Music lessons FAQ

What can I expect from music lessons with you?

Fun, we hope! We want you to enjoy your journey through music first and foremost.

Here at Heron Music Tuition we specialise in building confidence, so if you’re a bit nervous, that’s ok. We are friendly and used to teaching people at all levels and all ages.

Lessons are weekly or fortnightly and all pupils have access to music downloads, tutor videos and our practice tracker to help you achieve your goals.

How much does it cost?

See the bottom of this page for details of our current lesson fees. Our charges are in line with the rates recommended by the Musicians’ Union and are reviewed each year.

We offer two main payment options. Pay for individual lessons in advance, or pay by monthly standing order for a weekly lesson during school terms. 

For individual lessons you can pay through the website, or we also accept bank transfer, cash and cheque. 

When and where are lessons held?

We teach in person from our home in Belper or through video sessions online. Lessons are held during weekdays or in the evening. 

As a rule we do not teach children during school holidays. We believe that after a busy term of learning, most children are ready for a break. We will sometimes do extra sessions for children preparing for exams or performances though.

Adult pupils may like to continue their lessons through the summer as long as our schedule allows.  

What music will I learn?

Anything you like! Of course, you may have to hold off playing that Beethoven sonata or Steve Vai for a while whilst you get to grips with the basics, but really anything that you want to learn, we can help you with. 

We cover all sorts of genres from jazz to classical to heavy metal. You are limited only by your imagination!

How much practice do I need to do?

That depends a bit on what level you’re learning at, but practising regularly is important from the start. A beginner may practise for 15-20 minutes a day, five times a week. Someone taking an advanced exam may be practising for an hour a day or more. 

Simply put, the more practice you can manage, the quicker you’ll advance as a musician. We can help you find ways to practise efficiently and have a practice tracker to help you achieve your goals. 

If you’re a parent or guardian of a child learning a musical instrument, your input and interest is really important even if you’re not a musician yourself. We will give you tools to help your child to get the most out of their lessons, including access to the unique Practice Space app which helps motivate pupils to practise between sessions.

What do I need?

You’ll need a musical instrument. This needn’t be a huge financial outlay as there are loads of options to buy second hand or even to borrow one from a friend for a time. If you need help deciding what’s the best instrument to get, we can help you look through the options. We do not have instruments to offer for loan.

We provide lots of sheet music and resources, but from time to time you will need to buy a music book or download sheet music from the internet. We always try to keep these costs to a minimum and lend music where possible.

You may also want some accessories, for example an amplifier for an electric guitar or bass, a strap, a case for your instrument or a suitable chair or stool.  A music stand can be helpful too.

Replacement strings for guitars and ukuleles are needed occasionally and if you have a traditional piano, you’ll need to call the piano tuner out once a year or so. 

What technology do I need for online music lessons?

A good, reliable broadband connection is helpful, but other than that, you just need a device with a webcam and microphone. This could be your smartphone, tablet or laptop computer. 

We work with a variety of platforms including Skype and Zoom, depending on what works best for individuals, so you may also need to download an app or software. We’ll be happy to advise and do a test run before your session if necessary.

To use our Practice Space app, you will need a tablet or smartphone.

Do I have to do exams?

No! But you can if you like! 

Exams are not a compulsory part of learning to be a musician, but they can be helpful. If you like the idea of working towards a particular goal or gaining a qualification, we can help you prepare for exams and pass them successfully. 

Piano examinations and classical theory are taken through ABRSM. Guitar exams and popular music theory are through RGT with the London College of Music. Classical guitar exams can also be taken through ABRSM. 

I have access requirements or particular needs, can I still learn?

We hope so! We are lucky to have taught music lessons to people from all sorts of backgrounds and with lots of different requirements. 

While we’re not experts in SEN teaching, and don’t know everything about the requirements of people with disabilities, we are always willing to work with learners and parents or guardians to provide music for as many people as possible.

Please get in touch for a chat!

How old does my child have to be to start learning?

We start teaching at 7 or 8 years old, depending on the individual child. If your child is younger and you’re very keen to begin, please let us know and we can have a chat about it. There is no upper age limit to learning an instrument though! 

Will you come to my house to teach a music lesson?

We are usually very busy and don’t often have space in the schedule to allow for this. Please get in touch though if it’s something that you require and we can let you know whether it’s an option currently.

Please note there is a surcharge of £10 on the regular individual lesson rate for visits.

What is your cancellation policy?

To read details of our booking, cancellation and other policies, please read the Policies page.

Are you DBS checked?

Yes, we have up to date DBS checks which are viewable on request. You can also read more details about safeguarding on our policies page.

Are you insured?

Yes. We have both Public Liability Insurance and Indemnity Insurance for our work as musicians and tutors.

What else do I need to know?

Pupils or their parent or guardian will need to sign a contract which lays out details of our terms and conditions including information about cancellation of lessons and refunds.

Pupils will also be given a practice agreement. This is intended to help learners know from the outset that a commitment to practice is required in order to progress. 

Please click here to find out more information about our booking, cancellation and other policies.

 

Pay-as-you go 

Pay for individual lessons in advance.

  • Guitar, bass, ukulele, piano or theory
  • 30 or 60 minute lesson
  • Weekly or fortnightly

£18.50 per 30-minute lesson
£37.00 per 60-minute lesson

 

Monthly Payment

Pay a monthly standing order to spread the cost of weekly lessons during term time.

  • Guitar, bass, ukulele, piano or theory
  • 30 or 60 minute lesson
  • Weekly during term time

£60 per month 30 mins
£120 per month 60 mins