Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Lottie is happy to answer any questions you might have about her teaching. She has answered some of the most common questions below!
I am an adult. Is it too late to start learning?
Absolutely not! Whether you are completely new to music or whether you used to play/sing at school and want to get back into it, it is never too late to start learning. What I usually suggest is that you book one lesson, see how you get on, and then decide whether you would like to continue lessons with me afterwards. There is no pressure and no obligation, and I will spend some time during your lesson finding out what you want to achieve from your lessons and suggesting some ways you can reach your own individual goals as a musician.
I want to take music exams. Will you teach me?
I have experience of preparing pupils for a wide range of examinations, and have taught the ABRSM, Trinity, LCM and Rockschool syllabuses, and encourage suitable pupils to sit appropriate examinations when they are ready. I always ensure my pupils are thoroughly prepared for their examinations and I currently enjoy a 100% pass rate amongst my pupils who have taken music examinations. However, I believe that music education is about a lot more than examinations, and those students who wish to take exams will find themselves being challenged in other ways too in their music lessons!
I DON'T want to take music exams. Are you still willing to teach me?
Absolutely. My lessons are all about developing musicianship and technique and learning to enjoy music, and whilst examinations can be useful milestones, they aren't for everyone. We may work on pieces that feature in the exam syllabus but there will never be any pressure to take exams.
My child wants to learn. How old does he/she have to be?
I will happily meet any child over the age of 7 to see whether he/she would like to continue lessons with me. By the age of 7 most children have developed the concentration skills necessary to work at their studies. I can occasionally make an exception for younger students who have expressed a genuine interest in learning.
I don't have time to practice. Will you teach me?
I expect regular practice from all my pupils. At beginner level, I expect no more than ten minutes' practice a day (indeed, I discourage longer practice sessions in the early stages unless the pupil is using them to improvise or spend time discovering the instrument off his/her own back). This will increase to twenty minutes' practice as the pupil progresses to around Grade 1 level. Progress will be extremely slow - and frustrating for both me and the pupil - if no practice is done between lessons.
Do I need my own instrument?
Yes. You will need your own instrument to practice on at home if you wish to make any progress with your studies. For pianists, a real piano is ideal, but an electronic keyboard will do for the first few months of playing. There are some good digital pianos out there if you are pushed for space and cannot house a real piano - please contact me for a recommendation. I do not have instruments available for hire, or permit students to come to my house to practice on my piano.
My child wants to learn with you. Can I stay in the room whilst they are being taught?
I am happy for the parent to stay in the room for the first lesson only. Children will focus on their studies much better without an audience present, however quiet the parent is being. I am fully DBS checked, First Aid trained, and have completed the NSPCC course in Child Protection. If a parent has questions, these are best asked at the beginning of the session when you drop your child off.
Will you come to my house to teach me?
Unfortunately I am not able to offer this service at present - I am lucky enough to enjoy a busy teaching schedule and the only way I can fit all my pupils in is to teach them from my home as this cuts down on my travel time.
I have another teacher. Can I learn with you at the same time?
I would be happy to meet you but I would strongly discourage learning with two teachers at the same time as you can often receive conflicting information due to different teaching styles. If you are happy with your current teacher, I would suggest you stay with them. If you wish to change teachers I am happy to meet you to help you decide whether you would like to continue lessons with me.
What are your rates?
I aim to keep my rates affordable but also in line with the Musicians' Union guidelines. For my current rates please contact me.
I am an adult. Is it too late to start learning?
Absolutely not! Whether you are completely new to music or whether you used to play/sing at school and want to get back into it, it is never too late to start learning. What I usually suggest is that you book one lesson, see how you get on, and then decide whether you would like to continue lessons with me afterwards. There is no pressure and no obligation, and I will spend some time during your lesson finding out what you want to achieve from your lessons and suggesting some ways you can reach your own individual goals as a musician.
I want to take music exams. Will you teach me?
I have experience of preparing pupils for a wide range of examinations, and have taught the ABRSM, Trinity, LCM and Rockschool syllabuses, and encourage suitable pupils to sit appropriate examinations when they are ready. I always ensure my pupils are thoroughly prepared for their examinations and I currently enjoy a 100% pass rate amongst my pupils who have taken music examinations. However, I believe that music education is about a lot more than examinations, and those students who wish to take exams will find themselves being challenged in other ways too in their music lessons!
I DON'T want to take music exams. Are you still willing to teach me?
Absolutely. My lessons are all about developing musicianship and technique and learning to enjoy music, and whilst examinations can be useful milestones, they aren't for everyone. We may work on pieces that feature in the exam syllabus but there will never be any pressure to take exams.
My child wants to learn. How old does he/she have to be?
I will happily meet any child over the age of 7 to see whether he/she would like to continue lessons with me. By the age of 7 most children have developed the concentration skills necessary to work at their studies. I can occasionally make an exception for younger students who have expressed a genuine interest in learning.
I don't have time to practice. Will you teach me?
