Any questions?

How much are lessons, and what is included?
Lessons are £22.00 per hour, and this includes tuition only. You will need to pay for your own clarinet, music, accessories (including reeds) and exam entry fees separately. Fees are pro-rated for shorter lessons, so a half-hour lesson is £11.00.

Can I have lessons in my own home?
Possibly. This depends on where you live, and the time of your lesson. Home visits may attract an extra fee, so please e-mail me if you would like me to come to you. Please note that home visits cannot be guaranteed.

Which clarinet should I purchase?
This is entirely up to you. Clarinets are different, people are different, so the best thing to do is visit your local music shop, try the clarinets on offer, then see which one you prefer. The most popular manufacturers are Buffet and Yamaha, but go for the instrument which suits you best.
As a guide, the most popular models are the Buffet B12 or Yamaha YCL250 (for beginners), Buffet E13 or Yamaha YCL650 (intermediate), and Buffet R13 or Yamaha YCL SEV (advanced). This is by no means exhaustive, as both Buffet and Yamaha make other models, and other manufacturers also produce very good clarinets - one of my pupils recently bought a Hanson clarinet, and I am impressed by both the instrument and their high level of after-sales service.
Beginners' models are made of a hard-wearing durable plastic, whereas intermediate and advanced clarinets are made of wood. There is no reason why a beginner shouldn't learn on a clarinet aimed at the professional, just as there is no reason why a learner driver shouldn't learn to drive in a Rolls Royce, but you will probably want to be certain that you enjoy the clarinet before investing in one of the more expensive clarinets available.
Whatever clarinet you choose, please ensure that it's a Boehm system instrument, and that for beginners, it's a B Flat instrument.

Should I buy a clarinet from e-bay?
E-bay is great - you can purchase some real bargains! That said, you have to trust the seller's description of what they are selling, and their description of the condition of the instrument. Some descriptions can be wildly inaccurate; I once saw an oboe advertised as a clarinet! Also, ask yourself what cracks, chips and missing pads are disguised by the blurred photo against a dark background. You don't get the chance to try the clarinet before purchasing, which you do in a traditional "bricks and mortar" shop, and as I said above, different clarinets suit different people.
If you're prepared to take a chance on purchasing a clarinet from e-bay, examine it as soon as it arrives, and make sure you're familiar with e-bay's trading rules and the Sale of Goods Act.

Can I sit in on my child's lessons?
Of course! Children progress much faster with the support of their parents, and your presence at their lessons is a very visible sign of your support.

I am an adult who wishes to learn the clarinet. Can you teach me?
Of course! Whilst many people first learn musical instruments as a child, there are people who take up an instrument in later life. There is no reason why an adult shouldn't make as much progress as a child (assuming, of course, they practice, and practice properly - see notes below on speed of progress). I recognise that adult learners may have other commitments (paid work does get in the way!), and am prepared to be flexible to accommodate work and family commitments.

How quickly will I progress?
This depends on you! Everybody progresses at a different rate. You will make better progress if you practice regularly and properly (i.e. concentrate on the difficult bits, not just play your music through once and put it away again!).
Don't be discouraged if your friends seem to be making faster progress than you. Remember, it's not a race to be the first in your class/school/family to play a particular piece or pass a certain exam.

What about exams?
Music exams are a great benchmark, and if you'd like a certificate to prove you've reached a certain standard, I am happy to enter you for exams. If you don't want to do exams, that's fine, as there is still much pleasure to be had from making music. You may prefer just to play with friends or family, or in a local music festival or at an end-of-term concert.

I still have a question. Can you help?
Of course! Simply e-mail me with your question, and I will answer it.

Deborah, I love your website! Can you write one for me?
Of course!
I am happy to quote for producing a website for you. The price will vary, depending on the domain name (web address) you choose, whether or not you have any web space currently available through your ISP, what you want on your site, and how often it needs updating. Please e-mail me with your requirements so that I can provide you with a quote.