Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact me if your question is not answered here.

What age should my child start to learn a musical instrument?

I have successfully taught students of all ages. It is never too early or too late to learn, but for the younger students, attitude and focus is important. Some 5 year olds are passionate about music and able to concentrate for half-hour lessons plus spend time practicing each week. Please contact me and we can discuss your child's age and suitability for lessons.

Why are only individual lessons available?

If you are serious about wanting to learn a musical instrument, my extensive experience shows that individual lessons are the way to go. Group lessons, learning from Youtube, DVDs or books have their place, but are not effective in developing life-skills and the correct technique on a musical instrument.

I tailor my teaching programme and materials to the individual student. In doing this, I create the best environment for you to learn, develop and thrive as a true musician.

What times/days are lessons available?

Find out more on the booking page by clicking here.

What is the lesson format?

Lessons are mostly ½ hour long once per week. Lessons are designed to be enjoyable (i.e. fun) but intensive in that they will fully use a student’s concentration span.

Do I need a guitar, drumkit, or bass guitar?

For a first lesson I can provide an instrument to see if the instrument and/or lesson suits you before commiting to a purchase.

In order to maximise the benefit of lessons and be able to practice at home, I highly recommend you invest in a guitar or drumkit.
Purchasing your own musical instrument represents a small investment over the lifetime of the instrument.

Where should I buy a guitar, set of drums and what do I look for?

It is important to get good advice when choosing an instrument. For example, size is an important factor with a beginner instrument for a child and knowledgeable sales staff will help you select the right instrument for your child e.g. a 7 year old may be more suited to a ½ or ¾ size guitar as their first instrument.

I highly recommend Rockshop or Musicworks. They both have stores nationwide and carry an impressive range of instruments and brands with expert sales staff on hand to assist you with your purchase.

Acoustic or electric?

In general, for guitar I recommend starting on acoustic strings (nylon or steel strings). Once basic fundamentals are achieved, students could look to upgrade to a more professional acoustic or electric guitar.
Today, electric drums are very popular with students. They are more transportable and have the benefit of being able to be played at low volume or with headphones in noise-conscious residential suburbs.

Can parents sit in on student lessons?

I find most young students learn best without parents perched over their shoulder; however, parents and caregivers are welcome to sit-in on music lessons occasionally to check how their child is progressing and receive an update from me.

For new young students, sometimes it helps for mum or dad to sit in on the first couple of lessons to calm the nerves!

How do I track my students learning progress?

The key indicators for determining a student's ability and progress is their playing technique and the sound they are producing from their instrument. Are songs and exercises played in the way that they are meant to sound?

Are there opportunities for performing live on stage in front of an audience?

I encourage all my students to seize opportunities for performing in front of friends, family and live audiences. Many of my students have formed school bands or adult bands or joined the school orchestra, symphonic, rock or jazz band.

Why should I learn with Simons Music Lessons rather than another music tutor?

I have successfully taught lots of students of all ages. Many of my students have been learning with me for several years, so I must be doing something right!

I differ considerably from most other music schools in that I offer:

• Individual and customised lessons for students, because I recognize that no individual is the same and therefore individual customised lessons is the only true method for learning a musical instrument effectively.
• An expert music teacher with relevant, up-to-date real world music industry experience, because I want to inspire you to become a musician by learning with one.