These are some of the most frequently asked questions by prospective students and their parents. If you have any other questions for me, please feel free to get in touch!

How long do lessons last for?

One-to-one lessons are a standard 30 minutes. We also offer 20 minute one-to-one lessons for our young beginners. Longer lessons are available on request. Group classes vary between 30 and 60 minutes.

What do lessons cost?

Lessons are paid for by term. Please see our full price list HERE

Do I need to buy books?

Most sheet music is included in the price of your tuition. Books are a separate cost to be purchased by the student. We are happy to arrange the purchase of your books, as required, and your teacher will speak with you about what one is recommended for each student. For piano lessons, we use lots of different books and methods to suit different learning styles but some of the most commonly used series include Me and My Piano, John Thompsons Modern Course for the Piano and Pauline Hall’s Piano Time series. We also have access to fantastic online music resources.

Do you charge a registration fee?

We do not charge any registration fee.

How can I pay my tuition?

Tuition is paid before the first lesson of each term. Fees should be paid by Bank Transfer. We do not accept card payments.

When does the 2024 / 2025 teaching year commence?

Lessons start Monday 1st September 2025 and the last lesson is held on Saturday 30th May 2026.

Where are lessons held?

We teach from centres in Bandon (Jeffers Pianos, Bandon) and Bantry (Above Forest and Flock on New Street). We also teach online. Please note, we only teach piano in Bandon. All other tuition is offered in our Bantry centre only.

Can I learn through blended learning?

Yes of course. We are happy to facilitate whatever suits a student, by prior arrangement with the school. Please note that this is option is only available for 1:1 classes.

How do Online lessons work?

All students, once registered, are given access to our online student portal. From here you can join your online lesson (via the Zoom app) and access your homework and any notes that your teacher might give you. Your lesson operates in much the same way as it would if you were in class! We can share music on the screen for you to see and share video tutorials of pieces for reference for later. You will need to have the Zoom app downloaded on your device with the screen positioned so that we can see you and your instrument clearly. If you are interested in online lessons we can go through the simple set up process with you before your lesson.

What times of day do you teach?

Our standard after school teaching hours are 2 - 7.30pm Monday to Friday though this is dependant on individual teachers’ availability and 10 - 4 on Saturdays (Bandon only). We have flexibility though on some days so let us know if you would like to take a class before or after these times.

Do I need an instrument at home?

It is important that you have an instrument to practice on at home. For piano students, we recommend a piano or electric piano but for young beginners a keyboard is suitable. If you are thinking of purchasing an instrument let us know and we would be happy to make some suggestions. Instrument rental is also an option.

Should I bring my own instrument to lessons?

YES! You will need to bring your own instrument to your classes. Piano students do not need to bring their own instrument.

How much practice is necessary?

This depends on the level and age of the student, and how fast they want to progress. A handy guideline is that students should practice for three times their age daily!

Do you teach adults?

Yes- adults of all ages and abilities are welcome. .

Do you organise concerts / performance opportunitIes?

Yes we do! We have live performances and recitals at Christmas and before the summer break each year!

Do your students do exams?

Sitting an exam in your chosen instrument can provide motivation for learning and a great sense of achievement! However, exams are certainly not a requirement. We teach from both the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) Syllabus and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). We do pop and music theatre vocal exams through London College of Music Examinations (LCME). Traditional Irish Music students may take the SCT Comhaltas exams.

What type of music Do you teach?

We teach all types of music - the most important thing to us is that students have an enjoyable learning experience and love to play / sing! Students of Tin-whistle, Flute, accordion and concertina will specifically learn traditional Irish music.