Question 1

How much do your music lessons cost?

Accepted Answer

A full-hour music lesson is £59 and a half-hour music lesson is £36. The price is the same for all lessons that we teach, including online music tuition. This is for a private 1-2-1 music lesson with a highly experienced, qualified, professional music teacher.

A student practising vocal technique with her singing teacher

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Question 2

Do you teach adults as well as children?

Accepted Answer

Of course! Around 58% of our total client base is adults. We have university students all the way through to retired men and women who attend for their music lessons; this is something we have offered for over 20 years. We also have specially trained teachers for children as young as four. For instruments such as drums, we recommend children wait until they turn age seven, so they can reach the pedals.

Question 3

I'm retired. Is it too late for me to learn an instrument?

Accepted Answer

Not remotely. Retirees make up a genuinely significant part of our adult student base: many picking up an instrument for the very first time, others returning to one they played decades ago. Lessons are paced entirely around you, with no pressure and no exams unless you want them.

Question 4

Can you tell me about your teachers?

Accepted Answer

We have searched carefully to find the most qualified, experienced, performed, recorded and respected music teachers possible. We have professors, doctors of music, musicologists, international session musicians, musical directors, educationalists, child psychologists and speech and language therapists, and that is just a small handful.

Question 5

I don't have an instrument yet, can I still come for music lessons?

Accepted Answer

Most people who come along for the first time don't have their own musical instrument yet. You are welcome to use one of our instruments during your lesson. For brass and woodwind, we recommend hiring an instrument for hygiene purposes, and our staff can advise where to find a hire service in Edinburgh.

Question 6

What times are you open?

Accepted Answer

We're open 8am–10pm, seven days a week, all year round, including school holidays and bank holidays. The school operates a strict 'by appointment only' policy: it isn't possible to enter the premises unless you've pre-booked. We have an entry phone system and high-definition CCTV throughout the building. To book an appointment, please get in touch through our contact page.

Question 7

Is there parking at the music school?

Accepted Answer

We are based on the main street on Comiston Road. The first side street just past the music school (heading up the hill) has a pay and display parking area. Alternatively, just past this area, there is free on-street parking 24 hours a day.

Question 8

Do I need to block book lessons?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all. All lessons are pay as you go, so there's no upfront payment or long-term contract. We have a state-of-the-art online booking and payment platform, or you can pay at reception by card.

Question 9

Do you teach complete beginners?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We have specially trained teachers who work with beginners every day, as well as teachers who work with students doing undergraduate, master's and PhD degrees, and those working towards Grade 8 or Diploma. We teach from absolute beginner to extremely advanced.

Question 10

What age do you start lessons from?

Accepted Answer

Most children can start at age 4. Some instruments, like saxophone, are better left until age 10. For drum lessons, the child needs to be able to reach the hi-hat and bass drum pedal, so we recommend age 7. Contact us to speak with a teacher for more specific advice.

Question 11

Do I have to do grades?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Unlike most schools, we give clients a whole range of options to suit their individuality, and you can change your mind as many times as you like. Grades can be excellent for some people, but don't suit everyone's development.

Question 12

I get nervous when singing or performing, can you help?

Accepted Answer

Performance anxiety is very real and perfectly natural. If you find your anxiety difficult to control, our fully qualified music teachers will take time with you until you feel comfortable. We've all been there ourselves.

Question 13

Do you have experience working with children and adults who have special needs?

Accepted Answer

We have worked alongside various organisations for over 27 years to help facilitate music lessons and music therapy for both children and adults with specific learning needs. Due to the age of our building, we're regrettably unable to assist wheelchair users on-site, but we can send teachers to homes or other suitable places for lessons.

Question 14

How do you keep pupils safe?

Accepted Answer

Every teacher is PVG registered with Disclosure Scotland, every room and communal area is covered by high-definition CCTV, and a trained first aider is on site throughout opening hours. See our full Safeguarding page for more detail.

Question 15

Can I buy lessons as a gift?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our gift vouchers are redeemable against any instrument we teach. Terms including the validity period are shown at the point of purchase. Visit our Gift Vouchers page to buy one online.

Question 16

What happens if I need to cancel a lesson?

Accepted Answer

We operate a 48-hour cancellation policy. Let us know at least 48 hours before your lesson if you need to cancel or reschedule, and there's no charge. Lessons cancelled with less notice, or missed without any notice, may still be chargeable at the full lesson rate, since that time was reserved specifically for you with a self-employed teacher. Popular lesson times have a waiting list, so a pattern of repeated cancellations may mean we release your regular slot to a waiting pupil.

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