June 2021- As restrictions have now eased I’m delightedto be able to teach lessons in person again at my guitar studio and it has been great seeing my students in person again. I can also teach via Zoom, using high end audio/visual/lighting equipment. If the student wishes the lesson can be recorded and watched on the cloud/downloaded. A great facility to have!
How regularly do students come for lessons?
Most of my students come for a weekly one hour lesson. This keeps them focused, providing a regular structure and ensures good progress/technique is achieved. However some students attend for 45 minute and 1/2 hour lessons, especially my younger students.
I appreciate that not everybody can make weekly lessons, so I can make individual arrangements for you.
What times do you teach?
I teach during the day and evenings.
Daytime- lessons start at 1000am.
Evening- lessons start from 6.30pm and the last lesson starts at 8.00pm.
I teach from my home at Carrefour Selous, St Lawrence. I will provide you with detailed directions, usually via email PDF attachment, once you confirm you’re coming for lessons.
How much do you charge for lessons?
I have various competitive pricing structures, I will always provide the first 5 lessons at a discounted rate. Please contact me to discuss current rates and offers.
Do you teach workshops?
Not currently, I provide a bespoke experience for you individually, ensuring you derive the best learning possible.
Do I need my own instrument?
Yes. You are welcome to borrow or try out one of my guitars for the first lesson or two, just to get a feel for it, but after that you will need to buy your own instrument. To progress and get the most enjoyment out of playing you really need an instrument to practice and play with between lessons.
I like to support local business and have a good relationship with Jonathan and his staff at Island Music. Several of my students have received very good service from them, ensuring they buy a suitable guitar at a competitive price.
I am also fortunate in having direct contact with Manuel Rodriguez who is one of the famous and prestigious Luthiers from Spain and makes excellent guitars.
https://www.esquireme.com/content/16992-interview-with-manuel-rodr%C3%ADguez
I will provide you with advice on your important purchase!
What accessories do I need?
Tuner
Especially if you’re just starting out, you’ll want an electronic tuner to help keep things sounding good! I personally like the D’Addario range. They are reasonably priced and easy to use.
Capo
Capo’s are a vital part of guitar playing, especially flamenco! They are placed across the neck of the guitar at a higher fret to change the key, lower the ‘action’ (height of strings above the fret board) which allows for faster playing and less stretching of the fingers, as the frets are closer together the higher you go up the neck. This is especially beneficial for my younger students, who have smaller hands!
Digital Music Reader
The majority of my students now use a digital device and music reading software to read their music. This is an excellent way to store and access/read your music as well as for ecological reasons and in line with my stance on environmental and social governance-
Environmental, Social & Governance- going paperless at Tim Barnes Guitar Lessons!
There are many options, but one of my favourites is Forescore-
Then to compliment your digital reader you can use a bluetooth page turner, saves stopping and turning over a physical music page. Again there are many options, here is one example-
This is an Airturn Duo 200
https://www.airturn.com/products/airturn-duo-200
Music Stand
You may also want to on occasions use a music stand.
Gift Vouchers
I offer a gift voucher service, please contact me to arrange the amount you wish to purchase. I then create a personally named voucher for your recipient, that details how many lesson credits it entitles them too.
Questions?
If you have any queries not covered above, please don’t hesitate to contact me via my contact page or ring me on 07797 774755.
