Frequently Asked Questions
GOT QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS!
A collection of common questions and there answers.
Don’t see and answer to your question? Get in touch!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Drum Lessons
How old does my child have to be to start drum lessons?
For drum lessons, we recommend that students begin with group lessons at 7 years old and continue until 11 years old. Private lessons are available for all ages after this, including adults.
Drums are loud, can my child practice without a full acoustic drum kit?
In the beginning, yes! Our teachers will be able to send you all the info you need to be able to practice effectively at home, with a range of budget options.
Practicing at home whilst keeping noise down could be as grand as an electronic drum kit, or as simple as practice pad. For a little while, you could even get away with drum sticks and a cushion!
Do I need to buy a drum kit before lessons start?
No way! Practice at home can be as simple as using a drum practice pad with sticks. This is a budget friendly option to help you get started and once you feel ready, then you can invest in a drum kit.
Will drum lessons help my child with other skills?
Of course! Drumming can help improve coordination, focus, discipline, creativity, self-confidence and problem-solving skills.
Are drum lessons suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely! For student aged 7 to 11 our group drum lessons are the perfect way to start their creative journey. Our nurturing teachers and an accessible and well-thought out curricullum is a winning combination!
For all other ages the lessons are completely bespoke and you will be guided every step of the way.
Can I try a drum lesson before committing?
Yes! Every instrument can benefit from our first free lesson offer. Claim your free drum lesson now!
What styles of drumming can I learn?
Our courses cover a wide variety of songs and genres to help build your repertoire and sytlistic knowledge. Pop, Rock, Jazz, Metal, Bossa nova, we’ve got you covered!
Are group lessons available, or only private ones?
Yes! We pride oursleves on our excellent group drum lessons.
How long is each drum lesson?
Weekly drum lessons are 30 minutes long. If there is space in a teachers schedule and you are keen on longer, we may also be able to offer 60 minutes.
What benefits does drumming offer aside from learning the instrument?
Drumming does more than just teach you an instrument—it improves your coordination, focus, and mental discipline. The physical movement is a great stress reliever, while also boosting your mood and energy. As you master new rhythms, you’ll build confidence, creativity, and perseverance.
Drumming is also a fantastic way to meet new people and work as part of a team, whether in a band or class. Plus, it’s a fun workout that improves your fitness, all while having a great time.
Want to experience the benefits for yourself? Book a free trial drum lesson today!
Bass Lessons
How old does my child have to be to start bass lessons?
We recommend that students start no earlier than 7 years old.
However, if your child is keen, they will learn lots of excellent transferrable skills by starting with ukulele. Our ukulele lessons start from 5 years old.
Do I need to buy an instrument before bass lessons start?
We always recommend that any students studying an instrumental lesson have access to an appropriate instrument between their lessons.
Having access to an instrument means students can practice and explore the instrument in their own time, which will help them develop a curiosity and passion, whilst also making sure you get the most value out of the weekly lessons.
Do I need to have any experience with music before starting bass lessons?
Not at all! We welcome students of all abilities and will guide you every step of the way, regardless of where you are starting from.
What age groups do you offer bass lessons for?
Private bass lessons are available for anyone 7 years old and over. Children, teenagers, adults and seniors are all welcome!
Can bass lessons help me improve my ability to play in a band?
Definitely! Learning bass in a weekly lessons will help you build all the skills need to succeed in a band setting.
What’s the benefit of learning with The Music Works compared to other schools?
We create a fun and rewarding environment where students can thrive! With great teachers, opportunities to perform and expand your skillset by joining bands, there’s something for everyone.
Guitar Lessons
How old does my child have to be to start guitar lessons?
For guitar lessons, we recommend that students begin with group lessons at 7 years old. For students 5 and up, we would recommend beginning on ukulele.
Should my child learn acoustic or electric guitar first?
The answer to this is either. In the beginning the skills that students will learn on either the acoustic or electric guitar will be transferrable. The is generally true until you start getting up to grade 2 standard.
