About
This website features the teaching and composing services offered by AL Hodgson
Click here to visit the Lexana Music Shop
Contact: info@lexana.uk
Question: What are the benefits of learning a musical instrument?
Answer 1: The benefits of playing the piano.
Answer 2: Playing a musical instrument is good for brain health in later life.
AL Hodgson is a professional musician and composer based in Weybridge, Surrey, UK.
His musical journey began as a cathedral chorister and continued as a music scholar at secondary school, followed by five years studying Music at university. AL has been a professional freelance musician and musical director since 1991 and has performed on TV and radio, on cruise ships, on charting albums, in national theatre tours, and at private corporate events.
Please use info@lexana.uk to get in touch.
AL has written an extensive library of music aimed at educators and choirs.
Follow this link to view the Lexana Music Shop
Since 1998, AL has also been highly active in music education. He has been Director of Music at four UK independent schools, working across both Primary and Secondary education.
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
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 around six or seven, although tuition can sometimes begin at a younger age.
Many of my pupils are adults. Some are returning to instruments they learned in their youth, while others are taking up 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.
BUYING A PIANO I am often asked questions like: Should I buy a piano? Should I buy an electric piano? Can I start lessons with a basic small keyboard like you might find in a school classroom? Unfortunately there is not one simple answer that fits all needs.
The easiest way for me to give solid advice is to chat over the phone/FaceTime/Meet in person.
If you are considering buying a real piano I thoroughly recommend that you get in touch with Mark Goodwin Pianos. If you quote the discount code 'Lexana' Mark Goodwin Pianos will give you a £500 discount on any Yamaha piano +44 7858 544839
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.
The flute produces a nice pleasing tone even for the beginner and progress is usually quite rapid for most students.
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. However, 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 I believe a solid grounding in music theory is essential.
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 most of my time as Director of Music has been involved with Edexcel and Eduqas.
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 won’t 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 or tuition.
Music Lessons FAQs
Email info@lexana.uk if you have any further questions
- What experience do you have?
- I studied Music for five years at university, both as an undergraduate and postgraduate, and have played music professionally (flute, saxophone, piano and bass guitar) for more than 35 years. For the past 20 years, I have been a Director of Music in four UK independent schools, working across both Primary and Secondary education. I currently teach music at a large independent school in Surrey, UK. You can read reviews of my teaching services here.
- Do you offer remote lessons?
- I offer both face-to-face and remote lessons. Remote lessons cost the same as face-to-face 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 provide an accurate quote.
- What types of lessons do you offer?
- I offer tuition in flute, saxophone, piano, music theory, Edexcel GCSE, Eduqas A Level Music, composition and music technology. I teach all ages and have extensive experience teaching Primary and 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 remotely via Google Meet or WhatsApp. In exceptional circumstances, I can also 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 allow you to get through the first six months of tuition without making a significant investment. Please get in touch to discuss this further: info@lexana.uk
- Should I have face-to-face or remote lessons?
- If you are a beginner, then, in my opinion, face-to-face lessons are the most effective way for you to progress. Most of my remote lessons are given to more advanced players, or when other circumstances mean that a remote lesson is a better option on a particular occasion.
- What is your teaching style?
- Music is supposed to be fun, and I do my best to keep it that way. I am classically trained, but I have also spent many years working in jazz and pop. This means that I am able to offer both traditional and more relaxed approaches to my lessons.
- How do lessons work?
- The first lesson is used as an introductory session. This opening session is free of charge. 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 one-hour lessons, although very young pupils sometimes have 20-minute sessions. The length of each lesson 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, the lesson will still be charged for. I do, however, understand that things can happen beyond anyone's control, so each situation is dealt with according to the circumstances.
- Can I see references? Do you have a DBS?
- Yes. If you would like references, please get in touch and I will supply the email addresses of current pupils. You can then contact them independently and ask any additional questions you may have. I also have an up-to-date Enhanced DBS check, as I am a music teacher at a local school.
- Do I have to do exams?
- No, you will not be compelled to take examinations. However, many of my pupils do take examinations. Exams are brilliant for building self-confidence, improving wellbeing and developing transferable skills, as well as being a valuable source of UCAS points for university applications.