FAQ

How do I find a good teacher?

The most obvious answer is to use your favourite search engine or look in Yellow Pages or Thomson Directory, but a better bet is to try to find a personal recommendation. This might be from a friend or relative who is already having lessons, or from a school music teacher. Failing this, try ringing local music shops - most keep lists of local instrumental teachers - and they may also be able to advise you of their particular strengths (or weaknesses!).

Do all teachers teach all ages/abilities?
Definitely not! I know teachers who shy away from teaching adults - particularly adult beginners. Although I welcome these, I prefer not to start children under the age of about eight years, especially on the violin. Other teachers may specialise in more advanced students, whereas others may only be comfortable teaching up to grade 5. When you contact a teacher, explain what it is you are looking for - you may change your mind over time, but it saves the hassle of starting lessons and then being instantly disappointed.

The teacher is in lots of orchestras therefore he/she must be a good teacher...
Some instrumental teachers promote themselves by mentioning which orchestras they play with. They may also just happen to be good teachers, but it shouldn't be taken for granted - playing and teaching abilities are two entirely different skills. Looking at it the other way round, you wouldn't expect the director of a professional orchestra to appoint a new first violinist simply because they had a reputation as a good teacher!

Where will lessons take place?
Most private teachers work in their own home or studio, so expect to have to travel to get to your lessons. Remember - if a teacher has to come to your house, you will not only have to pay for your lesson time, but also their travelling expenses etc.

Does a teacher have to be qualified?
No - anyone can set themselves up as a teacher and although it's useful to see that someone has taken the time and trouble to take relevant exams, it shouldn't be taken for granted that it's a sign that he or she is a good teacher. I know many excellent teachers without any teaching qualifications and several with long strings of initials after their names who are not suited to the job at all in spite of their huge knowledge.

How much will it cost?

How long is a piece of string? It depends on so many factors such whether pupils are taught in groups or individually, the qualifications and experience of the teacher, geographic location, etc etc. As with most other things in life, you usually get what you pay for. If a teacher seems particularly cheap then it could be because they are not qualified, have little experience, or they are doing the job to supplement their income. Expect to pay around £20-£30 per hour in much of Devon - rather less than the mechanic will charge for looking at your car engine!

I want to learn the piano but only have a keyboard - is that OK?
It isn't ideal, but as a stop-gap measure it isn't a bad option. Keyboards have a much lighter action and less dynamic control but as long as it is touch sensitive it will serve well as a starter instrument.

Where can I buy an instrument?
First stop should be your local music shops, especially for keyboards since these are much more readily available than violins. Don't be rushed into buying the first instrument that's the right price - be patient, do your homework, and check what is available on the Internet. Be wary of buying second hand violins on e-bay - I'm sure there may be some bargains out there, but I've seen many heaps of shaped, coloured wood masquerading as violins! Like all modern technology, keyboards age very quickly. That doesn't mean that one that is 5 years old suddenly becomes rubbish or worthless, but advances are always being made with the quality of sounds, variety of accompaniments etc. as well as newer methods of storing data e.g. SmartMedia cards. Only top-end keyboards tend to command anything like a high re-sale value.

Is a CRB Check Important?
In the UK, the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) acts as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for organisations, checking police records and, in relevant cases, information held by the Department of Health (DH) and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). Before a new teacher in a school is appointed, a CRB check will be carried out to highlight any past criminal record and teachers often mention the check in advertisements. However, there are three things to be aware of :-
1) It's possible for the person to have committed a crime after the CRB check was made.
2) Only organisations may request a check - the self-employed like me, cannot request a check for themselves.
3) It is NOT a guarantee.