a piano which is in tune or a keyboard with weighted keys (minimum 76 keys)
a stool that is at a suitable height or is adjustable.
If you are using a keyboard you will also need a music stand.
This may be attached to the keyboard. If not you will need a separate music stand.
Woodwind Students
A good quality second hand or new student model instrument.
I caution against buying a cheap new instrument from the internet. Frequently I see students arrive with a cheap instrument and it has faulty mechanisms and poor workmanship. This requires an expensive repair bill before you can even start playing. You risk spending more than if you had bought a quality second hand instrument.
I strongly recommend talking with your local music store to purchase a quality new or used instrument.
Saxophones and flutes may be available for hire, especially for school students.
Your instrument should come with a protective case and neck strap. You will also need:
spare reeds for saxophones
instrument stand
pull-through cleaning kit
cork grease for saxophones and
stable and portable music stand.
The better quality your instrument, the faster and more enjoyable your progress will be. Online Lessons If your lessons are online, you will need a portable device for lessons via the Zoom meetings app. Ideally this would be a laptop or tablet but a mobile phone will do in a pinch. Not sure how to set up your mobile device for online lessons? Check out my infographic on Facebook here.
What Books Do I Need?
Books and materials are included in the all-inclusive fees. You never need to get any books; I’ll do all that for you. I use a variety of method books to suit different learning styles
Practice Time
Part of learning is daily practice and support from parents is vital. It doesn't matter if you can read music or not, all parents can help at home. To support your child’s success, parents need to:
create a "practice habit". Keep the routine of practice going by getting your child to the piano every day
commit to a set time for practice
keep practice short, frequent and focused. Longer is not better !
sit with your little one to support them while they practice
read the lesson notes to see what your child should be focusing on
remind tweens and teens it is time to practice. They have a lot on!
remove distractions such as siblings, TV, games etc.
ensure your child practices a minimum of 5 days a week
try habit stacking !! Here are some examples:
After I brush my teeth I will practice for 10 minutes.
As soon as I've had afternoon tea, I will practice for 15 minutes.
Tuition Fees
The all-inclusive fees are paid monthly or upfront (for flexipacks). Bank transfer payments are the most convenient, but you can also pay by cash if you prefer. Find my lesson options here.
Location
Lessons are held at my air-conditioned home studio in Ipswich.
Studio Policies
Please take a minute to read my studio policies andCovid Safe Plan. They are designed to make sure the studio runs smoothly and gives every student equal and fair attention.