Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions parents ask about lessons and exam preparation.

Getting Started

No. Lessons take place on Zoom, which is free to use. You’ll need a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, plus a quiet space and a good internet connection. Once your first lesson is booked, I’ll send a single Zoom link that you can use for every session.
Simply click Book Your Free Consultation anywhere on the site to send an enquiry. We’ll then agree a mutually convenient time, and I’ll send you the Zoom link shortly before the meeting.
The consultation is an informal chat to help me understand your child’s musical background and goals. I’ll ask a few simple questions to gauge their current level of understanding and to plan the best way forward. Parents are welcome to ask anything about lessons or the Grade 5 Theory process, and if it seems right to go ahead, we can also discuss possible lesson times.
Absolutely — especially at the beginning. Parents often find it helpful to see how lessons are run and what kind of homework may be suggested. As lessons progress, though, it’s often worth asking your child whether they feel they concentrate better with or without a parent present — every student is different.

Each lesson lasts 50 minutes, giving time to cover new material and review homework.
Weekly lessons work best for steady progress, though some families prefer fortnightly sessions. We’ll agree on a schedule that suits you.
Please give at least 24 hours’ notice and we’ll rearrange at a convenient time. Lessons cancelled with less notice are normally charged in full, unless due to illness or an emergency.
Yes. Many of my students are adults returning to music or learning theory for personal satisfaction.

Payment is made in advance to confirm each lesson. For 10-lesson packages, the full amount is paid at the start, while pay-as-you-go lessons are paid before each session.
Yes. Many families begin with one or two pay-as-you-go lessons before deciding on a package. If you then choose a 10-lesson package, the amount already paid will be deducted — so you still benefit from the package rate for all lessons.
The 10-lesson package is designed to cover the whole Grade 5 Theory syllabus and exam preparation. However, if your child reaches exam readiness in fewer than 10 lessons, I’ll refund the cost of any unused lessons (or credit them against future tuition). This applies only where I confirm that the syllabus has been fully completed and the student is ready to take the exam.
The 10-lesson package is enough for many students, but not all. If more lessons are needed, additional sessions can be booked at the reduced package rate of £35 per lesson.

This varies depending on each student’s background and learning pace. Some students with strong basics may need only 8–10 lessons, while others benefit from a longer course to consolidate knowledge and practise exam-style questions. We’ll assess this together in the free consultation.
No — exam entry is done directly by parents or guardians through the ABRSM website. I’ll always advise on the best time to book and help your child prepare with past papers and revision. You can read more on the Exam Entry & Guidance page.
Homework isn’t compulsory, but it makes a real difference. Students who practise between lessons progress more quickly and feel more confident in the exam. I’ll always suggest suitable tasks, and I encourage parents to support this where possible.

I’m always happy to chat through any concerns before booking.