However, if you or your child have a preference, this is the correct answer! Our professional teaching team can teach both, and will work with you on whichever you would prefer.
We provide electric guitars for group lessons (because it allows us to turn down students if needed!), but for private lessons we provide both.
Do I need to buy a guitar before lessons start?
We would highly recommend that while a student has guitar lessons, that they have access to a guitar at home that they can use to practice. This will increase the chances that the student develops a passion for playing and will dramatically increase the chances of progression.
Will guitar lessons help my child with other skills?
100%! Playing guitar can help enhance coordination, focus, discipline, creativity, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills.
What if I have no prior experience with the guitar?
No problem! We can help students at every stage, from beginners, to intermediate, to advanced.
Are the lessons suitable for children or adults?
Yes! We provide our guitar services to everyone 7 and over. Children, teenagers, adults and seniors are all very welcome!
For younger students that are interested in guitar, we highly recommend the excellent Beginner Ukulele Course. This wonderful course will teach you all the fundamentals that can easy be transferred to guitar when ready.
What is the Yamaha Guitar Encounters course?
The Yamaha Guitar Encounters course is a dynamic and engaging program designed for aspiring guitarists aged 8 and above. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, this course offers a comprehensive learning experience that combines practical playing with essential music theory. You’ll learn to play a wide range of rock and pop songs, develop key techniques, and improve your sight-reading and improvisation skills. With expert instructors and a structured curriculum, Guitar Encounters provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to master the electric guitar
Can I take private lessons or do I have to join a group?
Both options are available! Private lessons offer personalised instruction, while group lessons provide a social and interactive experience.
We highly recommend group lessons for younger students, as they are a fantastic way to begin their creative journey.
How can I book a free guitar lesson?
It’s easy-peazy, lemon-squeezy! Take our short questionnaire to find your perfect class, and once registered you will receive an infopack with all the info you could want, plus a booking link to claim your free guitar lesson.
Piano Lessons
How old does my child have to be to start piano lessons?
Our group piano lessons start from as young as 3 years old!
Do I need to buy a piano before lessons start?
It is highly recommended that students’ have access to a piano or a keyboard at home. This does not need to be a full scale acoustic piano, and can be something much more budget-friendly, like a small keyboard.
Having an instrument at home for practice will enhance the likelihood that the student develops a love for playing and significantly boost their chances of progressing.
Do I need any prior experience to start piano lessons?
Nope! We can help students at any point in their creative journey, from beginner, to intermediate to advanced.
Are piano lessons available for both children and adults?
Yes! Lessons are available from 3 years old and up, and all are welcome. Whether you’re a child, teenager, adult or senior, there’s a piano class available to you.
What if my child is very young?
We’ve got you covered! Our piano lessons can start from as young as 3! Use our quick questionnaire to find your child’s perfect piano class.
Can I book a trial lesson before committing?
Yes! Answer these questions and you will be on your way to a free piano lesson.
What if I want to learn a specific style of piano?
Our piano teachers are experts and can help you in most genres. Our free piano taster lesson is the perfect place to discuss this, talk to your teacher to see how they can best support you.
Singing Lessons
How old does my child have to be to start singing lessons?
Singing is a big part of the wonderful Yamaha Junior Music Course, which students as young as 4 .5 years old can join.
For private singing lessons, these can begin when students are 7 years old.
Do I need prior experience to start singing lessons?
Absolutely not, we welcome everyone! Our teachers are here to support and guide you through every step of the process.
Are singing lessons available for children?
Yes! For very young children, we have the wonderful Yamaha Junior Music Course, which is an excellent course that teaches singing and piano.
For students 7 and up, we offer private singing lessons, a fully bespoke way to learn how to sing, where your teacher will give your child all the support they need.
What types of singing styles will I learn?
Anything! Although our teachers will ahve a huge library of songs and exercise that they would love to work on with you, you are in control! Want to learn how to sing like T-Swift? We can help!
Can singing lessons help with my overall health?
