TEACHING
"Inspiring you to achieve your musical goals and dreams"
- Siana Gardner
Every student is unique and will learn in different ways. I will ensure every single lesson is tailored to individual students to suit their needs and help them achieve whatever they dream.
What I teach:
Flute- Beginner to Grade 5
Music Theory- Beginner to Grade 5
Online lessons:
Sometimes life is busy and in-person lessons are not possible. However, I can offer online lessons from the comfort of your own home to keep the learning going. Online lessons can be more flexible to suit your needs, making them more convenient for you. There is no need to be in the same building, meaning you can cut out any travel time, and save money on petrol or other means of travel. In addition to this, with permission, all lessons can be recorded and sent to you so you can watch them back during practice. Lessons can be done on either Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Please contact me for more details if you think online learning is for you.
Fees:
My rates are-
£15* per half an hour
£25* per hour
*A small cost will be added for lessons in your own home to cover mileage and travel time.
Please contact me for any further information about this.
Exams:
Exams aren’t a necessity for my students, but should you need to take any or desire to progress through the grades on your instrument, I can help to guide you through this. I specialise in ABRSM exams but can also teach Trinity if needed.
So what are you waiting for? Send me a message and take the first step on your musical journey today!
Please see the short video below for an example of me teaching how to trill on the flute.
FAQ’s:
1. What level do I have to be at to have lessons with you?
You don’t need to have any previous experience to have lessons with me. I am happy to teach right from beginner as I will cover everything you need to be an amazing musician.
2. I’m not sure whether playing an instrument is for me
If you are looking for a new hobby or even a career change, please contact me for more information about lessons. In addition, if you have previous experience playing the flute and would like to pick it back up again, or have experience playing something else but feel it’s time for a change, I can help. I am on the DBS update service so am able to work with students of any age.
3. What do I need to have lessons with you?
For instrument lessons, you will obviously need an instrument. See my First Flute Buying Tips for advice on my Resources page to help with choosing your first instrument. There will also be some examples of my favourite flute books and sax books, including some I may be using in our lessons.
For music theory, music theory grade books will be needed. Again, these can be either ABRSM or Trinity and are linked on my Resources page but don’t worry about buying them yet as we can discuss this in our first lesson and I will help you choose the right on for your level. I also have help sheets for music theory grades that can be downloaded on my Resources page!
4. What pieces will I be playing in lessons?
This is entirely dependent on what you would like to achieve. For beginners, we will start with some more simple pieces to develop your skills and technique. If you would like to do exams, we will choose from the syllabus together to ensure you enjoy your pieces. We will also explore a range of genres and styles. If you have any suggestions or ideas of things you would like to play, please let me know so I can try and find the music for you to give it a go.
5. Do I have to do exams?
Exams are an amazing opportunity to motivate you in your lessons, learn new pieces, challenge yourself and give you something to work toward. However, if exams are not for you, this is absolutely fine. I will never force any of my students to do grade exams if they do not want to. Some people just want to play the music they enjoy and have some fun, and I will gladly support that!
6.Where will my lessons be held?
I can offer a range of options for where our lessons take place. Firstly, lessons can be undertaken in my own home, based in West Bromwich. I have a good-sized space with music stands, a sound system for backing tracks and anything else we may need in our lessons.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to have lessons in your own home, I have a car so this can be arranged providing you are not too far away. There will be a small cost added to your lesson fees should this be the case to cover mileage and travel times- dependent on distance. Please contact me for more information.
Finally, as mentioned above, I can also offer online lessons for those that don’t live very close to me, are unable to leave their home or if this suits you best.
7. How will I carry on my lessons if we go into another lockdown?
Lessons can easily carry on in any instance by doing them online. See my section above about online lessons, or message me for more information.
8. What additional requirements are needed for online lessons?
The only other thing needed for online lessons is access to WIFI and a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone so we can do our lesson. I will send over whatever resources I can prior to lessons to ensure this experience is the most rewarding it can be.
9. As a parent/carer, how can I help my child on their musical journey?
Parents/ carers can do many things to support their children’s lessons. Even the simplest of things such as paying for their lessons, buying them their instrument and resources they need and dropping them off at their lessons is so beneficial! You are welcome to be in the lesson with us if you would like to, and encouraging practice at home would also be really useful. Ensure you always discuss music as a positive thing and enjoy the musical journey along with your child. You never know, it might make you want to start lessons next!