About
This website features the teaching and composing expertise of AL Hodgson
Contact: info@lexana.uk
07369 205941
AL Hodgson is a professional musician based in Weybridge, Surrey, UK.
His musical journey began as a chorister at Lichfield Cathedral, then as a music scholar to Shrewsbury School followed by 5 years studying Music at Reading University. AL has been a professional freelance musician and musical director since 1991 and has played on TV, radio, cruise ships, chart albums, national theatre tours, and copious numbers of weddings and private corporate events.
Since 1998 AL has also been very active in education. He has been Director of Music at Parsons Mead School (Ashtead UK), Barrow Hills School (Witley UK), St George's Junior School (Weybridge UK), Danes Hill School (Oxshott UK), Notre Dame School (Cobham UK) and a class music teacher at St George's College (Weybridge).
AL teaches the following instruments and subjects:- Piano
- Flute and Saxophone
- Music Theory
- Cubase and Sibelius Software
- GCSE (Edexcel) & A level (Eduqas)
Click below to watch a brief introductory video telling you all about the content of this website
Music Lessons
Follow the links below to learn about piano, flute, saxophone, music theory, music software, GCSE (Edexcel) and A level (Eduqas)
Contact: info@lexana.uk
07369 205941
Piano lessons
The piano remains one of the most popular instruments to learn. Most young musicians start at age 6 or 7 but there are occasional examples when tuition could start at.......
Read moreFlute lessons
The flute is very popular with younger learners as it is light, portable, affordable and produces a beautiful sound. Beginner flutes that have been adapted......
Read moreSaxophone lessons
The saxophone is a versatile and exciting instrument to learn. At times it is not suitable for the very young player due to its physical size......
Read moreMusic Theory
Music Theory remains an essential skill that many students simply do not learn enough about. Basic theory features in all of my instrumental tuition......
Read moreMusic Technology
Over the past 30 years music technology has become an integral part of music-making. I teach beginner to advanced skills in the use of Sibelius and Cubase software......
Read moreGCSE and A level music
I offer support lessons to help with Edexcel GCSE music and Eduqas A level......
Read moreCompositions and arrangements by AL Hodgson
Follow the links below to watch introductory videos and demos of compositions and arrangements.
Piano lessons in more detail
The piano remains one of the most popular instruments to learn. Most young musicians start at age 6 or 7 but there are occasional examples when tuition could start at a younger age.
Many of my pupils are adults and they tend to be a mixture of people coming back to instruments they learned in their youth, or they are just trying a new hobby that will excite and challenge the brain!
All lessons whether for the young, or those with a few more miles on the clock, are individually tailored to suit specific needs and requests.
Learning an instrument is meant to be enjoyable, I try to keep it that way.
Flute lessons in more detail
The flute is very popular with younger learners as it is light, portable, affordable and produces a beautiful sound.
Beginner flutes that have been adapted for smaller hands are readily available. Perfectly good quality starter flutes are now available for £150/£200.
The flute produces a nice pleasing tone even for the beginner (so there’ll not be any incidents of cowering pets when practice sessions take place within the home).
Learning an instrument is meant to be enjoyable, I try to keep it that way.
Saxophone lessons in more detail
The saxophone is a versatile and exciting instrument to learn.
At times it is not suitable for the very young player due to its physical size and weight. Although in recent years innovations (such as the Trevor James Alpha) have allowed even younger pupils to successfully start learning the instrument.
There are a number of different alternatives in terms of examinations which help to make the saxophone a very enjoyable instrument to learn.
If you choose to do examinations I teach Classical and Jazz syllabuses from the ABRSM and Trinity examination boards.
ABRSM Music Theory
Music Theory remains an essential skill that many students simply do not learn enough about.
Basic theory features in all of my instrumental tuition. I also teach specific classes for how to pass ABRSM Grade 5 theory and how to improve your composition skills through the application of theoretical knowledge.