Learning how to sing offers numerous health benefits that can enhance your overall well-being. Singing helps improve lung function by encouraging deep breathing and better oxygenation. It also acts as a natural stress reliever, releasing endorphins that elevate your mood and reduce anxiety. Additionally, singing stimulates cognitive functions, enhancing memory, concentration, and mental clarity. Whether you’re singing solo or in a group, the physical and mental benefits make it a rewarding and enjoyable activity for all ages.
What makes your singing lessons different from other schools?
At The Music Works, our singing lessons stand out because of our personalized approach. We understand that every student has unique goals and learning styles, which is why our experienced vocal coaches tailor each lesson to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, our supportive and encouraging environment helps you feel confident and motivated at every stage of your vocal journey. Plus, we focus not only on technique but also on building your performance skills and musical expression, so you can truly connect with the songs you love.
Do I have to perform in front of others?
While performing in front of others is a great way to build confidence, we understand that it can be intimidating for some. That’s why we give you the flexibility to progress at your own pace. You won’t be pressured to perform until you feel ready. Whether you prefer to focus on building your skills in private or want to take part in group performances, we create a supportive environment where you can comfortably grow as a singer and choose the level of performance that suits you.
Can I book a trial singing lesson?
Yes! We offer a free trial singing lesson so you can experience our teaching style and see if our approach works for you. It’s a no-pressure opportunity to get to know your vocal coach, discuss your goals, and start your musical journey. We believe in making sure you feel comfortable and confident in your learning environment, so the trial lesson is the perfect way to get started.
How do I get started with lessons?
Getting started is easy! Simply book your free trial lesson through our website or get in touch with our team. We’ll answer any questions you have, help you find the right teacher, and schedule a lesson that fits your availability. It’s the first step toward unlocking your full vocal potential!
Ukulele Lessons
How old does my child have to be to start ukulele lessons?
For ukulele lessons, we a fantastic group lesson syllabus that is designed for students aged 5 to 6.
Private lessons can begin from 7 years old, or group students can graduate to their choice of group drums, guitar or piano.
Do I need to buy a ukulele before lessons start?
We advise that students taking ukulele lessons should have a ukulele available at home for practice. This will heighten the probability of fostering a passion for playing and markedly increase their chances of progressing.
Will ukulele lessons help my child with other skills?
Absolutely! Learning to play the ukulele can help improve coordination, concentration, discipline, creativity, self-esteem, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are particularly beneficial for young students, helping them excel both in music and other areas of their lives.
Do I need any prior experience to start ukulele lessons?
Not at all! Ukulele lessons are perfect for complete beginners. Our teachers will guide you step by step, starting with the basics like tuning, strumming, and learning simple chords. Whether you’ve never picked up an instrument before or have some musical background, we’ll meet you where you’re at.
What age groups are ukulele lessons suitable for?
Ukulele lessons are ideal for all ages! We have specialised lessons for younger students, starting at age 7, as well as adult learners. It’s never too late to start learning the ukulele, and we’ll tailor the lessons to suit the individual needs and goals of each student.
What kind of music will I learn on the ukulele?
In our lessons, you’ll explore a variety of musical genres, including pop, folk and rock. Whether you want to play your favourite songs or dive into learning a new style, we’ll help you build the skills to play the music you love.
What makes your ukulele lessons different from others?
Our ukulele lessons are designed to be fun and motivating, with a focus on building skills and confidence in a relaxed environment. Our experienced instructors create personalised lesson plans that align with your musical goals and help you progress at your own pace.
We also exclusively use the excellent Beginner Ukulele Course from Vuzo, a phenomonal blended learning course that includes video and interactive score to help with practice at home. It’s like having your teacher with you whenever you need them!
Can I book a free trial ukulele lesson?
Absolutely! We offer a free trial ukulele lesson where you can meet your instructor, ask questions, and get a feel for the lessons. It’s the perfect way to see if the ukulele is right for you, without any commitment.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple! Answer the questions here and once completed, you will be sent a informative infopack with the the info about our ukulele lessons you could want, plus a booking link to claim your free first ukulele lesson.
