Assessment

Prospective students attend an assessment lesson. This is a friendly, informal lesson of 60 minutes duration (30 minutes for children between 9 and 13) in which we will get to know each other. If you would like to bring a song of your own choice, you are very welcome to do so. You will also have to respond to a range of very simple musical tests and vocal exercises, but please do not be nervous about it - this is just for me to know how experienced you are, so I can advise you on the most appropriate level of tuition.

Singing Lessons

Students from the age of 9 upwards who have been accepted for private singing lessons must be prepared to commit themselves to regular attendance: Lessons take place on either a weekly or fortnightly basis. The best individual solution will be discussed during your assessment.

Students who wish to attend on a less than fortnightly basis will not be accepted for singing lessons since no reasonable progress will be made.
Advanced and professional singers are offered the opportunity of one-off vocal coaching though.

Lessons provide a varied and balanced course of study appropriate to the age and ability of each student, with regard to both technique and repertoire.
For interested students, music theory, aural training and sight-singing can be elements of singing lessons on all levels (up to grade 8 ABRSM). 
Lessons will be accompanied at the keyboard or with backing tracks.

My terms run from 01/01 to 31/03, 01/04 to 30/06, 01/07 to 30/09 and 01/10 to 31/12.
Each quarter holds only 10 lessons (5 for students who choose the fortnightly option). Therefore, holidays can be arranged by mutual agreement at any time, just tell me your times of absence as soon as possible.
I strongly encourage my students to take more than 10 (5) lessons per quarter if they wish to. In this case, additional lessons are simply paid on a one-off basis.

I usually teach Monday to Friday from 12 to 8pm. Additional lesson times for vocal workshops can be arranged by mutual agreement.

Vocal Coaching and Workshops

I offer vocal coaching on a one-off basis for advanced amateur and professional singers. Please understand that "advanced" in this case really means advanced - it is not a way for beginners to avoid the commitment of regular singing lessons.

Areas covered are:

• performance preparation
• breathing and vocal technique
• repertoire and interpretation,
• German, English, French and Italian language (articulation, diction, pronunciation)
• stage training, handling of performance anxiety or stagefright

Students can be accepted at any time for single coaching sessions of either 60 or 120 minutes duration.

Singers are encouraged to bring their own accompanist, although basic accompaniment or backing tracks will be provided if this is not possible.

Group coaching and vocal workshops for bands, choirs and musical theatre groups usually take place at your chosen venue and are normally at least 120 minutes, although this can be discussed and tailored to your individual needs. Vocal workshops may sometimes involve the hiring of an external pianist (fee not included).

Contracts and Fees

Singing lessons are offered on a contractual basis between myself and the student. The contract currently used is produced by the Musicians' Union, of which I am a professional member. Please note that this contract is a binding commitment by both the teacher and the student, and it is advisable for students to pay close attention to the Terms & Conditions handed out with the contract, especially to the paragraphs about notice times and cancellations.

Fees will be invoiced at the start of a quarter (for 10 or 5 lessons) and can be paid in full or in 3 monthly instalments.
All fees are based on the Musicians' Union's recommended rate for private music tuition and are currently set at £23 for 60 minutes and £12.50 for 30 minutes for individuals. 

Please note that one-off vocal coaching and workshop fees are £26 per hour if they take place at my home and £31 (plus mileage outside local area) if I have to travel to your venue.

Some general thoughts ...

I strongly believe that singing lessons should be enjoyable in the first place. As an experienced singer and teacher, I will always ensure you make the utmost possible progress, but I also need your consideration and courtesy. This means:

• Please think and plan ahead, and remember your lesson time.
• On the day of your lesson, please be on time. This means neither early nor late. Lesson time missed because you are late cannot be made up for, since it would have to be taken off the next student's time.
• You are paying for my time (e.g. holding your slot open and not giving it to someone else, preparing and reconciling your lessons), not the lesson per se.
  If you need to cancel a lesson, please make every effort to give me as much notice as possible, at least 48 hours. Makeup lessons or refunds are not given without 48 hours notice.
• I know that it is sometimes not possible to know in advance if you or your child are going to be ill. Please do not bring children to lessons if they are ill, and please do not attend yourself. We will find a makeup slot in this case.
• Lesson fees are due on or by the date stated on your invoice, and I reserve the right to charge a late fee if you are repeatedly paying late.
• Please try to practise in-between lessons, otherwise your progress will be slower for obvious reasons. I cannot work wonders, but I can promise that you will progress faster if you are committed.
• If a change needs to be made and you wish to stop lessons: It is quite normal for us all to move on, and I had more than one singing teacher in my own life. But I appreciate the opportunity to say goodbye on a pleasant note. So please let me know if you would like to stop lessons with enough notice.