If you are considering GCSE music then (in my opinion) a solid grounding in music theory is essential.
I am experienced in setting up and using the ABRSM online theory examinations - those of you who may have already tried it will appreciate it's quite a challenge at first
GCSE and A level music
I offer support lessons to help with Edexcel GCSE music and Eduqas A level.
I can cover other examination boards but right now Edexcel and Eduqas happen to be the boards I teach in my current Director of Music position in a secondary school.
If you need support with your performance, composition or set works please get in touch.
Music Technology
Over the past 30 years music technology has become an integral part of music-making.
I teach beginner to advanced skills in the use of Sibelius and Cubase software.
Most skills are transferable from one DAW to another.
I’ll not go on and on here as the technical jargon can get overwhelming - just get in touch if you would like to discuss music technology help/tuition.
Music Lessons FAQs
Email info@lexana.uk if you have any further questions
- What experience do you have?
- I studied Music for 5 years at Reading University and then played music professionally for 10 years (flute/saxophone/piano/bass guitar). For the past 25 years I have been a full time music teacher/Director of Music in five different schools. Most recently I was Director of Music at Notre Dame Senior School in Cobham (2020-2024). In September 2024 I started a new job as a part-time class music teacher St George's Junior School in Weybridge. You can read reviews about my teaching services here.
- Do you offer remote lessons?
- I offer both 1-1 and remote lessons. Remote lessons cost the same as face to face lessons. I use Google Meet or WhatsApp for remote lessons.
- How much do lessons cost?
- Prices vary depending on what you want to learn and how long your lessons are. Once I know your requirements I can give an accurate quote.
- What types of lessons do you offer?
- I offer tuition on Flute, Saxophone, Piano, Music Theory, Edexcel GCSE, Eduqas A level music, Composition and Music Technology. I teach all ages, and have plenty of experience in teaching Primary, Secondary aged pupils as well as adults.
- Do you have any space to take on new pupils?
- I am pleased to say that my private teaching diary is always very busy. The best advice is to get in touch and I will let you know if I have any availability.
- Where do lessons take place?
- Lessons take place at my studio in Weybridge, or via Google Meet/WhatsApp. In exceptional circumstances I do travel to private homes.
- Do I need to buy an instrument?
- In the long-term yes you would need to own an instrument. However there are many options available that would get you through the first 6 months of tuition. Please get in touch to discuss further info@lexana.uk
- Should I have face to face or remote lessons?
- If you are a beginner then face to face is in my opinion the only really effective way for you to progress. Most of my remote lessons are given to more advanced players or if other circumstances mean a remote lesson is a better option on that occasion.
- What is your teaching style?
- Music is supposed to be fun, and I do my best to keep it that way. Various forms of improvising regularly appear in my lessons as I believe these are core skills every musician should have. At the end of the day if you follow my advice and teaching methods you will become a better musician.
- How do lessons work?
- First lesson is used as an introductory session. You only pay for it if you decide to continue. Once you have started lessons there is no notice period if you decide to stop.
- How long is a lesson?
- Most students have 30 minute, 45 minute or 1 hour lessons although very young pupils sometimes have 20 minute sessions. The length of lessons is tailored to the pupil’s needs and abilities.
- What if I forget my lesson or I am ill and cannot attend?
- If a pupil does not give 24 hours notice that a lesson cannot take place then the lesson is still charged. I do however understand that things can happen beyond anyone's control, so each situation is dealt with depending on the circumstances.
- Can I see references? Do you have a DBS?
- Yes. If you would like references then do get in touch and I will supply email addresses of current pupils. You can then independently contact them and ask any additional questions you might have. Yes, I have an up to date DBS as I am a salaried music teacher in a local school.
- Do I have to do exams?
- No, you will not be compelled to do examinations. However many of my pupils do take examinations. Examinations are brilliant for building self confidence/improving wellbeing/developing transferable skills as well as being a valuable sourse of UCAS points for universtity applications.