How To Choose The Right Musical Instrument For You 🎻🎸

Choosing The Right Instrument For You

5 points to consider when making your choice

Finding the correct musical instrument can be a daunting task. There are so many options to choose from and it can feel overwhelming. This blog post aims to help you come to a decision.

1. Think About The Genres of Music You Enjoy:

   Many instruments are genre specific. For example, clarinet would be firmly in the classical music category and occasionally Jazz. Whereas Piano is more versatile and features heavily in Classical, Jazz, Rock and Pop. If you really enjoy rock music and dislike classical then you maybe more suited to electric guitar than the French horn. Guitar, drums, piano and bass can give you a lot more versatility than other instruments.

2. How Much Space do You Have ?

   Do you live in a spacious detached house or do you live in a terraced house with irritable neighbours? These are all questions you need to consider. Instruments such as digital pianos, electric guitars and electric drum kits can be played with headphones making them good choices if you need to be quiet. Oboes, violins and trumpets don’t take up much space but they are noisy. Some instruments take up a lot of space such as drum kits, double bass and xylophone. Having an understanding of the noise and space requirements of instruments can help you come to a decision.

3. How Much Disposable Income do You Have?

   Instruments can dramatically vary in price. You can get entry level instruments for relatively cheap but as you progress higher end instruments can vary in price. A good quality upright piano will set you back around £5000+, whereas a good quality electric guitar is around £700+. In addition you need to factor in maintenance,, accessory and tuition costs. Being realistic about your budget can help you make the right decision.

4. Think About Your Goals.

   Are you wanting to play in a band, become a solo artist or maybe play in an orchestra? Some of our piano students want to be able to play at gatherings and have their friends sing along with them. Where are some are hoping to become professional musicians in bands. Understanding your goals will help you come to a decision.

5. Follow Your Gut and Chase Your Passion

   If you have always wanted to play drums and love the idea of becoming a great drummer then you can make it work whatever the circumstances. If you have passion for a particular instrument then that can help you find the motivation needed to become successful.

If you are interested in booking high quality, professional piano, guitar or bass lessons then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Book your Guitar & Bass lessons at your own home in Leeds, Headingley, Adel, Burley, Leeds City Center, and online now.

Book your piano lessons in our Teaching Studio at Pollard Yard, or at your own home in Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, and online now.

100% ABRSM pass rate continues!!!

ABRSM Exams Summer Session

All students have passed so far.

100% ABRSM pass rate continues!!! Phillips Music Tuition have had a great start to the ABRSM summer exam period. All six of our students who have taken their exams so far have passed. These are ABRSM grades ranging from Initial - Grade 8. Congratulations to all of our students who have passed and good luck to our final three students who are yet to take their exams!!!

If you are interested in booking high quality, professional piano, guitar or bass lessons, with proven results then please visit our website. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Book your piano lessons in our Manchester Studio, Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, or online now.

Book your Guitar & Bass lessons at your own home in Leeds, Headingley, Adel, Burley, Leeds City Center, and online now.

Bass Lessons In Weetwood→

Bass Lessons in Weetwood

Pop, Jazz or Rock Bass lessons for all ages and skill levels.

If you are looking for face to face bass lessons in the Weetwood area then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. Our tutors can deliver bass lessons in the comfort of your own home. Our bass Tutor Ryan teaches bass lessons to numerous students throughout Leeds, Headingley, Burley and Weetwood. He has a 100% pass rate, over 10 years teaching experience and delivers fun and engaging bass lessons. He can teach in any genre and is well versed in Pop, Jazz and delivering the Rock School syllabus for all grades.

To book bass lessons in Weetwood please fill out our contact form.

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Guitar Lessons In Weetwood→

Guitar Lessons in Weetwood

Pop, Jazz or Rock Guitar lessons for all ages and skill levels.

If you are looking for face to face guitar lessons in the Weetwood area then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. Our tutors can deliver guitar lessons in the comfort of your own home. Our guitar Tutor Ryan teaches guitar lessons to numerous students throughout Leeds, Headingley, Burley and Weetwood. He has a 100% pass rate, over 10 years teaching experience and delivers fun and engaging guitar lessons. He can teach in any genre and is well versed in Pop, Jazz and delivering the Rock School syllabus for all grades.

To book guitar lessons in Weetwood please fill out our contact form.

