FAQ
How much & and how often do I need to practise?
At Music Teachers London we suggest aiming for a specific goal instead of setting a time. We believe you will progress much faster by focussing on quality rather than quantity.
Being a beginner, and especially a younger student, even 15-20 minutes of reading notes and figuring out how to execute them may be more than enough. The "down time" between practices is just as important as practicing itself, especially in the beginning, because you need time to process and absorb what you learned.
For beginners, we definitely recommend to start shorter and increase the length as you go on.
Your teacher will advise you about the amount of practise between the lessons.
Being a beginner, and especially a younger student, even 15-20 minutes of reading notes and figuring out how to execute them may be more than enough. The "down time" between practices is just as important as practicing itself, especially in the beginning, because you need time to process and absorb what you learned.
For beginners, we definitely recommend to start shorter and increase the length as you go on.
Your teacher will advise you about the amount of practise between the lessons.
Can I participate in student recitals?
All students are encouraged to participate in our annual recitals. Student recitals give an opportunity to present music that has been mastered in the lessons. Every year we provide an excellent venue for perfecting performance skills in front a supportive and attentive audience. They are also great motivators for students to develop the nuances of the art of performance, and to explore the issues of stage presence, anxiety, playing from memory, communication and confidence.
Can I take examinations within the ABRSM?
This is up to you, your child and your tutor to decide whether to take instrumental or theory exams.
Our teachers are specialised in preparing students for graded exams within ABRSM, Guildhall and Trinity College syllabus. We also offer targeted tuition for GCSE and A-Level Music examinations.
Preparing for music examinations can prove to be a challenging enterprise. We are here to help you or your child achieving the best marks possible by raising the confidence and knowledge through a solid teaching methods.
We encourage our students to take exams where possible but only when they are ready. If examinations are taken, it is mostly in collaboration with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music.
Our teachers are specialised in preparing students for graded exams within ABRSM, Guildhall and Trinity College syllabus. We also offer targeted tuition for GCSE and A-Level Music examinations.
Preparing for music examinations can prove to be a challenging enterprise. We are here to help you or your child achieving the best marks possible by raising the confidence and knowledge through a solid teaching methods.
We encourage our students to take exams where possible but only when they are ready. If examinations are taken, it is mostly in collaboration with the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music.
Do I need to buy an instrument?
As an alternative to buying, instruments can be hired from reputable dealers. In some cases this can be useful for beginners so there is not a large upfront financial commitment until some progress has been established. See some guidance below.
Piano & Keyboard
An acoustic piano will provide the best learning experience. However most students start out by learning to play on a keyboard or digital piano. The most reputable keyboards brands are Yamaha and Roland and can be purchased from most good music instrument retailers. Students should look to buy a keyboard with 88 weighted keys, as this will most resemble the touch and playability of a real piano. At a minimum, 61 keys will suffice for most songs (incl. ABRSM Grades 1-4) and practise.
Keyboards are portable and can be played with headphones, making them highly convenient for practice.
We recommend to regularly tune your acoustic piano and can make recommendations upon request.
Keyboards are portable and can be played with headphones, making them highly convenient for practice.
We recommend to regularly tune your acoustic piano and can make recommendations upon request.
String, Brass & Percussion
We associate with London's finest music instrument dealers and can provide a list of outlets upon request
Can you recommend anyone to help with my instrument?
Yes we can!
Dots Music Shop Camden
DOTS, the Camden Music Shop, can help you with everything musical: instruments, sheet music, reeds, rosin, strings, repairs and professional advice. |
Alexander Piano Tuner
Inexpensive fine piano tuning and repairs to the highest standards, for all makes of piano. Alexander Piano Services has over 30 years experience in tuning and renovating all makes of pianos, serving London’s musicians, households, theatres and recording studios. Covers all London postcodes |
Our T&C's
CANCELLATION: If you need to cancel a lesson, please inform the teacher minimum 5 days before the scheduled lesson. In this case you don't need to pay for the missed lesson.
RESCHEDULING: If you need to reschedule a lesson for health reasons with less than 48h notice, we can offer an online lesson on the same day/time as your physical lesson or an online lesson within that same week (subject to availability).
STOPPING CLASSES: If you wish to stop classes, we require four weeks notice which allows us to fill your space. That means four paid classes notice.
NOTICE: Please use either our mobile number (07742168884) or if I'm not available via email (info@musicteachers.london or marinahaywood@icloud.com) for any cancellations/reschedules.
MISSED LESSON: If the student misses a class/is not online at the time of class and fails to give at least 5 days notice of cancellation or submit a request to reschedule, the full fee is payable by the student for that lesson. No refund or credit will be given for such missed lessons and they cannot be rescheduled or made up at another time.
RESCHEDULING: If you need to reschedule a lesson for health reasons with less than 48h notice, we can offer an online lesson on the same day/time as your physical lesson or an online lesson within that same week (subject to availability).
STOPPING CLASSES: If you wish to stop classes, we require four weeks notice which allows us to fill your space. That means four paid classes notice.
NOTICE: Please use either our mobile number (07742168884) or if I'm not available via email (info@musicteachers.london or marinahaywood@icloud.com) for any cancellations/reschedules.
MISSED LESSON: If the student misses a class/is not online at the time of class and fails to give at least 5 days notice of cancellation or submit a request to reschedule, the full fee is payable by the student for that lesson. No refund or credit will be given for such missed lessons and they cannot be rescheduled or made up at another time.