Yamaha Junior Music Course
How old does my child have to be to start the Yamaha Junior Music Courses?
Ideally, 4.5 years old! However, children can join up until they are 6.5 years old.
The course continues into other courses such as Yamaha Play For Keeps, so there will always be an option for lessons for older children.
Do I need to buy an instrument before Yamaha Junior Music Course lessons start?
Students will do a good amount of learning and practice in their weekly 60 minute session, but we would definitely recommend a piano at home for practice. This does not have to be an expensive piano (although that’s great if you can!), but can be a budget-friendly keyboard.
What is the Yamaha Junior Music Course?
The Yamaha Junior Music Course is a specially designed programme for children aged 4.5 to 6.5 years old. It teaches music through fun and interactive activities, helping young children develop essential musical skills while learning the basics of rhythm, melody, and harmony in a supportive group setting.
What will my child learn in the course?
Your child will learn key musical concepts such as rhythm, melody, and pitch through singing, listening, and playing piano. The course also includes the development of basic piano skills to help build a strong foundation for future musical studies.
Do I need to have a musical background to enrol my child?
Not at all! The course is designed for complete beginners, so no prior musical knowledge or experience is required. It’s a fantastic way for young children to explore music in a fun and engaging way.
What makes this course different from other music programmes?
The Yamaha Junior Music Course is globally recognised for its well-structured, age-appropriate curriculum that encourages a love of music. It uses a unique approach that focuses on the child’s development through musical play and social interaction, setting a strong foundation for future music learning.
Is my child too young for this course?
The course is specifically designed for children aged 4.5 to 6.5 years, making it the perfect starting point for early musical education. If your child falls within this age range, they’ll be introduced to music in a fun and engaging way that is suited to their developmental stage.
Can I book a trial lesson to see if my child enjoys the course?
Yes! We offer a free trial lesson for you and your child to experience the programme first-hand. It’s a great way to ensure the course is a good fit and for your child to see if they enjoy the class environment.
How do I enroll my child in the Yamaha Junior Music Course?
It’s very simple and only takes 2 minutes! Answer the questions here to find your perfect class, and once registered you will receive an infopack with all the info about the course, and a booking link to claim you free lesson.
Free Music Lesson
How do I sign up for my free music lesson?
It couldn’t be simpler! Use our questionnaire to quickly filter your preferred instrument, lesson type and location for you or you child, and once completed you will be send both an infopack with all the info you need for you choice, and a booking link to claim your free lesson!
Is there any commitment after the free lesson?
Nope! It is completely risk free. It’s not that we’re crazy, we’re just very confident that you’ll love your first lesson!
What happens during the free lesson?
The free first lesson is a chance for you to see us in our natural habitat, meet the support staff and most importantly, your new teacher! The lesson is relaxed and an opportunity for you to get to know each other, while having an exciting instroduction to playing something on your chosen instrument.
So, why not give it go!? Book a free music lesson now.
Can I choose which instrument I want to try for the free lesson?
Absolutely! Using our quick and simple questionnaire you will pick exactly what you want to try and get all of the relevant info to make your free music lesson happen.
Do I need any prior experience or skill to claim the free lesson?
Nope! All are welcome!
For group classes – every student will need to be roughly the same level to make this work. So this usually works best for beginners.
For private lessons – these are completely bespoke and available to all ability levels.
What are the benefits of learning music at The Music Works?
There are just so many! The health benefits of studying music are long and impressive:
Improve your stress levels
Improve memory
Develop focus and dicipline
Develop critical thinking and creativity
Build confidence and self-esteem
Develop social skills and build lasting friendships
And more!
General Questions
What specific music lessons are offered at The Music Works?
Drums – Group Classes and one-on-one lessons
Piano – Group Classes and one-on-one lessons
Guitar – Group Classes and one-on-one lessons
Ukulele – Group Classes and one-on-one lessons
Singing – One-on-one lessons
Band Skills – Group sessions
Bass – One-on-one lessons
Yamaha Junior Music Course – Group Sessions
How can I claim my free music lesson?
