Students will be given opportunities to develop rote skills (copying and listening to the teacher). They will learn different techniques to play the piano. They will also learn to read standard music notation (treble and bass). They will also be taught to improvise using musical techniques and following musical structures. Students will follow a method book throughout (Piano Safari). Students will also have opportunity to develop performance skills by taking part in school concerts.

Lessons are taught on a 1:1 basis. However, there will be opportunities to practise and play with other students as we learn ensemble pieces for concerts.

Individual lessons last for 15 minutes and shared lessons last for 20 minutes.

Lessons take place during school time. Students are placed on a rota so they have a piano lesson at a different time each week. Students will be called for their lesson. They don't have to remember when the lesson takes place.

Students are given a document wallet which they should bring to each lesson. They have a practice diary which will indicate their progress and practise each week. There is also space for parents to communicate with the teacher if required. You can follow your child's progress by looking at the curriculum document. Here you will see the objectives and what your child has learned in each lesson.

One way to establish practice, is to schedule a specific time when there are no other activities planned. For example first thing in the morning, right after school, or after dinner, depending on what works for your family.

Once your child has practiced, praise them for the effort they have put into their learning. Also, say what you particularly liked about their playing. Ask them their thoughts on a particular piece. Some examples are:

• Do you like it? Why/Why not?

• How does the piece make you feel?

• Can you play this piece better today than yesterday? What has improved?

• Can you teach me to play something? Am I playing the piece correctly?
  

You could also set up a reward system at home. A particular (agreed) treat after so many practice times.

Another good tip is to have a 'family recital'. Pick a date and invite family or friends to come and listen to your child playing the pieces they have learned.

In lessons, I play piano accompaniments to support the students. I also use backing tracks to accompany them as they play, so they can practise with these at home. QR Code sheets will be given to students (and stuck into the front of their books). The QR codes link to specific resources on the website. This includes, backing tracks and reminder videos. The QR code you need will be written on the practise diary each lesson.

An Individual lesson is £7.50 per lesson.

Fees will be charged based upon the number of lessons available for teaching over the term.

Fees are paid termly, in advance, upon receipt of an invoice. Payment is due in full within 2 weeks, by bank transfer. Payment in 2 instalments can also be arranged prior to the term.

Please note, that lesson costs are non-refundable in the case of absence or illness of the child. However, if a lesson has to be cancelled by Rachel Gregory, then lessons will either be re-arranged, money deducted from the following term’s fees or a refund given.

Your child will need access to either a piano or a keyboard at home. (Keyboards make excellent birthday and Christmas presents!). Details on keyboards/pianos can be provided.

Practice is essential in the success of learning to play the piano. Regular practice at home should be encouraged.

A half term's notice is required in writing to terminate lessons.

Go to the 'apply' section of the website.

Fill out and sign the contract form.

You will be contacted upon receipt of the signed contract form.

You will then be an issued with an invoice to pay the deposit of £7.50 (the cost of 1 lesson).

Your child's lesson place will be secured upon receipt of the this payment (refundable against the first term's fees).

Lessons will commence as soon as there is availability at your child's school.

You will be required to purchase a teaching book.

Safari Friends Pack is approximately £25

Level 1 costs approximately £18

Level 2, students will need to purchase both the Repertoire book (Approximately £18) and the Technique book (Approximately £11).

You will be personally informed about which book you need to purchase.

I have fully up-to-date DBS certificates completed by the schools I work in. I have also completed Nottinghamshire County Council Safeguarding training .

I adhere to the safeguarding policies at your child's school and communicate with the teacher responsible for safeguarding.