> Aren't private lessons a better environment to learn in?
> Do you give any one-to-one individual attention in a group lesson?
> What if one student is faster or slower than the others in class?
> How many students are in a class? Do they share instruments?
> Will students get the chance to perform?
> Can students take exams if they want to?
> My four year old child is interested in an instrument other than
   keyboard. Why don't you have a program for really young children
   on guitar?
> Music lessons sound expensive, and I don't think I can afford them.
> Well, I'm convinced! How do I sign-up?

Q: Aren't private lessons a better environment to learn in?

A: Group lessons are the ideal environment to develop musical ability, all within a fun, motivating setting. Experience what private lessons can't give you: ensemble playing (which leads to better rhythm, balance, and musicality), team-work skills, motivation/inspiration from more than one source, but most importantly. peer pleasure !

Q: Do you give any one-to-one individual attention in a group lesson?

A: Of course! Our teachers are dedicated to ensuring each student's personal progress. Our teachers circulate around the classrooms to make sure that no student is having trouble.

Q: What if one student is faster or slower than the others in class?

A: As students are involved in a variety of activities in the lesson, it is possible that each one may develop some skills faster than others. While one student may read music well, another may have good rhythmic sense. Instructors have been trained to deal with the individual differences of students in a group lesson, and can facilitate development in learning from one another's strengths. Classes are designed in such a way that each student can realise his or her potential in appreciation for an understanding of music.

Q: How many students are in a class? Do they share instruments?

A: We're very fortunate to have state-of-the-art Yamaha equipment at our disposal. Our group classes will accommodate up to 10 students in keyboard and 8 students in guitar and drums, with each student seated at their own instrument. Vocal classes can cater for up to 12 students.

Q: Will students get the chance to perform?

A: Yes, all our students will take part in at least two performances per year, at summer and Christmas times.

Q: Can students take exams if they want to?

A: An optional examination syllabus is available for all Yamaha courses which enables students to obtain recognised qualifications.

The Yamaha Music Foundation (YMF) has its own examination system for our youngest keyboard students, starting with a Fundamental Skills Exam after JMC, then going through Grades 14 to 1.

For our older keyboard students, all courses support the framework of music in the National Curriculum to GCSE and 'A' level (Standard and Higher grades in Scotland ) and are ideal for acquiring all the skills necessary for these exams. We follow a fully accredited Trinity College exam syllabus and will take the student from beginner to Grade 8 standard.

For guitar and vocal students we offer exams with Rockschool, a UK based company delivering contemporary pop music exams with a mission to bring pop music education into the mainstream.

Q: My four year old child is interested in an instrument other than keyboard. Why don't you have a program for really young children on guitar?

A: For most younger beginners, because of the stage of physical development and coordination, a guitar can be challenging to play correctly. Our programs for young beginners (ages 3 to 7) concentrate on developing all-around musical skills with the help of the keyboard.

A keyboard is one of the simplest instruments to learn on because: it's easy and almost effortless to produce accurate, sustainable pitch; visually, it's laid out in a logical fashion (low pitches on one end, high pitches on the opposite); you can experiment with the sounds of virtually any instrument, thanks to state-of-the-art classroom equipment; you can experience melody, harmony, and rhythm simultaneously; and it's fun to play!

At a more appropriate age, students can later take the strong musical foundation they acquired through our programs, and transfer those skills to other instruments. Many of our students will go on to play additional instruments, like the guitar, violin, flute, clarinet, trumpet and drums.

Q: Music lessons sound expensive, and I don't think I can afford them.

A: Our lessons are affordable and competitively priced. We can guarantee that you will not find programs of this calibre at comparable costs. Ask yourself - are music lessons an expense, or an investment?

Q: Well, I'm convinced! How do I sign-up?

A: Give us a call on 01539 735341 to arrange a free taster lesson!

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