Frequently Asked Questions

Lessons take place at my home in Rainford, St Helens.

I also offer lessons online via Zoom.

Individual Lessons:

• 60 minutes → £35.00
• 45 minutes → £28.50
• 30 minutes → £20.00

Blocks of Four (Discounted):

• 4 x 60 min lessons → £126.00 (£31.50 per lesson)
• 4 x 45 min lessons → £102.00 (£25.50 per lesson)
• 4  x 30 min lessons → £72.00 (£18.00 per lesson)

Blocks of lessons are payable in advance.

I tailor each lesson to the individual, whether that be working towards grades, an upcoming performance or simply playing for pleasure. I don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but once warmed up, we would incorporate elements of technique, performance skills and theoretical knowledge into the music we were working on. It’s very important to take lessons at the right pace for you, so I aim to create a relaxed and supportive environment in each session and adapt to the needs and aspirations of each student.

If you need to cancel a lesson, please contact me at least 24 hours before the scheduled lesson time to avoid being charged. 

Yes, I hold an Enhanced DBS.

Yes, I offer lessons online via Zoom. I have an external webcam and professional microphone to improve the quality of the call. You will receive a link to join the call before each lesson.

Should you want to listen back to your lesson at a later date, I am able to record and send the audio file on request. Please note that I will never record a lesson without the student’s permission and where necessary, the permission of a parent/guardian. Recordings will never be shared with anyone but the student.

No, I don’t offer group lessons. Everyone learns at a different pace and benefits from a different teaching style. I believe that students make more progress on a 1-to-1 basis.

Everyone learns differently, but I find that 30 minute lessons work well for young children and complete beginners, with the flexibility to move to longer lessons should they wish to. Students with existing experience and adult learners may prefer 45 or 60 minute lessons in order to cover more ground in each session.

I teach children and adults, from complete beginners with little to no existing musical knowledge, right the way through to advanced players. If you are unsure of your current ability, don’t worry, just get in touch to discuss how I can help you.

Yes, you will need your own instrument, however renting is a great option for those who aren’t quite ready to purchase a flute or saxophone. Please get in touch if you would like more information about renting schemes prior to starting lessons.

No, absolutely not. Many students decide to take practical exams on their instrument and they can be a great way of progressing. However, this route isn’t for everyone and I very much encourage learning an instrument for pleasure, too! We can work on all aspects of your playing without completing grades.

No, you don’t need to learn to read music, but I would recommend it where possible. Learning music by ear is highly beneficial for your listening skills and many great musicians never learnt to read musical notation; however being able to do so is a huge advantage. A combination of both styles of learning will be really useful long-term.

It’s never too late! Whilst you may find it more difficult to begin learning an instrument from scratch later in life, it’s highly rewarding to be able to make music and play your favourite songs/pieces. I teach a number of students who have returned to an instrument they played when they were younger and they really enjoy learning again.

Yes, of course! I encourage all of my students to explore multiple genres of music. We can listen to various pieces of music by different artists/composers and discover what suits you. I’m a firm believer in learning music that you enjoy, so I’m confident we can find some great songs/pieces to work on, whether they be classical, jazz, blues, contemporary or something else.

I take payment before each lesson via bank transfer or PayPal.