[Alan Richardson]

Dont know if this helps but I tend to just increase prices on new students. This means you dont spook the existing ones who get rewarded for loyalty. With natural attrition the price increase gradually filters through. You could then go back to original prices easily in the event that the numbers drop off. You have to judge a fair price given the area etc. Good Luck

[Alan Richardson]

Hi Matt. I do most of the lessons in other peoples houses but I always encourage students to use a proper upright chair and similar for myself. A settee is very uncomfortable. The worst case was a lesson in South Shields where they didnt have a chair for me. I used to bring a small Marshall amp in to sit on.

[Alan Richardson]

I find most beginners find you tube a struggle as the teachers on there assumes the student already knows certain things. Intermediate students tend to use it a lot more. I do encourage people to use it and get back to me with any queries. Anything that provokes a response from the student though is good and keeps the lessons interesting.

[Alan Richardson]

I would be wary of an unpaid trial lesson. Every teacher deserves payment for his or her time. There is a teacher in my area who advertises the first lesson free. He then uses the hour to show off his prowness on the guitar hoping to impress them enough to get the student to pay upfront for a block booking. I always make sure the student gets to play something by the end of the first lesson even allowing for chat and setting the scene.

[Alan Richardson]

Great comment Phil. I get that one a lot. It really is insulting but I use it to point out that there are a lot of people doing lessons on the side and that mine is a proper business.

[Alan Richardson]

One of the funniest things a student said to me was. “I cant do push ups” Meaning semi tone, tone or 1 1/2 tone bends.