Frequently asked questions

• About me

• Lessons

• Materials

• Studio / opening times

• Payments and cancellations policy

How long have you been teaching music for?

I’ve been teaching music for over 10 years.

What instruments do you teach?

I teach guitar (classical, acoustic and electric), bass, banjo, ukulele, and also DJing and music production.

What music styles do you teach?

I can teach a variety of styles (classical, pop, rock, indie, funky, reggae) and electronica (house, techno, downtempo, drum and bass), but it really depends on the students’ music taste. I would adapt the lesson accordingly.

Do you offer free consultation?

Yes, I do. In fact, I highly recommend it, so new potential students can set clear expectations and get answers to the questions they might have before enrolling in a single lesson or a block.

Can I take a trial lesson before I book a block of hours?

Yes, you can. In fact, this is what I initially suggest to new students, so they can see how they get on with the lesson, the instrument and me, too.

How long does a lesson last?

A lesson normally last for one hour. DJing lessons can be longer (an hour and a half or 2 hours), and ukulele lesson for kids are usually 30 minutes long.

I don’t have any musical background at all. Will I be able to learn an instrument/DJing?

Yes, you will! I have many beginner students who had never played an instrument before, and they are making big progress.

Can I learn more than one instrument at the same time?

Of course! It is really up to you.

How much time should I practice every day?

There is not really a recommended time for it. However, a minimum of 15 minutes per day would be nice to see a steady progress.

Do you send homework to students?

Yes, I normally do, so they can practice what they were taught on the lesson.

Do you offer online lessons?

Yes, I do for each instrument and Music production, but not for DJing.

Do you offer student discount?

Yes, I do. a 10% discount applies to all prices shown on the website. If you want to apply to the student discount, you will have to show proof that you are a student (i.e. a dated student ID).

I sent an enquiry, but I haven’t received a reply. Why?

I aim to reply to enquiries within 24-48 hours. Also, check your spam folder, as quite often my emails end up there.

Do I need to have my own instrument?

Although it is not essential as I have spare instruments at the studio, it is recommended to have your own instrument, so you will be able to practice from home.

For DJing lessons, do I need to have my own controller/ decks?

This is the same as with instruments, it’d be good to have them at home, so you can continue practising what you have learnt in the lessons. I can also give you advise on what software you can get to DJ with you computer without using a controller (I actually started this way in my early years).

What equipment do you use for your DJ lessons?

I use 2x Pioneer CDJ900 Nexus multi players, 2x Technics SL 1210 MK2 turntables,  a Xone 92 Mixer and 2x KRK Rokit 5 active speakers along with a subwoofer.

Where do the lessons take place?

They take place at my private studio located inside the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre (25 Palmerston Place, EH12 5AP Edinburgh)

I will be coming to the lesson by car. Is it free to park in the area?

No, it is not. It is free to park from 6:30pm from Monday to Saturday, though. There is also a street nearby (Belford Road) where you can park from 5:30pm and throughout the day on Saturdays with no parking restrictions.

Can you give me lessons in my own house?

Depending on the students’ needs, this can be occasionally arranged, but it’s not always possible due to my schedule, which can be tight at some times. An extra charge for transport will apply. Get in touch with me for consultation.

Do you teach at the weekend?

Yes, I do. I’m open on Fridays from 5pm to 10pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. I close on Sundays.

Do you teach children?

Yes, I do, from all ages. Parents can come with them to the lesson and wait  inside the studio, if they wish. There is also a tea room inside the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre.

What happens if I can’t attend a lesson?

If you let me know with more than 24 hours in advance, I can rearrange the lesson for another day/time. However, if the request for cancellation is less than 24 hours:
– I will try to rearrange the lesson on another day/time in the same week (this is subject to both the student and my availability). This lesson will be charged as usual.
– If the lesson can’t be arranged in the same week, the lesson will be charged. No exceptions are made.
– Sick absences and overtime work are also included in this cancellation policy.
In order to avoid cancellation, I recommend you to be realistic about your spare time and commitment to the music lessons. Some students are very keen to learn and instrument/DJing, but they just can’t find the time for it.

Do the blocks of lessons expire?

No, they don’t. The remaining lessons will be kept until you come back from an absence (sickness, holiday, etc)

I won’t be able to attend my remaining lessons. Can I ask for a refund?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. However, the lessons are transferable, so somebody else can take them. 

You have proposed me a day and a time for my lesson, but this still hasn’t been confirmed by me. Can you hold my slot until last minute?

I will hold a slot up to 48 hours before the lesson. After this time, I can’t guarantee the slot will be available. I currently have a waiting list for students wanting to get some specific slots (mostly at evening time), and if I haven’t received confirmation from you prior to 48 hours to the lesson, the slot will become available.

What payment methods do you accept? And when does the lesson have to be paid?

For single lessons, I accept cash and card, to be paid 24 hours prior to the day and time of the lesson. For block of lessons, bank transfer and PayPal are also acceptable, always paid 24 hours prior to the first lesson.
If a lesson hasn’t been paid before this timeframe, there is no warranty the slot will be available. And if the payment hasn’t gone through at least 12 hours before the lesson, this will be automatically cancelled. 

Are there any additional costs apart from the lesson charge?

No, there aren’t. Prices shown on the website are fixed to the final price.