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For all students...

I aim to make lessons enjoyable and interesting for all learners at every level. I aim to accommodate students’ musical tastes, as well as introduce them to new/different types of music.

Individual Approach

I use a variety of learning materials and activities (according to age, ability and personal goal) which will help develop musical knowledge and technique.

Music Selection

Students are expected to buy their own music. I will recommend appropriate books/music which students can easily purchase from boosey.com; musicroom.com for example, and other music outlets.

Practice Makes Perfect

Students are expected to follow up each lesson with regular practice so that progress can be made.

Making Progress

Progress can be measured in a variety of ways. One recognised way is to take music exams, which I encourage, but do not press, if a student does not want to take them. For many, music exams (ABRSM, Trinity, LCM) can inspire and provide a personal challenge and can help a student recognise and celebrate progress. For others, (perhaps more often adults, learning later in life), lessons provide a new hobby, a way to relax and learn a new skill and exams do not need to play a part in this. For singers, I have regularly accompanied students in music festivals, school and other concerts and in ABRSM and Trinity Board examinations. Over the years, pass rates have been 100% with many Merit and Distinction grades awarded.

Lesson Duration

Lessons can be 30, 45 or 60 minutes long, depending on a student’s needs. Most children take a weekly lesson. Adults vary in their requirements, depending on work and other commitments. However, I encourage adult beginners to take a weekly lesson, if possible.

After the First Lesson

After the first ‘Intro’ lesson, if opting to take further lessons, students are expected to commit to a contract of a minimum 6 lessons. This is broadly half a school term. Invoices for lessons are sent out half-termly and should be paid within 7 days of receiving my invoice.

Covid-19 & your Safety

I am resuming 1-1 lessons at home in piano teaching, but not for singing. However, I am able to give singing lessons to students who can provide a large, well-ventilated space (church/ school-hall, for example), in which a suitable distance can be maintained between myself and the student. This is particularly important for any breath exercises. This (temporary) situation is not ideal, especially for beginner singers, who may need close guidance for breath exercises. Please contact me for a chat if you are keen to start singing lessons.

Risk Assessment

At home, I have a risk assessment in place to which students/parents must agree before a contract for lessons is made. Adult students (18yrs+) should be fully vaccinated and, preferably, children between 12yrs and 17yrs also. For younger children, parents are expected to follow government guidelines and should not send their child for a music lesson if the child is ill / not feeling well.

Barbara Heap

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