Tuition FAQs
Where are you based?
I teach all my lessons from my home in Navan, Co Meath (close to the Oliver Plunkett Church). My full address will be provided upon booking.
What hours do you teach?
The bulk of my teaching hours are approximately from 2.30pm until 9pm, Monday – Friday. Earlier times are available upon request.
When do you teach?
I generally follow the school academic year observing school and public holidays etc. However, many students continue throughout the summer months on a slightly more relaxed timetable allowing for holidays etc.
What age should a child start an instrument?
I recommended that 6 or 7 years of age is a good time to begin an instrument depending on the child.
Are you Garda vetted?
Yes.
Do you take complete beginners?
Absolutely, prior musical experience is not required. In fact most of my students have never played a musical instrument or sang before they attend their first lesson, so don't worry at all about only having little or no previous musical experience.
Do you teach Adults?
Yes, certainly! I have many adults who are either starting or coming back to music. I am a firm believer in lifelong learning. I have and continue to have great success with adult beginners and with individual lessons you can relax in privacy and go at your own stress free pace. I have taught many students well beyond retirement age how to sing or play with confidence. While each generation has their preferred music, I try to cater for all ages by ensuring that my students can learn to sing and play the music that they love.
Do I have to do grades?
No, not at all, in fact many of my students want to learn simply for their own pleasure. However studying towards am exam can prove an excellent focus for some students. Many students take this option as they feel it gives them a goal to work towards. It is a positive experience and good to get feedback from another source other than your own music teacher.
Is half an hour long enough of a lesson time for beginners?
It depends on the instrument and the age of the student. I would recommend for a young beginner that a half hour lesson is plenty. In that time the student will get enough material to be able to learn well and develop proper technique. As the student progresses they can move to a longer lesson time. Adults may want to book a longer lesson.
Do I need a piano at home to take piano lessons?
It is ideal if you do have a piano at home, but you can start lessons by using an electric keyboard to practice on at home. I recommend a keyboard which has a touch sensitive response. This means if you press a key harder it will play louder and if you press a key softer it will play quieter.
How much practice should I do each week?
This depends on what level or grade you are on. I recommend a minimum of 15-20 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week for beginners. Although this is the absolute minimum recommendation, students will progress faster and remember more if they are able to practice more often. Shorter practice sessions every day work out much better than longer practice sessions a few times per week. For young children, the practicing goes much better if the parent supervises.
How long does it take to learn an instrument?
There is no set answer to how long it takes to learn an instrument. This varies from student to student and really depends on the individual, how much practicing you do and your age. Playing is a physical skill so it does take repetition to improve. With regular practice a very basic level of playing can be accomplished within a few months. Most of my students take lessons on a long term basis because they find the lessons enjoyable and want to make constant improvement.
Can I take lessons every other week instead of every week?
It is very important that I can check your progress every week. Because of this, I only offer weekly lessons. In addition, it is impossible for me to find a student to fill the gap that is created on the weeks you are not here. If you are an adult student with certain work commitments and are having a lesson before 2.30pm this option may be considered.
If you need any further information please contact me