Flute and Singing Lessons in Blackburn

Yes. I welcome students travelling from Blackburn for one-to-one singing lessons, flute lessons and vocal coaching. Regular face-to-face lessons take place at my studio in Longwood, Huddersfield, with online lessons also available where needed.

I have a studio based in Longwood, Huddersfield at 298A Vicarage Road, Longwood, Huddersfield HD3 4HJ.

Here are links to my policies:

• Attendance Policy
• Music Lesson Information
• Online Teaching Policy
• Safeguarding Policy

I’m afraid not. I can’t factor travel into my teaching day, and I have everything I need in my studio, including my piano, sheet music collection, stereo, computer and printer.

No. I teach flute, singing, music theory and recorder. I am fully trained and qualified in these areas, but not in other instruments.

You get a weekly, private 1-to-1 lesson tailored to your level and personal goals with me, in the privacy of my studio. This slot is reserved for you every week.

I will hear you play or sing so I can assess your current level and standard. I will also ask questions to understand your goals, motivation for starting lessons, how much time you have to practise, and the sort of music you enjoy or are open to trying.

You can of course ask me any questions you’d like to ask too.

Don’t worry about being nervous. I know it can feel strange at first, but I am friendly and welcoming, and I have heard a lot of people play and sing over the years. My music room is a safe space, and I will make you feel as comfortable as possible.

Lessons are on most weeks throughout the year. I have a complete shutdown at Christmas, two weeks off in the summer, and I am often performing on Bank Holiday Mondays. The dates I am not teaching are displayed on the board in my studio and on my website.

You can book an ad hoc lesson wherever there is space in the week. I will send you a link to my calendar and you can book on there. There is no guarantee that these slots will be available at the same time or on the same day each week.

No, sorry I don’t. You are welcome to book an ad hoc lesson with me with no obligation going forward.

I invoice monthly in arrears and payment is via bank transfer or cash only.

Payment for ad hoc lessons is expected on the day of the lesson by bank transfer or cash.

Fees are reviewed annually.

I teach every day, but only in my studio Monday-Wednesday and Saturday morning.

Yes, I do teach online. Like many businesses, I adapted through the Covid pandemic and have invested in good quality equipment to make online lessons a positive and straightforward process.

Online lessons are also available if the weather is bad, due to illness, or if getting to my studio is difficult.

I currently teach students from the ages of 5 through to 85 and everything in between. Many adults had lessons at school but stopped when they started their careers and families, while others have started as complete beginners in their 40s, 50s and beyond. If you want to do it, there’s nothing stopping you.

For children playing the flute, I can start little ones at 5 on the fife, which is a lightweight and inexpensive plastic instrument that works as a hybrid between a flute and recorder. It is blown and uses identical fingers to the flute, so swapping when they are big enough is simple.

For children singing, 5 is usually the right time, though some children may be better starting when they are slightly older.

If your child can concentrate for 30 minutes, I am happy to teach them.

Yes. I have experience teaching people with dyslexia, dyscalculia, physical differences and those on the autistic spectrum. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this further.

Yes, if you feel more comfortable with someone with you, then please do. I have a sofa for parents or family members and there’s good Wi-Fi and magazines.

I would ask that you don’t bring the whole family, especially younger children who may be disruptive to the lesson.

No. Exams are great for having a goal to work towards, but they are not compulsory. Some students want to take exams and some don’t, and that is fine with me.

Yes. Each year I arrange a pupil’s concert at a local church and an informal adults-only get-together performance with drinks and snacks in my studio. You can perform or come and watch; there is no pressure to perform if you don’t want to.

Many students compete in local music competitions, which is a great way to get feedback from someone else, but again there is no pressure to do so.

I also have lists of contacts for orchestras, bands, ensembles and choirs in the area if you’d like to start performing with a group.

Yes, of course. People make excellent progress when they are enthusiastic about what they are learning. All suggestions are very welcome.