FAQ's

Fees start at £12.50 for a 20 minute lesson – normally for the very young learner.

Please get in touch for a more detailed fee structure and to arrange a free trial lesson.

Between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on a student’s level and age, and whether they have specific goals. The most appropriate length is advised at the end of the first free trial lesson. For very young learners 20 to 25 minutes is ideal. See Younger learners page

Regular lessons allow learning to be more fluid and consistent. It addresses any issues promptly and motivates practising, making a student progress more quickly. Weekly lessons are ideal.

Sometimes missing the odd lesson can’t be avoided. Elizabeth will replace these where possible to avoid a longer than necessary gap between lessons.

Yes, practising is crucial for progress and improvement. Without regular practice between lessons a student can lose momentum and struggle to retain what they’ve learned – it solidifies new content and reinforces new skills.

A piano is not essential, but you will need daily access to a keyboard – ideally with 88 keys that are weighted. Anything less will only suffice for a very short period. Please get in touch for more advice.

A holistic and learner centred approach makes lessons more accessible, meaningful and engaging. Teaching to a student’s strengths allows content to be learnt more easily and having a broad content of additional areas to dip into (music history for example) allows a deeper understanding of the music and enhances overall musicianship.

Yes, absolutely. Neurodiversity can be very positive when learning to play the piano, bringing unique strengths to music learning. It is also a recognised therapy for ADHD / ADD. 

A core teaching book will be needed for beginners to introduce new concepts and skills, an exercise or study book for all levels for developing technical skills, and at least one sight-reading book is important for development in all areas and is great for building confidence. 

Yes, sight-reading is an essential part of learning to read and play music. It speeds up the learning of new pieces and allows unfamiliar pieces to be played directly from the sheet. It makes a player feel empowered, expands their choice and increases their overall musicality. 

Yes, just like sight-reading it’s part and parcel of the holistic approach to learning to play music. From day one it allows the understanding of how music works in order to play it.

Preparation for ABRSM practical and theory examinations is an option for those wanting to take them and who are ready. Elizabeth has a 100% student pass rate in both practical and theory exams, with the vast majority achieving merits and distinctions.

SQA N5 & Higher or GCSE & A Level keyboard and singing chosen pieces can also be supported.

Lessons during the October, Easter and summer holidays are encouraged, as breaks of more than 2 weeks can be detrimental to progress. They can provide some structure and students usually have more time to practice. Payment for these can be flexible, on a lesson by lesson basis.

Adult lessons run throughout the year, excluding 24th Dec to 3rd Jan, and planned holidays. 

Realtime, online lessons will become available when high speed internet allows – which is imminent! Elizabeth has experience in teaching students remotely, working most effectively for post beginners and intermediates.

Please get in touch for more details and to register an interest.