I expect regular practice from all my pupils. At beginner level, I expect no more than ten minutes' practice a day (indeed, I discourage longer practice sessions in the early stages unless the pupil is using them to improvise or spend time discovering the instrument off his/her own back). This will increase to twenty minutes' practice as the pupil progresses to around Grade 1 level. Progress will be extremely slow - and frustrating for both me and the pupil - if no practice is done between lessons.
Do I need my own instrument?
Yes. You will need your own instrument to practice on at home if you wish to make any progress with your studies. For pianists, a real piano is ideal, but an electronic keyboard will do for the first few months of playing. There are some good digital pianos out there if you are pushed for space and cannot house a real piano - please contact me for a recommendation. I do not have instruments available for hire, or permit students to come to my house to practice on my piano.
My child wants to learn with you. Can I stay in the room whilst they are being taught?
I am happy for the parent to stay in the room for the first lesson only. Children will focus on their studies much better without an audience present, however quiet the parent is being. I am fully DBS checked, First Aid trained, and have completed the NSPCC course in Child Protection. If a parent has questions, these are best asked at the beginning of the session when you drop your child off.
Will you come to my house to teach me?
Unfortunately I am not able to offer this service at present - I am lucky enough to enjoy a busy teaching schedule and the only way I can fit all my pupils in is to teach them from my home as this cuts down on my travel time.
I have another teacher. Can I learn with you at the same time?
I would be happy to meet you but I would strongly discourage learning with two teachers at the same time as you can often receive conflicting information due to different teaching styles. If you are happy with your current teacher, I would suggest you stay with them. If you wish to change teachers I am happy to meet you to help you decide whether you would like to continue lessons with me.
What are your rates?
I aim to keep my rates affordable but also in line with the Musicians' Union guidelines. For my current rates please contact me.
Testimonials
"Thank you so much for teaching me for the past few terms, you have helped me so much and I've really enjoyed it!" - William, Bedford
"I'm finding your lessons are taking me on a voyage of discovery which is exciting; I left last Wednesday on a high!" - Nick, Bedford
"You have the most beautiful singing voice and encouraging manner and teaching outlook." - Sharon, Hitchin
"My daughter really enjoyed her lesson and said you taught her such a lot. She is feeling much more confident now." - Annie, Northampton
"Thank you for inspiring my daughter to sing." - Lucy, Renhold
"The whole experience of having lessons with you and getting to grips with the Rockschool type exam [...] has been amazing. I am thrilled with my result." - Johanna, Clifton
"I would just like to say a special thank you for all the work you have put into help [my daughter]. I really appreciate it. [She] would never have sung solo at the Corn Exchange without you; she would have wanted to but would not have had the confidence to do it. Thank you so much and I know [her mother] feels exactly the same." - Tom, Bedford
"Your advice and guidance were invaluable and both my wife, and neighbours within earshot have been pleased with my improved vocal ability." - Neville, Bedford
"Thank you too for such an enjoyable and productive weekend. We are so privileged to have shared the expertise of such an accomplished musician." Elizabeth, Charney Manor singing weekend participant
"I just had to write as soon as I got home to thank you so much for such a wonderful choral masterclass. Every one was very impressed and I'm sure they all went home with joy in their hearts! The pointers you gave us were exactly what we needed, and I could hear improvements almost immediately. Phrasing, breathing, balance and dynamics were very much better. The singers really enjoy singing and it showed when I was sitting at the front. I loved the way you nurtured the basses, and I have learned a lot from that too!" - Hilary Parks, Musical Director, Pulloxhill Singers
"I'm finding your lessons are taking me on a voyage of discovery which is exciting; I left last Wednesday on a high!" - Nick, Bedford
"You have the most beautiful singing voice and encouraging manner and teaching outlook." - Sharon, Hitchin
"My daughter really enjoyed her lesson and said you taught her such a lot. She is feeling much more confident now." - Annie, Northampton
"Thank you for inspiring my daughter to sing." - Lucy, Renhold
"The whole experience of having lessons with you and getting to grips with the Rockschool type exam [...] has been amazing. I am thrilled with my result." - Johanna, Clifton
"I would just like to say a special thank you for all the work you have put into help [my daughter]. I really appreciate it. [She] would never have sung solo at the Corn Exchange without you; she would have wanted to but would not have had the confidence to do it. Thank you so much and I know [her mother] feels exactly the same." - Tom, Bedford
"Your advice and guidance were invaluable and both my wife, and neighbours within earshot have been pleased with my improved vocal ability." - Neville, Bedford
"Thank you too for such an enjoyable and productive weekend. We are so privileged to have shared the expertise of such an accomplished musician." Elizabeth, Charney Manor singing weekend participant
"I just had to write as soon as I got home to thank you so much for such a wonderful choral masterclass. Every one was very impressed and I'm sure they all went home with joy in their hearts! The pointers you gave us were exactly what we needed, and I could hear improvements almost immediately. Phrasing, breathing, balance and dynamics were very much better. The singers really enjoy singing and it showed when I was sitting at the front. I loved the way you nurtured the basses, and I have learned a lot from that too!" - Hilary Parks, Musical Director, Pulloxhill Singers