Instrumental Tuition

How do I know if my child is ready to learn an instrument?

Lots of you get very excited when your child indicates a strong interest
in a particular instrument and enjoys producing sounds from it. They may not however be ready for formal tuition. The following is a list of necessary skills and attitudes for formal instrumental tuition. . Please feel free to us them as a checklist or guide.

1) A child must be ready to accept the rules, guidelines and suggestions of
the teacher. Will your child still be interested and not frustrated if asked to
play in a certain way?

2) Each week your child must be able to focus on a series of tasks left by
the teacher for him / her to do. Will he / she do them?

3) Successful learning requires motivation. A child with a strong foundation
in movement, vocal development and listening is more likely to be successful
and remain motivated than a child without.

AND SOME NEVERS...

NEVER coerce your child into learning because you didn't get the chance. I
will teach you instead.

NEVER force your child to learn a particular instrument because it will help him / her to get into a high school. The basis of all successful learning is interest and enjoyment.

Free Home Visit

Prior to lessons commencing I will come to meet you and your child and provide them with their first lesson. The lesson will last between 20 and 30 minutes. This will give me a good understanding of their personality and how they learn. I will also get to know your desires for your child's lessons e.g. you may think they are goal orientated or you may think that playing for pure enjoyment is what would suit them best.

Initial trial period

The first 5 lessons are a trial period for both parties. If I or you wish to stop lessons then we can with no cancellation charge.

Payment and Cancellation

Payment happens in advance, either in a 5 week block or every half term. You are able to pay by cheque, cash or electronic transfer. A receipt will be issued upon request.

At least 5 weeks notice or the monetary equivalent must be given if you wish to stop having lessons with me.

Home practise

Please don't expect your child to sit down everyday and do 30 minutes practise. Little and often works much better; say 10 minutes, 5 times a week to begin with.

Showing an interest in your child's learning will contribute greatly to their progress. Praising your child when they obviously are proud of something they've achieved even if it sounded dreadful to you is the positive response they need to spur them on.

Please do expect there to be peaks and troughs with your child's relationship with their instrument. There will be periods of playing 1 piece 10 times a day to everyone including the postman and then there will be other times when your child may seem to treat their instrument as his / her worst enemy.

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Individual policies are drawn up for tuition in schools.

To book instrumental tuition please contact Ali using the contact page