Am I too old to start music lessons?

Not at all. The majority of our students are adults, and many start as complete beginners in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. Learning an instrument later in life is widely associated with keeping the mind sharp, and our teachers are experienced at teaching adult learners from scratch.

I've never played an instrument before, so where do I start?

Right at the beginning, at a pace that suits you. Piano, guitar, ukulele and singing are all popular, approachable first instruments for adults, but we teach every instrument to complete beginners. If you're unsure, our team can help you choose.

Do I have to sit exams?

Only if you want to. Many adult students never take a single exam and simply learn the music they enjoy. Others work towards ABRSM, Trinity or Rockschool grades. It's entirely your choice.

How much do adult lessons cost?

£36 for a half-hour lesson and £59 for a full hour, the same price for every instrument, in person or online. Lessons are pay-as-you-go with no contracts or block bookings.

For Adults & Retirees

Adult Music Lessons in Edinburgh

Always wanted to play? Picking up an instrument you loved as a child? You’re in good company. Most of our students are adults, and complete beginners are genuinely welcome at any age.

Every lesson is private, 1-2-1 and tailored to you, with fully qualified, PVG-registered teachers, in person at our Morningside school or online, wherever you are. We teach 8am–10pm, seven days a week, so evening and weekend lessons fit around work and family, not the other way round.

An adult student singing live at a Morningside School of Music showcase in Edinburgh

Recognised Qualifications

We prepare you for internationally recognised exams

Our teachers work to the official syllabi of the leading music examination boards.

It's genuinely never too late

Around 58% of our students are adults, from people in their 20s to learners well into their 80s. Complete beginners are the norm here, not the exception.

No exams unless you want them

Learn purely for the joy of it, work towards graded exams, or anything in between. Lessons are built around your goals and the music you actually love.

Lessons that fit a busy life

We teach 8am–10pm, seven days a week, all year round. Early before work, late after it, or midweek daytime, in person in Morningside or online.

Pay as you go, no contracts

£36 per half hour or £59 per full hour, the same rate for every instrument. No upfront blocks and no tie-ins. Just book the lessons that suit you.

Choose your instrument

Every instrument we teach is open to adult learners, from total beginner to advanced. Explore the one that’s calling you.

Singing lessons Piano lessons Guitar lessons Drums lessons Violin lessons Viola lessons Bass Guitar lessons Saxophone lessons Clarinet lessons Flute lessons Trumpet lessons Ukulele lessons Cello lessons Trombone lessons French Horn lessons Music Theory lessons Composition lessons Clarsach lessons Music Technology lessons

Adult lessons, your questions

Am I too old to start music lessons?: Not at all. The majority of our students are adults, and many start as complete beginners in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. Learning an instrument later in life is widely associated with keeping the mind sharp, and our teachers are experienced at teaching adult learners from scratch.
I've never played an instrument before, so where do I start?: Right at the beginning, at a pace that suits you. Piano, guitar, ukulele and singing are all popular, approachable first instruments for adults, but we teach every instrument to complete beginners. If you're unsure, our team can help you choose.
Do I have to sit exams?: Only if you want to. Many adult students never take a single exam and simply learn the music they enjoy. Others work towards ABRSM, Trinity or Rockschool grades. It's entirely your choice.
How much do adult lessons cost?: £36 for a half-hour lesson and £59 for a full hour, the same price for every instrument, in person or online. Lessons are pay-as-you-go with no contracts or block bookings.

Ready when you are

Take the first step towards the instrument you’ve always wanted to play. Register your interest and we’ll match you with the right teacher.