There will be no lessons on BANK HOLIDAYS. If I am available on those days and students would like to come for a lesson, that will be fine by arrangement. Otherwise, lessons will be cancelled without loss of fees to students.

You can download FREE SHEET MUSIC from a number of websites for various instruments, including piano. I can recommend www.free-scores.com, www.pianoworld.com, www.gmajormusictheory.org, www.sheetmusicdirect.com, www.mutopiaproject.org, and www.imslp.org

For students taking EXAMS or wanting to know more about them, log onto the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) website at www.abrsm.org The ABRSM is the biggest international examining body for exams 1-8 and diplomas, although it's worth exploring others, like Trinity Guildhall and the London College of Music. On the ABRSM site, press the Students button to learn more.

If you are having problems with TIMING, I would recommend buying a METRONOME. It will help you to control the beat. You can buy the classic mahogany versions or modern digital models from music shops, Amazon or even E-Bay. If you decide to buy one, ask me for an information sheet on their background, how they work and how to use them.

It would be helpful if parents could ensure that children have CLEAN HANDS before coming for lessons, as pupils coming after them don't want to be faced by dirty, sticky or inky keys and neither do I! Bechstein Grands cost a lot of money and they aren't compatible with paint and ink. If that isn't possible, parents are welcome to wash their children's hands on arrival. Please ask.

Extract from The Times, Saturday 8 November 2008: Exam heights scaled: All those hours spent making junior practise scales could pay off significantly in exam scores, says a study of 59 children. Predictably, the Harvard University tests of children aged between 8 and 11 found that the musically trained ones had more discriminate hearing and better dexterity. Less predictably, the musical youths also scored higher in tests of verbal ability and visual intelligence. The harder the child had studied their instrument, the better the results, says the study in PloS One.

A new innovation from the ABRSM is an insight for candidates and parents into how the EXAMINATIONS work. They are hosting a series of Through the Keyhole events during which you can see how examiners mark each component of the exam and find out what to expect on the day. You can discover what examiners look for or if there are any secrets to gaining the highest mark (a distinction). You will be able to watch and discuss video footage of exams and ask questions. The Manchester event is being held at Forsyths Music Shop on Deansgate on Saturday, 7 November 2009 from 10am-12.30pm. Everyone who attends will receive a workshop pack, which will include a copy of the ABRSM marking criteria and a free ABRSM Practice Notebook. Prices cost £5 for adults (including refreshments) and accompanied children, under 16, get in for free. (Under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.) Spaces are limited and it's first-come, first-served, so book early to avoid disappointment. To book, phone Jane Dennison on 0207 467 8254 or email her on seminars@abrsm.ac.uk

Students are reminded to turn off their MOBILE PHONES before coming into lessons, so that we aren't disturbed.

If you or your child catch INFECTIONS, such as coughs, colds or bugs of any kind, it will be best if they miss their lesson. Not only will they not feel well enough to concentrate for 30 minutes feeling rotten but there is always a danger of passing on germs to me and my other students. Some of us have weak immune systems and are prone to picking up viruses. If I have to cancel lessons it could affect my livelihood.

Parents are welcome to SIT IN WITH THEIR CHILD while they have their lesson. I encourage this, so that they will note pupils' progress and they will be able to support and help their child with their practise if they know what needs to be done after each lesson. However, please remember that these are private lessons, not public performances and that more than one person sitting in is distracting for the pupil and for me. There have been recent incidents where people have been asked to leave because of background noise and instances where families have just turned up without first asking if this is in order. It isn't, so come along by all means but one parent at a time and no other children please.