My teaching involves a mixture of technical work, pieces, aural and theory, to incorporate everything you need to be an all-round musician. The exact nature of the lesson will depend on the pupil, for example age, ability and personality. I have taught ages 5 to 60, and beginner to grade 8. I offer preparation for ABRSM exams but there is no pressure on pupils to take them. The most important thing is that every pupil is able to enjoy their lessons and thrive during them. Students have different motivations for what they want to achieve in their lessons, for example taking GCSEs and needing to bring their instrumental playing up to standard for the performance element, or wanting to be good enough for a local band or orchestra, or a parent wanting to learn alongside a child. Some want to make it a serious career option and want to aim for a conservatoire or university music course. I have had some adult pupils who have been coming back to music after years out, and others who are absolute beginners. I have had young children wanting to learn because their friends do, or because other family members are musical. Some have no strong sense of why they want to learn music, they just know they do, and that is enough. Music has huge benefits for social life, brain development, team-working skills, and self-discipline. Anyone who wants to do something to help themselves would benefit from studying an instrument, learning about music theory, and aural training.