• How much do lessons cost?
  The base costs are set at £15 for 30 minutes, £22.50 for 45 minutes and £30 for 1 hour. 
   

• Should I start with 30 minutes or 45 minutes or longer?
  I normally recommend 45 minutes or an hour, unless I'm coaching someone under the age of 10.  If you're unsure about the best timing for you then we can start with 30 minutes and see how that goes.
   

• What is an Enhanced DBS Check?
  DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service (here's a link), and  is required for positions (such as tutoring) that involve being in sole charge of children or vulnerable adults. I also perform peripetetic teaching roles working in local schools, and so this is a pre-requisite for me to provide that support. I have a current Enhanced DBS Check certificate.

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• Why do you call this 'coaching' and not 'lessons' or 'teaching'?
  Well in truth it's a mix of coaching and teaching but I wanted to emphasise that I really work to understand your interests and abilities and construct an individual, tailored plan for helping you progress as a guitar player and  as a musician. e.g. if you have no interest in music theory then I'll take that on board.
  If you want to learn some pop tunes and not punk (or the other way around, or country or folk, etc.) then I can focus on the music that interests you as part of your learning. In short, our coaching sessions will be a two-way process.
  Instead of simply telling you to follow a set method, regardless, I'll be adapting and shaping the instruction I give you based on what I learn from you, about what you want and what will help you to make progress.  
  It really helps to get results and keep my 'coachees' happy and motivated.

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• Am I too young/too old to learn to play the guitar?
  I have taught students ranging from 5 to 78 who are new to playing the guitar.  
  It's a wonderful skill to develop at any age and feedback confirms it as a great hobby for those retirees that have previously wanted to learn how to play but have not been able to find the time before.   
  Parents of younger students are, of course, very welcome to sit in during the sessions. 

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• Do I have to take exams?
  Nope.  8) 
  Using a structured learning path such as RGT@LCM, Rockschool or Trinity's Rock and Pop Exams can be a useful guide to your playing ability and help you to become a rounded musician but they are not essential.
  You can start to learn to play or build on what you know without intending to take an exam and if you later find you would like to then that's okay - you can 'jump in' to take a Grade 5 or Grade 8 exam without having taken the prior exams if that is most appropriate for you.
  Or of course you can choose not to follow an exam route at all and just have fun playing.​