Sarah Wennell Music Tuition
One -to-one piano lessons from my home studio in Hampton Vale, Peterborough
Hi, I'm Sarah
I began learning music at the age of six, starting as many young children do, by learning the recorder at school. My teacher saw how this sparked an interest in me and recommended that I learn another instrument too! I soon started keyboard lessons, which moved onto the organ and piano. Later on I also added woodwind and singing to my list of skills.
Inspired by my own teachers, I knew very early on that I wanted to teach too, and shortly after completing my BA (hons) Degree in Music this became a reality. I now have over 20 years of teaching experience, both as a visiting music teacher in primary schools and as a private teacher from my home studio.
While I enjoy teaching students of all ages and abilities, I particularly love to teach beginners and find great satisfaction in being there at the start of a students musical journey and following their progress as they develop as a musician.
Where appropriate, I enter students for graded examinations and performance certificates with both the ABRSM and Trinity College London. These are not an essential part of learning but can be a useful way of validating progression for some students.
I hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate and have full public liability insurance in my home studio.
Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an instrument at home?
Yes, it is really important to have an instrument to practice on right from the start. While I understand not wanting to spend money until you know if yourself or your child will keep playing, the practice done in the early days of learning an instrument is very important. Not being able to practice, will affect knowledge retention and ultimately make it less likely that you/they will want to keep playing.
What instrument do I need?
The best instruments to start on are either a digital piano or an acoustic piano that is in good condition. Acoustic pianos can often be found being given away or sold very cheaply online, but they will often be in poor condition, making it harder for a beginner to learn. If space or budget doesn't allow for a good quality acoustic piano, the next best option is a digital piano. These should have 88 full size weighted keys and a sustain pedal. They come in a variety of different sizes and models, and start from around £200 new, but it is worth keeping an eye out for a second hand one.
Many people prefer to start on a keyboard due to space and budget constraints, however this is to be avoided. Keyboards do not have a full set of keys and they are not weighted, so they feel very different to play. This difference can be frustrating for a beginner who practices on a keyboard at home easily but then struggles with the strength and weight of the keys of the acoustic piano in their lesson. There are also things that we learn on the piano early on, that cannot be achieved on a keyboard and you would certainly need to upgrade to a digital piano within around 6 months of lessons in order to continue making progress.
I am always happy to help with instrument and retailer recommendations.
How long are lessons?
Beginners typically start with 30 minute lessons, moving up to 45 minutes or an hour once they are at a higher level. Lessons are weekly for 39 weeks of the year, in line with the local school terms. Additional lessons can be booked during the school holidays if the student and teacher have availability. 30 min lessons - £16, 45 min lessons - £24, 60 min lessons - £32
How do I pay for lessons?
Lessons are invoiced every half term (this works out to between 6 and 8 lessons depending on the length of the term). Payment is due on receipt of the invoice by bank transfer.
What happens if I miss a lesson?
If you can't attend a lesson please get in touch as soon as possible. If I have a spare space in that same week that works for you, I can reschedule the lesson. These spaces are very limited and are on a first come, first served basis, so the more notice you can give the better. I sometimes set up a teaching day during school holidays. If we not be able to rearrange your lesson during the original week, I may be able to offer a catch up lesson on this holiday day, however this is at my discretion. In the event, that neither option can be arranged, your lesson fee is non-refundable. Missed lessons (with no notice) are forfeited and no alternative will be arranged.
In the event that I have to cancel a lesson, an alternative lesson time will be offered where possible. If this cannot be rescheduled, the lesson fee will be credited on your next invoice
Where do you teach and where can I park?
Lessons are conducted from a ground floor room in my home in Hampton Vale, Peterborough. There is plenty of free on street parking in front of the house and on the adjoining street. Please do not park in the driveway to the side of the house as this provides shared access for the neighbours.
Can I be in my child's lesson or wait in the house for them?
I am happy for parents to sit in on the first lesson, particularly with younger children, to make sure they are settled and happy, however I am unable to accommodate parents in the house during their child's lesson after this. I do find that children generally work better without their parents present. I live in a nice area and close to the local shops so it can also be a useful time for parents to get jobs done or go for a walk if they don't want to wait in the car!
How often do I/they need to practice?
Regular practice is essential to making progress on the piano. To start with I would recommend 5-10 minutes of good quality practice 4 or 5 times a week (but every day is even better!), with this practice time increasing as the work becomes more advanced. Parents should be prepared to sit with younger children (approx. 10 and younger) for practice sessions. You do not need to be musical to do this, it is more about keeping the child focused and on task.
Interested in lessons?
Fill in the form below and I will be in touch to take a few more details.
If I have a suitable space available for you, we will arrange a free consultation where we can meet each other, talk through expectations and details, and check that we are a good fit for each other.
If I don't have a suitable space available immediately, I can add you to my waiting list and I will be in contact as soon as a slot is available.