FAQs

I’ve struggled with traditional lessons in the past. Is your approach different? Absolutely. Everyone’s brain is wired differently. In addition to my 20+ years of music teaching, I am a qualified ADHD coach. This means I’m highly experienced in adapting my lessons for neuro-divergent students. I use flexible, dopamine-friendly teaching methods that cut through the frustration and keep the focus on the joy of playing. How long do lessons normally last and how often should I have them? Lessons can be in-person, online or even a mixture of both if you prefer. They are usually 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length, weekly or fortnightly. How much do lessons cost and how do I pay for them? As of 2020, the lesson rate is £18 per 30 minutes (or multiples of 30 minutes) paid for by standing order or bank transfer. This makes the process quick and simple. There is no contract or tie-in at all: a standing order can be cancelled or amended by you at any time. How many lessons do I need? Think of guitar lessons as being like learning a language. Some may be happy with enough basics to get served in a restaurant, some may want or need to become fluent. I have taught people of all ages and abilities for just a few weeks up to well over a decade! Can I mix online and in-person lessons? Of course you can. I don't want to do grades. Is that okay? Most people I've ever taught don't go down the grading route. I'd estimate roughly 10%. Usually people take grades to enable access to college and University courses. Are guitar lessons scary? Not at all. There is no pressure from me at all. Learning guitar should be structured for sure, but always fun! Can I wait inside whilst my partner/child has a lesson or if I arrive early? There is a comfortable waiting room, but this isn't in use currently because of the Covid situation. It will be in use again as restrictions relax. Are online lessons as effective as in-person lessons? The vast majority of my pupils find that they are, although obviously they're different. Did you know that you can record Zoom and Skype, meaning that you can keep the lessons for future use and reference? That works well for people! I'm a complete beginner and have no musical background. Can I really become proficient? Absolutely! In fact many of the world's great players and songwriters aren't from "musical backgrounds" and we all start at the very beginning! The vast majority of us have musical potential. It just needs the right approach, time and patience to bring it out! I can get guitar tuition elsewhere for less. Why should I pay more? Guitar tuition in general is an unregulated area meaning that literally anyone who can play guitar to any level can claim to be a guitar teacher! This can lead to you having lessons with someone unqualified, inexperienced and just plain old bad at teaching! This could put you off learning guitar, and that would be a great shame! Do you teach any other instruments? Debbie teaches vocals here and I teach drums too. Get in touch for details, as spaces are limited. What Exam Syllabuses do you follow? Usually Registry of Guitar Tutors (University of West London), but also Rockschool when needed. I can incorporate other exam boards into my lessons as required. Can you help with my GCSE/A Level music exams? Absolutely. I do that frequently!

I’ve struggled with traditional lessons in the past. Is your approach different? Absolutely. Everyone’s brain is wired differently. In addition to my 20+ years of music teaching, I am a qualified ADHD coach. This means I’m highly experienced in adapting my lessons for neuro- divergent students. I use flexible, dopamine-friendly teaching methods that cut through the frustration and keep the focus on the joy of playing. How long do lessons normally last and how often should I have them? Lessons can be in-person, online or even a mixture of both if you prefer. They are usually 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length, weekly or fortnightly. How much do lessons cost and how do I pay for them? As of 2020, the lesson rate is £18 per 30 minutes (or multiples of 30 minutes) paid for by standing order or bank transfer. This makes the process quick and simple. There is no contract or tie-in at all: a standing order can be cancelled or amended by you at any time. How many lessons do I need? Think of guitar lessons as being like learning a language. Some may be happy with enough basics to get served in a restaurant, some may want or need to become fluent. I have taught people of all ages and abilities for just a few weeks up to well over a decade! Can I mix online and in-person lessons? Of course you can. I don't want to do grades. Is that okay? Most people I've ever taught don't go down the grading route. I'd estimate roughly 10%. Usually people take grades to enable access to college and University courses. Are guitar lessons scary? Not at all. There is no pressure from me at all. Learning guitar should be structured for sure, but always fun! Can I wait inside whilst my partner/child has a lesson or if I arrive early? There is a comfortable waiting room, but this isn't in use currently because of the Covid situation. It will be in use again as restrictions relax. Are online lessons as effective as in-person lessons? The vast majority of my pupils find that they are, although obviously they're different. Did you know that you can record Zoom and Skype, meaning that you can keep the lessons for future use and reference? That works well for people! I'm a complete beginner and have no musical background. Can I really become proficient? Absolutely! In fact many of the world's great players and songwriters aren't from "musical backgrounds" and we all start at the very beginning! The vast majority of us have musical potential. It just needs the right approach, time and patience to bring it out! I can get guitar tuition elsewhere for less. Why should I pay more? Guitar tuition in general is an unregulated area meaning that literally anyone who can play guitar to any level can claim to be a guitar teacher! This can lead to you having lessons with someone unqualified, inexperienced and just plain old bad at teaching! This could put you off learning guitar, and that would be a great shame! Do you teach any other instruments? Debbie teaches vocals here and I teach drums too. Get in touch for details, as spaces are limited. What Exam Syllabuses do you follow? Usually Registry of Guitar Tutors (University of West London), but also Rockschool when needed. I can incorporate other exam boards into my lessons as required. Can you help with my GCSE/A Level music exams? Absolutely. I do that frequently!

Frequently Asked Questions

Book a lesson today

It’s estimated that 30-40% of people in creative industries are neuro-divergent, and

I’ve found that the same techniques that help these students thrive -patience, clear

structure, and adaptive communication-benefit all my students. Whether you’re a

total beginner or a seasoned player, my goal is to tailor my teaching to exactly how

you learn best.

Book a lesson

today

It’s estimated that 30-40% of people in creative

industries are neuro-divergent, and I’ve found that the

same techniques that help these students thrive -

patience, clear structure, and adaptive communication-

benefit all my students. Whether you’re a total beginner

or a seasoned player, my goal is to tailor my teaching to

exactly how you learn best.