly and behave.
I believe that music is to be enjoyed, therefore I will discourage attendance by students who are obviously not interested.

I will ask what you want from lessons, what your goal is - e.g. leisure playing only / exams / both.
If you are a beginner, either I will purchase a suitable book for you, and ask you to reimburse me on your first lesson, or I will advise you which book to purchase.
If you have played before, I will ask you to bring some music which you enjoy playing, or if your lesson is online, to play something you know, so that I can assess you.
I will encourage open communication, so I am aware of any problems, or if you have changed your mind about your goal.

My goal is to have fun!
Practice is very important in order to make progress, but if you have just not been able to do so in any week, do not worry. We'll play something else!
If you are playing for leisure, I will encourage you to bring music you would like to learn, or if your lesson is online, to have available music you'd like to learn.

I teach only on weekdays, during the day until around 6.45pm.
I do not teach at the weekend, except to squeeze you in for a trial, if you can't make your regular lesson, or if you have an exam coming up!
My rates are:

£13.50 for 20 minutes, including trials
(recommended for children under 7 years, or older children with a very short attention span)

£19.00 for 30 minutes
(recommended for children aged 7 upwards, and beginner to intermediate adults)

£26.00 for 40 minutes
(recommended for more experienced players, or if you're working towards an exam)

£31.00 for 50 minutes
(recommended again for more experienced players who just find that the extra 10 minutes makes all the difference!)

£36.00 for 60 minutes
(recommended for those who prefer longer lessons, or if an exam date is imminent!)

Online payment, due by the first scheduled lesson of each month or at the start of each half term
Cash at your lesson if it's a trial, or during the school holidays

If you need to cancel, please give minimum 24 hours notice, and a week if possible.
If I can, I will offer you an alternative during the same week.
If I receive less than 24 hours' notice of cancellation of a lesson, an alternative is not possible or in the case of a no show, unfortunately the full lesson fee will be due. I do not give refunds or offer credit for cancellations.

I usually teach during the holidays, so you will never have to miss lessons for 6 weeks over summer, unless you have a break.
I often take my holidays during term time, although not always.