List of questions

  • — Can I arrange a meeting with a tutor ?
  • — Where are you located?
  • - When can I start a course?
  • — How much do you charge?
  • — What is the best age to start?
  • — What guitar should I get?
  • — I dont have a piano. Can I still have lessons?
  • — How much should I spend on a guitar?
  • - How long does it takes to learn properly?
  • — How often should I practice?
  • — I am a complete beginner and cant read music. Can I still learn with you?
  • — How often should I have lessons and for how long?
  • — Do you teach grades?
  • — I do not live locally. Is there any teacher in my area you could recommend?
  • — Why should I choose SWS?

 

More Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I arrange a meeting with a tutor ?

Yes. We are offering a free no obligation advice session when you can speak to the tutor in person. Email info@swsmusic.co.uk to make an apponitment.

Where are you located?

We are located in Buckhold Road SW18 very close to the Southside shopping centre. For full details on how to find us, click HERE.

When can I start a course?

New beginner guitar courses start usually at the beginning of each month. Click HERE to check latest updates on current and on coming courses.

How much do you charge?

Individual lessons start from £9, children groups from £6 and 10 weeks courses from £75. In terms of price /quality, we aim to offer the best deal in London with top quality tutors delivering top quality learning at an affordable price.Click HERE to check all prices.

What is the best age to start?

For guitar and violin ,7-9 year old is usually a good age to start depending on the child . For piano, keyboard and singing, 5-7 is usually fine.

What guitar should I get?

As a general guideline for children, any 3/4 size nylon classical type works best. Smaller children might require half size instrument but metal strings instruments should be avoided. If in doubt, call us and we will be happy to help.

For adult players,both nylon and metal string instruments are suitable depending on your style of music: metal strings for pop/rock, nylon for classical and pop. Nylon strings are easier to play for beginners but metal strings produces a fuller sound.Full size is usually suitable for most adults.

I dont have a piano, can I still have lessons?

Yes. The best alternative to a real piano is to get a digital model. If possible get a model with weighted key which replicates a real piano touch. Argos are currently offering a £250 Yamaha model. Otherwise getting a second hand model is fine, check Ebay to see if there is one for auction in your area so to save on delivery costs. If on a limited budget, home keyboards can be another alternative. Try to choose one with a sustain pedal option. Overall home keyboard are best suited for keyboard lessons but can also work for piano lessons in the short term.

How much should I spend on a guitar?

For children,£30-£50 is a good start. Argos sells a basic quality 3/4 model for £30 including bag. Most music shops offer several models in the £35-£50 bracket or it is worth looking on Ebay.

Some recommanded models: Encore , Stagg, Jose Ferrer.

There is much choice for adults in the £40- £100 range. Check on EBay for new models in your price range. Used models can also be considered but avoid any instrument which has been played a lot and produces buzzing sounds .

Recommanded models:

Yamaha , Fender, Ibanez, Tanglewood, Takamine.
Metal strings guitar star pick: Yamaha F310
Nylon strings guitar star pick: Yamaha C40

How long does it takes to learn to play properly?

It depends what "playing properly" means to you. If it means being the next Eric Clapton, a lot of extra practice and patience will be required. If it means being able to play something to your family and friends that they recognize , then with regular practice , you should be able to achieve this within 2 or 3 lessons. From the very first lesson, we aim to get you playing easy melodies and chords and to make learning enjoyable and fun.

How often should I practice?

For children, the minimum weekly requirement is 2 practices of 15 minutes. For adults, 2 practices of 20 minutes. Less than this and it will take longer to achieve any meaningfully improvement. Any extra practice from this and your progress will be noticeable on a week to week basis

I am a complete beginner and cant read music. Can I still learn with you?

At SWS Music, we have lessons and courses for everyone. As it happens, most of our new students start as complete beginners and no knowledge of music theory is required to start lessons or join a course. All our teachers have extensive experience in teaching beginners and are trained to make you feel welcome and supported in your studies.

How often should I have lessons and for how long?

We recommend you start with one lesson a week especially if you are a beginner so to be able to have time to practice in between. For children 30 minutes lesson is usually a good format whereas adults can start with 30 and upgrade to 45 minutes lessons after a few weeks.

Do you teach grades?

Yes. We have specialist tutors for all main grade exam boards, ABRSM,Guildhall and RGT who are able to teach up to grade eight and beyond.

 

I do not live locally. Is there any teacher in my area you could recommend?

We are currently setting up a database of music teachers for the London area and surrounding counties. All teachers will be fully CRB checked and be chosen for their experience at teaching. Contact us if you require this service.

 

Why should I choose SWS?

By choosing SWS, you will be guaranteed to receive the best teaching standards from professional tutors and musicians. We aim to make lessons fun and interesting and offer the best learning support to our students.