+ What instruments do you teach?

Electric guitar, acoustic guitar, classical guitar, bass guitar, and music theory. Details of these instruments can be found in the Instrument Options section of the website.

+ What are your qualifications?

• BA (Hons) Popular Music with Music Technology
• Higher Performance Diploma from The Institute, London
• Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Three certificates from Berklee School of Music
• Grade 8 Rockschool Electric Guitar
• Grade 8 Rockschool Bass Guitar
• Grade 8 ABRSM Classical Guitar
• Grade 5 ABRSM Music Theory
• 15 years experience full-time teaching
• 15 years experience professional live performances

+ Can I study grades?

Yes, but you don't have to. If you want to learn guitar without taking grades that is fine. You will be receiving regular feedback sessions and mp3 recordings to track your progress with these lessons regardless.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

24 hours notice. You will be able to rearrange your lesson time to best suit your schedule on the [Book Your Lesson][1] page. Please note that there are no refunds on lesson purchases but every effort will be made to fulfil any lessons owed. [1]: /book-your-lesson. All lessons and packages purchased have a 180 day expiry from the date of purchase.

+ What equipment should I bring to the lessons?

• Your guitar or bass (in a case or gig bag)
• Toby's Music Lessons folder
• Tuner
• Lead (if your guitar is electric)
• Footstool (for classical guitarists)
• Plectrums (if needed)

+ How will I receive my digital resources?

Via Gdrive. Gdrive is Google's online storage service. You will be emailed a link which will give you access to your digital resources.

+ What guitar and equipment should I buy?

Have a look at the Recommended Equipment section to help you with your decisions.

+ How much are lessons?

Prices can be found in the Prices section of the website.

+ How do I pay for lessons?

Using the online booking system. Take advantage of the 5 or 10 Lesson Blocks and save money on each lesson. Please be aware that refunds cannot be offered and all lessons and packages have a 180 day expiry from the date of purchase.

+ How long is each lesson?

There are four options: 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 60 minutes, and 90 minutes.

+ How often will lessons take place?

Ideally weekly. But the lesson times and dates are booked by you for ultimate flexibility around suit your schedule.

+ Do you teach beginners?

Yes. If you're a beginner, you will see a big improvement quickly in every aspect of your playing and musical knowledge studying at Toby's Music Lessons.

+ Do you teach advanced musicians and professionals?

Yes. The 10 Lesson Plan can be used to focus in on specific songs and techniques that you want to master. With the goal setting, regular mp3 recordings, and detailed Practice Log you'll be able to monitor your improvement closely.

+ Do you teach groups?

No, Toby's Music Lessons is a 1-2-1 tuition service.

+ Where are your lessons held?

Lessons are held in Chiswell Green, St Albans. Maps are available on the Home page, the Book My Lesson page, and the Contact Us page.

+ How often should I practice?

As often as possible. If you practice with the mentality at every time you play, you get better then that is a good rule. Be aware that your fingers, hands, and forearms should not hurt. If they do, take a break. Guitarists who do not break regularly when playing and practicing stand a risk of getting RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) or tendinitis – this can put a guitarist out for six months. I have always avoided RSI by following this simple rule, if I feel a twinge in my hand or forearm when I practice for a long time, I stop and go and make myself a cup of tea! By the time I have made the tea my hand feels better and I start practicing again. NEVER play to ‘feel the burn’, that may work on your guns but not your hands (you aren’t working the muscles when playing guitar, you are working the tendons which are very delicate and do not need working out!).

+ Why should I use a metronome when I practice?

Metronomes are an essential tool help develop timing. When playing a song or playing with others, timing is crucial. It is very important to be able to play a song at a constant tempo throughout, not speeding up or slowing down. When learning a complicated song, I will start with a slow metronome speed and work it up. Timing is definitely more important than playing fast but inconsistently. You can download free metronome apps onto your smartphone, alternatively have a look at the Recommended Equipment page for a list of recommended metronomes.

+ Will I learn to read music?

If you learn classical guitar you will learn to read notation. You will learn to read rhythms, tablature and chord boxes on electric and acoustic guitar and you will learn to read rhythms and tablature on bass guitar.

+ What books should I buy?

You will be mostly learning from the Toby's Music Lessons coursework. However, if you are working towards a grade or want to learn from a specific book your options will be discussed in yor lesson.

+ What is your Safeguarding Policy?

This policy applies to all staff, including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers and sessional workers, agency staff, students, or anyone working on behalf of Toby’s Music Lessons.

The purpose of this policy:

• To protect children and young people who receive services from Toby’s music Lessons. This includes the children of adults who use our services.
• To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection.

Toby’s Music Lessons believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practise in a way that protects them.

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely:

• Children Act 1989
• United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
• Data Protection Act 1998
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Children Act 2004
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
• Children and Families Act 2014
• Special educational needs and disability (SEND) code of practice: 0 to 25 years - Statutory guidance for organisations which work with and support children and young people who have special educational needs or disabilities; HM Government 2014
• Information sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers; HM Government 2015
• Working together to safeguarding children: a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children; HM Government 2015

Toby’s Music Lessons recognises that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989
• All children regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
• Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
• Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare.

Toby’s Music Lessons will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

• Valuing them, listening to and respecting them
• Adopting child protection and safeguarding practices through NSPCC procedures and codes of conduct
• Requesting enhanced DBS checks for all staff every three years
• Recording and storing information professionally and securely, and readily sharing information about safeguarding and good practice
• Using the NSPCC’s safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately
• Using NSPCC procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately
• Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring to follow the NSPCC’s policies and procedures to effectively deal with any bullying that does arise
• Following the NSPCC’s complaints and whistleblowing procedures
• Ensuring that a safe physical environment is provided for all children, young people, adults, staff, and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance

+ What is your GDPR Policy?

GDPR includes the following rights for individuals:

• the right to be informed
• the right of access
• the right to rectification
• the right to erasure
• the right to restrict processing
• the right to data portability
• the right to object
• the right not to be subject to automated decision-making including profiling

The personal data that Toby’s Music Lessons keeps on file is:

• Your name / student’s name
• Your email address
• Your phone number

This data is kept on the Acuity booking system - which is password-protected and is used to book and pay for your lessons. Your email address is also used for the Gdrive digital resource folder.

The company used to take online payments is Stripe. Toby’s Music Lessons has no access to any payment information.

If ever you would like to see a copy of the data that is held about you or your child this is available on request.

Toby’s Music Lessons takes looking after your data very seriously and therefore please be reassured that your information will never be shared with anyone else for any other reason than:

Booking graded exams (with your permission) In the event of a medical emergency

If you would prefer for Toby’s Music Lessons not to store any of your data please discuss in your lesson alternative booking and payment arrangements.