FAQs

We've been asked a lot of questions over the years, and here we've put together pretty much everything we've been asked.
But is we've missed something, just get in touch!

WHO PROVIDES THE TEACHING?

The teaching is provided by independent, self employed teachers. All have professional qualifications (degrees, diplomas, etc) and are enhanced DBS checked.

WHAT INSTRUMENTS ARE TAUGHT?

Piano, Guitar, Violin, Saxophone, Flute and Clarinet

For 6 and 7 year olds, pupils go from the first steps in acquiring piano skills to the students’ first venture into Graded Exams.

Later Beginner – Piano

For age 8 and upwards, focusing on key piano skills including treble and bass clef reading, rhythm work and aural perception. It includes ensemble playing, whilst exploring a wide range of repertoire from classical to modern.  

Older Beginner – Piano

For older beginners and those returning to the piano. Including adults.

Young Musician Guitar

For 5 year olds, similar techniques are used as in the piano classes -  basic musical skills are taught, leading to the first steps on guitar playing.  There are a variety of activities in each lesson designed to  develop solid musical skills while learning to play, using half or three-quarter size guitars.

Young Guitarist

For 6 and 7 year old beginners, this is the ideal introduction to guitar playing.  Small guitars are available and lessons are  structured to suit this age group.  

Play Guitar

For 8 years old and upwards, these classes are pop and rock based, which suits the aspiring guitarist looking to put down that ‘Air Guitar’ and pick up the real thing.  

Play Violin

For 6 years old and upwards, these classes are designed to give a thorough grounding in violin playing with a real focus on good technique, note reading and all round musical skills..  

Saxophone, Flute and Clarinet

For 6 years old and upwards, pupils can learn classical or Jazz. It is not unusual for a pupil to start classical and switch to Jazz, as many prefer this genre.

General

In all courses the teachers plan each lesson to include a wide variety of activities, covering all the key musical skills needed to get the most out of playing.

WHEN DO CLASSES START?

Pupils can start lessons at any time, subject to availablity.

HOW LONG ARE THE CLASSES?

Group Classes are an hour long. One to one lessons may also be available. The length of these is not less than 30 minutes.

HOW DO THE COURSES WORK?

In all classes a wide range of musical skills are taught, above and beyond those needed to simply play a few tunes or pass exams. Aural training, rhythm training and note reading are given a high priority as are ensemble playing skills,  in preparation for the world beyond the class room or examination. The lessons include everything that is normally taught in a one to one lesson, plus much else besides. One to one lessons are only usually provided where a pupil requires extra coaching.

DO I NEED TO ENROL EVERY TERM OR EVERY YEAR?  

Pupils don't need to re-enrol for classes. Classes run on from one term to the next and one year to the next.  

MY SON OR DAUGHTER IS REALLY GOOD AT MATHS AND ENGLISH. WILL THEY BE ABLE TO LEARN AN INSTRUMENT?

Being good in academic subjects can help someone learn a musical instrument but is not guaranteed as the skills required are quite different.

HOW DO WE ENROL FOR REGULAR LESSONS?

The individual teacher will advise on enrolment and payment..

DO I NEED AN INSTRUMENT?

An instrument is essential when a student is to have lessons, as they will need to practice in between lessons. We provide an information pack which has details of suitable instruments at a range of prices. Or why not borrow, if you can?

HOW MUCH PRACTICE IS NEEDED?

Practice between lessons is essential, a little and often to start with. Every day for 10 minutes at the outset, building up as students progress. Within a few weeks, a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes a day is needed.

HOW MUCH SUPPORT DO PARENTS NEED TO GIVE?

Pupils make MUCH more progress with help from parents and family, as pupils need to practice every day.

Parents can help by making practice part of the daily routine, and if a day is missed, making sure extra is done to make up. Parents can also help by checking the homework that is set and helping to make sure that it’s been done.

Parents can check what has been set with a call or email to the school.

Note also that for younger children learning piano, (up to and including age 7) parents must attend with their children during classes - this is necessary to support the children both in the lesson and at home, where regular practice, with parental support, is essential.

WHAT ARE THE TERM DATES?

These are always available on the Website, and generally follow the school holidays. Note that for Saturday classes the teachers usually hold ONE Saturday class during half terms, etc. The teachers may occasionally need to re-arrange dates. If you contact the teachers during holiday periods, they will get back to you as soon as possible after the start of the next session and the office will pass on any messages.

The office is also closed during the holidays.

HOW DO WE PAY?

In most cases, the school acts as an agent for the teacher and collects fees on their behalf, by Direct Debit. We let you know the fees for each half term, and collect soon after.

Cash and Cheques are NOT accepted as a regular payment method for lessons.

Where a teacher collects their own fees, separate arrangements apply, and they will let you know what they are.

WHAT IF WE MISS A LESSON?

Just as in a regular primary or secondary school, there is no refund for missed lessons, but teachers will try to arrange a make up lesson when possible. You just need to contact the teacher to let them know. If you call the office, we can forward a message to them. The teacher will also email you details of homework from the missed class.

WHAT IF WE CAN NO LONGER ATTEND THE CLASS DUE TO OTHER COMMITMENTS?

Do speak to your teacher. There are many classes running, and the teachers are often able to arrange a transfer to a class at a different time, or even a different day. If you can’t transfer, you would then need to give notice that you wish to stop lessons

WHAT IF WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT A PUPILS PROGRESS?

You are invited to discuss any concerns you may have with your teacher, the sooner the better. The teachers will always try to address concerns as soon as they can. If you call the office, we can forward a message to them.

DO STUDENTS TAKE EXAMS?

Teachers enter students for graded exams, which are accredited by Trinity, Rockschool or the Associated Board of the Royal School sof Music - depending on the instrument. Points from these exams count towards UCAS points for University entry. An additional fee is required for exam entry.

WHEN ARE THE EXAM SESSIONS?

Music exams are available on line, and can happen at any time.

MY SON OR DAUGHTER HAS ALREADY BEEN LEARNING

Please let us know, and we can arrange for your son or daughter to have a separate assessment with a teacher, with a view to them joining a n existing class.

HOW DO WE WITHDRAW A PUPIL?

Should you wish to discontinue lessons you can do so at the end of term or at a half term.

We must receive notice in writing no later than 5 weeks before the end of the term or half term OR the first day of the term or half term if it less than 5 weeks to the end of the term or half term.

It is not possible to stop lessons part way through a term, except at the half term holiday. For full details, click here

HOW DO WE FIND OUT MORE?

There are free taster lessons for all beginner courses, so click here to find out more and book your taster.

Where a pupil has already been learning you would be welcome to meet one of the teachers for an assessment to see if may be possible to join an existing class. Click here to contact us and it’ll be set up for you.