FAQ
HOW DO I PAY FOR LESSONS?
Lessons are paid for in cash or by bank transfer. For current prices, please do get in touch with us. Importantly, any lesson that is cancelled requires 24 hours notice or the full charge applies.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
All you need to do is contact us by using the Contact Us page. We can then chat and sort out an initial meeting or lesson.
IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE?
No, there isn't. The consultation is free, however if you start lessons, then a Music Bundle has to be purchased. This includes, a practice diary, a selection of starter music books and theory, a music bag as well as other goodies... This is particularly popular with children, but is also tailor made for adults too.
DO I NEED TO LEARN MUSIC THEORY?
This depends on your motive for learning music. Obviously, some learning needs to take place, simply to remember the names of notes etc. However, more formally we can purchase theory books and do a little work each week. That way, the practical side of the lessons works hand in hand with the theory. Furthermore, if you progress up to Grade 6, then you have to have a certain level of musical theory knowledge anyway.
DO I NEED A PIANO?
A piano or a weighted-piano/keyboard of some sort is a pre requisite for being taken on by the studio.
ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS BEFORE I START?
A consultation and assessment is required before lessons commence. This will assess your musical needs and suitability to become one of our students. Furthermore, we will set out the Studio's expectations and standards.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL LESSON INVOLVE?
A typical lesson at Birmingham Piano & Music Studio is tailored to each student’s goals and may include repertoire work, technical exercises to build dexterity, and targeted help with challenging sections. We also cover music theory, aural skills, sight-reading, and listening to develop well-rounded musicianship. For students preparing for ABRSM exams or working on personal projects, lessons are structured to support clear progress and musical confidence.
WHERE DO LESSONS TAKE PLACE?
All lessons take place at the Birmingham Piano & Music Studio, located at 103 Eachelhurst Road, Walmley, B24 0NX. Online lessons are also available by arrangement, for both practical tuition and music theory.
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The Studio features two dedicated teaching rooms and a comfortable waiting area. Students working at Initial to Grade 5 level are taught in the main studio, equipped with a high-quality Schimmel upright piano. For advanced students and ABRSM exams, lessons take place in the new An Seomra Ceoil Carolan, a purpose-designed music room featuring a Steinway & Sons grand piano.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR LESSONS?
Lessons are scheduled on a weekly basis to ensure consistent progress. Each teacher has their own availability, which can be discussed during your initial consultation and assessment. Daytime, evening, and weekend lesson times can all be accommodated to fit our schedule.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE WEEKLY LESSONS?
Yes, weekly lessons are essential for steady progress and development. While we understand that personal circumstances may occasionally require flexibility, extended gaps—such as taking three weeks off between lessons—are not conducive to effective learning. Consistent attendance is important, and we reserve the right to terminate lessons if there is a lack of regularity.
I'M UNABLEÂ TO ATTEND, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You must notify us by phone or text at least 24 hours before your lesson to avoid losing your fee. We will do our best to arrange an alternative lesson, depending on teacher availability. Please note that cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice will still incur the full lesson fee.
CAN I CHANGE THE LESSON TIME AND DATE?
Yes you can. Once again, at least 24 hours notice is required. Parents/Guardians may need to rearrange lessons for a variety of reasons - school trips, illness weekends away. Equally, personal work commitments may mean that teachers at the Birmingham Piano and Music studio will have to change a planned lesson. We will endeavour to do this at least 24 hours before a lesson, unless due to illness.
CAN I PAY FOR LESSONS AS A GIFT?
Yes you can. On several occasions people have bought a block of lessons for children at Christmas and/or Birthdays. These lessons may be given as a gift and the lesson voucher has a 1 year validity from the date of issue.
I DON'T HAVE A PIANO, BUT I DO HAVE A KEYBOARD, IS THAT OK?
Yes, that’s absolutely fine. While a piano is ideally the best instrument to start on, many younger students begin their studies on a keyboard. It’s essential, however, that the keyboard has weighted keys to develop proper technique. Often, parents or guardians choose to purchase a piano once the student shows progress. We can provide recommendations for reputable second-hand piano dealers and trusted piano tuners who offer advice and support if needed.
For students learning other instruments, it is important to have that instrument available before lessons begin to ensure effective practice and progress.
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HOW MUCH PRACTICE DO I NEED TO DO?
It’s essential to practice regularly—ideally every day. Think of it this way: 'Only practice on the days you eat'! For younger children, adult supervision several times a week is important to keep progress on track. We generally recommend around 30 minutes of focussed practice daily.
We understand that school, college, and other commitments can be demanding, but if you’re serious about lessons, it’s not just a weekly class—it’s a daily commitment. Please note that we reserve the right to discontinue lessons if this level of dedication is not maintained. Practice isn’t optional here; it’s a prerequisite to being part of our studio community.
WHERE CAN I BUY MUSIC FROM?
We provide and source ALL ABRSM material as well as other music scores.
I WANT TO DO ABRSM EXAMS, HOW DO I ENTER FOR THEM?
After thorough discussion with your teacher and once we are confident you are fully prepared, we will enter you for ABRSM examinations. With a 100% success rate, we understand exactly what is required and will advise accordingly—we only enter students when we believe they are capable of achieving distinction. We do not enter students merely to scrape a pass. Many of our students go on to perform at the prestigious ABRSM High Scorers' Concert, reserved exclusively for the highest achievers in the region. Maintaining our proud record of consistent, high achievement is a firm commitment, and we expect the same dedication from our students.
DO I HAVE TO DO EXAMS?
Not at all. Exams are entirely optional. We understand they can cause stress, especially for adults, though many adults have also achieved great exam success with us. Whether or not to take exams is your decision, and we’re here to offer guidance, support, and help if you choose that path. Additionally, some assessment options provide objective feedback without the pressure of pass/fail outcomes.
I AM AN ADULT, IS IT TOO LATE TO START PIANO?
It is never too late to start, all you need is enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, some practice and a keyboard/piano. Our eldest student is in their late 70's and is doing rather well!
How does the Birmingham Piano & Music Studio contact members?
As a condition of being a student, a parent/guardian must give a telephone number. We will then add you to our Birmingham Piano & Music Studio WhatsApp group. This is the community of students, and we share practice tips and encourage one another. This is also handy if the Studio is closed due to inclement weather, etc; one blanket text can be sent to all. Finally, it's all about consultation and an open two way line of communication.