Frequently asked questions
What do you offer?
Harpenden Music Services and Support is run by local musicians Hannah and Matt. As well as offering weekly instrumental lessons, they work with students in consultation with their teachers to support their learning; whether it be through aural test training, theory coaching, viva voce coaching, piano accompaniment or consultation lessons.
Do you teach instrumental lessons?
Matt and Hannah teach piano to pupils of all ages and stages in their homes and Matt also offers tuition in all brass instruments. Subject to availability we are always happy to work with new students; please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements. If we have no space for new students we will recommend other local teachers, and we would encourage students seeking instrumental tuition in strings, woodwind, voice, percussion and guitar to contact Katie Metcalfe Music through www.facebook.com/katiemetcalfemusic.
Where do sessions take place?
Experience tells us that many students prefer sessions in the comfort of their own home. However that is not always convenient or practical, if the student does not have their own piano for instance, in which case we are happy to work from our home in Harpenden.
Can sessions take place over Zoom or other forms of digital media?
Absolutely! Instrumental teachers and students have become very used to this way of learing throughout the covid-19 pandemic, and it has proved to be an extremely effective way of learning. As lessons in person are phased back in, we envisage, and are very happy to be teaching using both methods for the forseeable future.
Do you provide support for any particular exam board?
No! HM is an entirely non-partisan organisation and we are both happy to support students and teachers in their preparation for exams with any board.
Do you provide sessions for adults and children?
Certainly! We are both experienced in working with people of all ages and whether you are a young child wanting some help with low grade aural tests or theory exams, or retired and wanting some consultation lessons to keep your playing on track, we look forward to working with you!
How much do you charge?
Our fixed fee for contact time is £40 for an hour or £20 for half an hour, although the fee for consultations may vary depending on travel distance and the amount of preparation time which would be required. (Accompanying a Grade 8 violin exam or tutoring a Dip ABRSM viva voce would need more preparation time than preparing a candidate for the aural in a Trinity Initial exam, for instance.)
During to ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, are face-to-face sessions possible?
Our Public Liability Insurance cover through the Musicians' Union is valid for face-to-face teaching once again from 4th July 2020. This is provided that we, and any venue in which we work, are adhering to current government guidelines. We have a Health and Safety policy in place to ensure everybody's safety, which is under ongoing review as guidance changes: you can read the policy by clicking here.