Pre-school lessons
- Does my 3 year old need music lessons?
No, but it is a luxury that I would like to be able to give to all children. Not all schools are able to offer class music lessons that prepare children for learning an instrument. Musicianship lessons help reduce the overwhelming nature of learning an instrument. There is so much to learn at the beginning – how to physically hold the instrument, how to read music, how to co-ordinate your body rhythmically etc. Children are able to progress more rapidly on their instrument if they have these preliminary lessons.
- What is the point of lessons if they don’t play an instrument?
The voice is a child’s first instrument. Learning through their voice and percussion prepares them for the physical and intellectual demands of learning an instrument. For example, children learn to sing accurately and develop their inner voice so they can hear music before it is actually played on their chosen instrument. They learn how to tap a rhythm and how to read rhythm sticks so that they can easily transfer this onto their chosen instrument. They learn to listen to themselves while also listening to others – an essential skill for playing in an ensemble.
Lessons
- What age can I start the cello?
It depends on the focus and drive of the individual child as well as the level of parental support. Pupils can start learning the cello from age 4 but the normal age is 6 upwards. Colourstrings cello teaching is designed to start at age 6, after the pupil has learnt the songs and has an understanding of music notation from musicianship classes.
- What age can I start the piano?
Pupils can physically access the keyboard at a young age. Age 6 onwards is a good age to start learning the piano. By then they will have developed their basic reading skills so that they can read the lyrics of the songs. If starting younger, children from age 4 can learn through games and stories.
- How frequently should I have lessons?
Ideally children should have weekly lessons. If you are financially constrained, it is better to have shorter lessons more frequently.
Adults can opt to have fortnightly or monthly lessons depending on their need.
- What if I’m ill?
Lessons can be rescheduled if given 24 hours notice. Alternatively lessons can be taught online to help prevent spread of infection.
- Do you offer lessons during the school holidays?
Most of my lessons are conducted during the school term. However, I am sometimes able to specially arrange lessons during the school holidays.
- How often and for how long should my child practise?
The amount a pupil practises directly impacts how quickly they learn. Ideally children should aim for 5 times a week. Depending on their level this, could be only 5 mins long for beginners. Little and often is the best approach.
Instruments
- What size cello should I get?
It depends on the handspan and size of the individual. There are charts online to help guide. Children often start on a 1/4 size model and go through a 1/2 and 3/4 size instruments before moving onto a full size cello. This is usually not until they are 14/15 years old. I will help advise after a trial lesson.
- Where can I rent a cello?
As several sizes of instrument are needed, it is often sensible to rent an instrument. I have a few cellos available for pupils to borrow short-term. Cellos can be rented from
Cambridge – Millers, Cambridge Strings, Bridge Street Violins
Hitchin – Studio Violins
- Do I need a real piano or a keyboard?
You don’t necessarily need a real piano but acoustic instruments do produce a better quality of sound and feel slightly different to play. However, space does not always allow ever family to own a piano.
- Are there any other additional costs of owning a piano?
If you do buy an acoustic piano there is the additional cost of tuning the piano. This needs to be done annually and currently costs roughly £100.
- What type of keyboard do I need?
Ideally pupils should have a touch sensitive keyboard. This allows them to control the volume by the pressure they apply to the keys. Again ideally the keyboard would have the full range of a piano e.g. 88 keys. However, beginner children can start on smaller and more basic models.
- How do I tune the cello?
There are various apps to help tune a cello. You can play each string in turn and the app will tell you if it is sharp or flat. Watch this video to help.
- What should I do if my cello is really out of tune?
I’m always willing to tune instruments outside of lesson times. If you or your child can not practise because it is so out of tune, please get in touch and we can arrange a time to give it a quick tune.
Logistics
- Can parents attend lessons?
Parents are most welcome and encouraged to observe lessons. They can make notes for younger children.
- Is there parking?
There is parking on the drive. Please double park rather than blocking the turning circle for our neighbours.
- What do I need to bring to the lesson?
As well as your music, and instrument (if needed) a notebook is handy to record what to practise during the week. You can buy music practise diaries but a blank notebook will also do. Pupils are also welcome to electronically record notes or take videos.
- Can I join an ensemble?
There are many ensembles run by Hertfordshire Music Service. For example, String Group at Royston Music School on Saturday mornings.
There are holiday orchestras such as Cambridge Holiday Orchestra or Saffron Walden Children’s Orchestra.
- Do you offer any performance opportunities?
I run regular pupil performances, either at my home or at a local church. This is to enable pupils to practise performing in low pressure environments.