Cost
Our main F.A.Q. is How much do your music lessons cost?
A full hour music lesson is £55 and a half-hour music lesson is £33. 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 qualified music teacher.
Age group
Do you teach adults as well as children?
Of course! Around 58% of our total client base is adults. We have university students right the way through to retired men and women who attend for their music lessons, this is something we have offered for over 20 years.
Alongside our adult music lessons, we do have specially trained teachers available for teaching children as young as four years old. For instruments such as drums, we recommend children wait until they turn age seven, so they can reach the pedals.
Instrument
I don't have any instrument yet, can I still come for music lessons?
Most people who come along for the first time don’t have their own musical instrument yet. We understand that many people like to have a few lessons first, just to see if they like it, before making a financial step towards buying an instrument. That is why you are welcome to come along and use one of our instruments during your lesson.
For brass and woodwind, we recommend hiring an instrument for hygiene purposes. Our staff can advise you where you can locate a store in Edinburgh that offers a hire service.
Open
What times are you open?
Our opening hours aren't fixed and change slightly from day to day depending on our teaching schedules. Our school operates a strict 'by appointment only' policy, it isn't possible to enter the premises unless you have prebooked an appointment with a member of staff first. Like most other schools, we have a very strict level of security due to children being on the premises that we take very seriously. We have an entry phone system and state of the art CCTV outside, at reception and also throughout the building, including each of the classrooms. To book an appointment, please get in touch through our contact page.
Parking
Is there parking at the music school?
We are based on the main street on Comiston Road. The first side street just past the music school, if you are coming up the hill, has a pay and display parking area. Alternatively, if you drive just past this area, there is free on-street parking 24 hours a day.
Bookings
Do I need to block book lessons?
No, not at all. All lessons are pay as you go. This way you don’t have to worry any about upfront payments. We strongly believe that you will enjoy your music lessons so much that you will continue to come back, we don't think it is right forcing clients into a long term contract. If you offer a good service, your customers will stay with you. We have a state-of-the-art online booking and payment platform or you can pay at reception by card.
Beginners
Do you teach complete beginners?
Of course! Everyone has to start somewhere, and we have specially trained teachers who work with beginners every day. We also have teachers who teach clients who are doing undergraduate degrees, masters degrees and their PhDs, as well as customers who are working towards their Grade 8 or Diploma. We teach from absolute beginner to extremely advanced, and everywhere in between.
Age
What age do you start lessons from?
For different instruments, we recommend different starting ages. Most children can start at the age of 4. However, some instruments, like the saxophone, are better left until the age of 10. For drum lessons, it is important that the child can reach the hi-hat and bass drum pedal, we would recommend age seven. Please contact us to speak with one of our teachers, who will be able to offer you more advice.
Grades
Do I have to do grades?
Not at all. Unlike most schools, we give our clients a whole range of different 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. There is never any pressure, we are very supportive of what you want to learn.
Nerves
I get nervous when singing or performing, can you help?
Another great F.A.Q. Performance anxiety is a very real thing. Most people find that they get nervous when singing or playing in front of others, it’s perfectly natural. However, if you find that your anxiety is difficult to control, our fully qualified music teachers will take time with you until you feel comfortable. We understand how nerve-wracking it can be since we have all been there ourselves.