We have made this really simple! We have created a questionnaire that will filter down to exactly what you are interested in, and once completed, you will be sent an infopack with all the info you could need about the instrument and the location, as well as a link to be able to book your free music lesson. Try out the questionnaire now, it only takes 2 minutes!
Simples 😄
What is the pricing structure for lessons?
This all depends on where! For our lessons in school during the school day, we keep our prices as low as possible. This is due to our commitment to supporting as many families as we can in our community. We also provide a limited number of free bursary spaces for schools to nominate students to receive free lesson, which are fully funded by The Music Works.
For lessons in our dedicated music schools, we provide lessons for a single monhtly price, very similar to how you would pay to go to the gym. Everything is included in your monthly price, so there will be no hidden or surprise costs.
To get an exact price for the lesson type (group or one-on-one), instrument and location, please use our simple questionnaire to help you decide what you are interested in. You will then receive an infopack with all of the information you are looking for!
Are there options for adult learners or just kids?
Absolutely! We provide lessons for students aged 4+ and we teach many adults every single week. You are never too old to start!
Are there group lessons or only private sessions available?
Heck yes! Group lessons are our jam! Our teachers are trained by world-leader Yamaha in group teaching methodology, and we excel at getting groups of student to have fun and progress on their instrument.
I’m worried the lessons might be too expensive.
We pride ourselves on our comitment to our local community, and we have supplied thousands of supplemented and free lessons for those that are in need. Get in touch, we may be able to help.
Can I purchase gift vouchers for lessons?
Of course! You can give the gift of music by gifitng a music voucher for lessons.
I’m not sure about the commitment involved. What if my child loses interest?
We are always sad to see a student go, but we’ll never make it difficult for you! We have a very simple and clear notice period for our lessons, and as long as we know before the 21st of the month there will be no further payment collected for lessons.
What makes The Music Works different from other music schools?
The key difference is our commitment to our communities and keeping music live. Yes, we deliver excellent music lessons and work with great musicians (we won Music School of the Year 2025, don’tcha know!), but also we spend a huge amount of time and resources on helping in our local community and organising live performance opportunities for our students.
Who are the instructors and what are their qualifications?
We work with a team of 20+ excellent teachers, on a variety of instruments! Many are graduates of excellent universities, such as Surrey University, the Academy of Contemporary Music, Waterbear, BIMM, LIPA etc.
When regitsering your interest in lessons, you will receive a bookinglink to book a free music lesson for your chosen instrument at your preferred location. During this process, you can see the teacher and read there bio to get a better feel of who your lesson will be with! Or, even better, you can view all the teachers and pick a day time based on their availability.
Is there a trial lesson or introductory offer?
When registering your interest in lessons, you will receive a bookinglink to book a free music lesson for your chosen instrument at your preferred location. During this process, you can see the teacher and read there bio to get a better feel of who your lesson will be with! Or, even better, you can view all the teachers and pick a day time based on their availability.
How are lessons tailored to different skill levels?
For private lessons, your teacher will work with you week in, week out and understand how you are progressing. Through their experiencebeginners will get a fantastic foundation for understanding their instrument and music theory, while more advanced players will be pushed to improve and get more out of the instrument than they ever imagined!
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Absolutely! We are involved in 60-80 events every year and we actively work to give students opportunities to perform.
Perfroming is an afirmation of knowledge on your instrument, and is key to developing discipline and creativity.
How does music education at The Music Works help students outside of music?
Put simply, music education can transform lives. Every single one of us at The Music Works has experienced this and this is why we want to help transform lives for the better. Studying an instrument is consistently shown to improve people’s in a myriad of ways, including developing discipline, self-esteem, friendships while learning to emotionally regulate better. So many transferrable skills that it’s no wonder music can help transform lives!
What if I can’t commit to regular lessons?
We supply weekly lessons and do not currently offer bi-weekly or drop in sessions. This is due to our commitment to our teachers and the expectation that they are commiting their time to teach for us.
