Lessons

What you can learn

Fourteen instruments, taught one to one, in pairs or in classes of up to 8. Every student moves at their own pace.

Piano
Piano and keyboard, from age five. A first lesson starts at the keys with a song you already know, and a keyboard at home is enough to begin.
Strings
Violin, fiddle and cello, from age six. Violin and fiddle share a teacher and an instrument, and the tunes differ. Strings come in sizes, so ask before you buy or rent.
Guitar and bass
Acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass, from age seven. Chords first, then the songs, riffs and styles you want to play.
Folk strings
Ukulele, mandolin and banjo, played the mountain way and from the page. Ukulele suits the youngest beginners.
Winds and brass
Flute, clarinet and trumpet, usually from age eight, and for school band students at any level. Lessons start with breath and sound before notes.
Voice
Voice lessons for teens and adults, and the community choir on Wednesday evenings. Singers rest their voices and drink water.
Drums
Drums on a practice kit and a pad, from age seven. Students learn to keep time before they learn a fill, and to listen to the room.
Group classes
A ukulele circle for ages 8 to 12, a fiddle and banjo jam for teens and adults, and the community choir. Classes of up to 8, except the choir.

A lesson

What happens in a lesson

Every lesson follows the same three steps, whatever the instrument.

01
Step 1: Warm up
A few minutes of scales, long tones or rhythm, whatever warms up your hands, your breath or your ear.
02
Step 2: New material
One new idea at a time, from a tune, a chord or a rhythm. Your teacher shows it before you play it.
03
Step 3: A plan for the week
Your teacher writes down what to practice, so the time at home has a clear start.

At home

Ask your teacher first
The right size and kind matters more than the shop. Strings and winds come in sizes.
Rent by the term
Most instruments can be rented by the term while you decide.
Start with what you have
For a first lesson, a keyboard, a tuned guitar or a borrowed ukulele is plenty.

A placement visit is the way to find out. A teacher listens, you talk, and we match you.