FAQ
Where are your lessons based?
I teach from my home studio in Ipswich, IP4. Please see below for a map.
What equipment do you have?
I have a Yamaha P45 digital piano, Sontronics and AKG microphones, an M-Audio interface and speakers, and a range of stringed instruments including guitars, ukuleles (and even a guitarlele!).
How long are your lessons and what are the prices?
30 minutes - £17.50
1 hour - £32
DISCOUNTED BLOCK BOOKINGS:
Block booking 10 x 30 minutes - £157.50 (one free)
Block booking 10 x 1 hour - £288 (one free)
Is there parking?
Unfortunately, the driveway in front of the house cannot be used as access is required at all times. However, there is plenty of on-road parking close by on Alexandra Road, Nottidge Road and Bartholomew Street.
Is there disabled access?
Unfortunately, due to the building being old and my studio room being situated at the bottom of a steep set of steps, there is no disabled access. However, I can teach via online video platforms such as Zoom. Please get in touch to discuss if you'd be interested in this option!
What are your terms and conditions?
CANCELLATION POLICY
I require 24 hours notice for a cancelled lesson or payment will still be required. This is so I have enough time to fill the vacant slot.
PAYMENT
I accept payment via bank transfer and am happy for lessons to be paid for individually or for blocks to be paid for in advance. I do require that payment is made either prior to or during the lesson.
Do you have appropriate qualifications?
I hold a first class BMus (hons) degree in Professional Music Performance with a specialism in commercial songwriting from the Academy of Contemporary Music.
I also have a grade 6 distinction in vocals and grade 3 distinction in piano through the Rockschool exam board.
I hold a DBS check due to my work teaching guitar and ukulele in primary schools and have public liability insurance for teaching with the Musician's Union.
What times do you teach?
I run lessons on weekdays up to 8pm.
What do you teach?
Piano/keys, acoustic guitar, vocals, ukulele, songwriting, recording, performance.
I'm not the best person for electric guitar lessons. I'd suggest visiting Music World's directory to find a local electric guitar teacher: https://www.music-world-ipswich.co.uk/?instrument=guitar&location=ipswich
What age are the lessons intended for?
Due to the lessons being tailored for each student, they are perfect for most ages and abilities. However, I do set a minimum age of 7+ due to levels of focus and physical hand strength.
If I'm attending a songwriting lesson, do I need to bring an instrument?
If your primary instrument that you write with is portable, i.e. a guitar, ukulele, etc then please bring it along! My studio features a digital piano for keys players. If you are a topline writer or lyricist wishing to develop your craft then please just bring along a notebook with your ideas! As part of the lesson, we can work on putting these to music with the instruments I have available.
I am only a beginner at my instrument, will this inhibit the songwriting element?
Not at all! Many songwriters have successful careers as topline writers without playing an instrument, though it does help with your overall understanding of music and with various elements of songwriting. If developing your instrumental skills alongside your writing is something you wish to work on then we can easily incorporate this into the lessons. In addition, if you are a performer or singer/songwriter wishing to develop your performance skills with your instrument or hoping to eventually become an artist this too is something we can work on.
Are group lessons available?
Again this would depend entirely on what you wish to cover in the lessons. A group of two would be possible for songwriting lessons, for example, two siblings, as ideas and approaches to writing can be experimented with together.
What genres do you cover?
The majority of my personal knowledge revolves around commercial music: pop, rock, country etc. Lessons will focus on the area requested by students which I will try to make relatable by using well-known examples and references.
