Frequently Asked Questions

  • What qualifications does Neil have?
    Neil has a BMus (Hons) degree in Music, and attended Huddersfield University, Manchester Metropolitan University in association with the Royal Northern College of Music. Neil studied a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Secondary Music PGCE), taught in primary and secondary schools and has been teaching all ages privately for 7 years now. CRB checked and a registered teacher with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Holds grades 8 and teaches woodwind and brass. A fully freelance musician. Neil has also completed the NSPCC Child Protection Awareness in Music (online) & The Basic Awareness of Child Protection (course).
  • Do I pay for each individual lesson or as a term or monthly?
    Neil requires at least one lesson to be paid in advance at all times – this books and guarantees your next lesson slot. If you choose you can pay for more than one lesson in advance.
  • How can I pay for lessons?
    You can pay via cash, cheque, direct debit or standing order.
  • Do I need any musical experience before starting?
    No, Neil will tailor your requirements into the lesson, so if you are a complete beginner to music this is not a problem. Most of Neil’s students started as complete beginners without any experience reading music.
  • Do I need to read music?
    No, Neil will have you reading music in the very first lesson.
  • I live outside of Greater Manchester/West Yorkshire/Derbyshire, is this a problem?
    Not at all, Neil is getting more demands for tuition outside of these areas and welcomes them.
  • Do I come to Neil or does he do home visits?
    Neil accepts both home visits and visiting customer’s houses.
  • As a parent what experience does Neil have with children? Can I sit in on lessons?
    After his wife gave him a lovely baby no. 2 girl this year Neil is fully aware of parent’s concerns and actually prefers parents to sit in on lessons – this way the parents can get an idea of what is being learnt and also what is set for the next week. Neil also has a valid PGCE (trainee secondary school teacher) enhanced disclosure (CRB), which he is happy to show any parent.
  • I’m a beginner, is it worth hiring an instrument for lessons?
    Yes, Neil sees many people buying instruments that just aren’t good enough, or correct for the person learning (an instrument can be too cheap – often making it harder for the beginner to learn). Neil can recommend after a hire where to get a good instrument at a good cost. Also, some people who hire an instrument change what they want slightly – often saxophonists change their decision on which saxophone to buy after hiring. Hiring is also a cheap way of learning on a good instrument for those wishing to keep the budget down on music learning and gives those wishing a ‘taster’ of the instrument the chance to do just that. There are many reasons why to hire – Neil believes ‘yes’ is the short answer to this question and this is why he hires instruments out.
  • How does the gift voucher work?
    If you know someone who has always wanted to learn saxophone or really wanted to return back to the flute after years away from the instrument – maybe they learnt at school, why not make their special occasion and do something a little different? There are two types of gift vouchers, one for four initial lessons and a free hire on any woodwind/brass instrument for those wishing to learn who don’t already own an instrument or alternatively, the other gift voucher for four lessons with an extra lesson added on for free. Both vouchers are £100. These make excellent birthday, anniversary, special occasions, valentines, New Years or Christmas day gifts. Gift vouchers are valid for one year and non-refundable.