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Book a Free Consultation Lesson Today

Guitar Lessons In Headingley→

Guitar Lessons in Headingley

Pop, Jazz or Rock Guitar lessons for all ages and skill levels.

If you are looking for face to face guitar lessons in the Headingley area then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. Our tutors can deliver guitar lessons in the comfort of your own home. Our guitar Tutor Ryan teaches guitar lessons to numerous students throughout Leeds, Headingley, Burley and Weetwood. He has a 100% pass rate, over 10 years teaching experience and delivers fun and engaging guitar lessons. He can teach in any genre and is well versed in Pop, Jazz and delivering the Rock School syllabus for all grades.

To book guitar lessons in Headingley please fill out our contact form.

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Book a Free Consultation Lesson Today

Bass Lessons In Burley→

Bass Lessons in Burley

Pop, Jazz or Rock Bass lessons for all ages and skill levels.

If you are looking for face to face bass lessons in the Burley area then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. Our tutors can deliver bass lessons in the comfort of your own home. Our bass Tutor Ryan teaches bass lessons to numerous students throughout Leeds, Headingley, Burley and Weetwood. He has a 100% pass rate, over 10 years teaching experience and delivers fun and engaging bass lessons. He can teach in any genre and is well versed in Pop, Jazz and delivering the Rock School syllabus for all grades.

To book bass lessons in Burley please fill out our contact form.

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Book a Free Consultation Lesson Today

Bass Lessons In Headingley→

Bass Lessons in Headingley

Pop, Jazz or Rock Bass lessons for all ages and skill levels.

If you are looking for face to face bass lessons in the Headingley area then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. Our tutors can deliver bass lessons in the comfort of your own home. Our bass Tutor Ryan teaches bass lessons to numerous students throughout Leeds, Headingley, Burley and Weetwood. He has a 100% pass rate, over 10 years teaching experience and delivers fun and engaging bass lessons. He can teach in any genre and is well versed in Pop, Jazz and delivering the Rock School syllabus for all grades.

To book bass lessons in Headingley please fill out our contact form.

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Book a Free Consultation Lesson Today

Guitar Lessons In Burley →

Guitar Lessons in Burley

Pop, Jazz or Rock Guitar lessons for all ages and skill levels.

If you are looking for face to face guitar lessons in the Burley area then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. Our tutors can deliver guitar lessons in the comfort of your own home. Our guitar Tutor Ryan teaches guitar lessons to numerous students throughout Leeds, Headingley, Burley and Weetwood. He has a 100% pass rate, over 10 years teaching experience and delivers fun and engaging guitar lessons. He can teach in any genre and is well versed in Pop, Jazz and delivering the Rock School syllabus for all grades.

To book guitar lessons in Burley please fill out our contact form.

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Book a Free Consultation Lesson Today

Bass Lessons In Leeds →

Bass Lessons in Leeds

Pop, Jazz or Rock Bass lessons for all ages and skill levels.

If you are looking for face to face bass lessons in the Leeds area then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. Our tutors can deliver bass lessons in the comfort of your own home. Our bass Tutor Ryan teaches bass lessons to numerous students throughout Leeds, Headingley, Burley and Weetwood. He has a 100% pass rate, over 10 years teaching experience and delivers fun and engaging bass lessons. He can teach in any genre and is well versed in Pop, Jazz and delivering the Rock School syllabus for all grades.

To book bass lessons in Leeds please fill out our contact form.

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Book a Free Consultation Lesson Today

Guitar Lessons In Leeds→

Guitar Lessons in Leeds

Pop, Jazz or Rock Guitar lessons for all ages and skill levels.

If you are looking for face to face guitar lessons in the Leeds area then Phillips Music Tuition is perfect for you. Our tutors can deliver guitar lessons in the comfort of your own home. Our guitar Tutor Ryan teaches guitar lessons to numerous students throughout Leeds, Headingley, Burley and Weetwood. He has a 100% pass rate, over 10 years teaching experience and delivers fun and engaging guitar lessons. He can teach in any genre and is well versed in Pop, Jazz and delivering the Rock School syllabus for all grades.

To book guitar lessons in Leeds please fill out our contact form.

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Book a Free Consultation Lesson Today

Guitar & Bass Lessons In Leeds: Professional Musican Ryan Hawkins Joins Phillips Music Tuition

Learn Guitar & Bass from a Professional Musician

High Quality Leeds Based Guitar and Bass Lessons

Phillips Music Tuition are extremely happy to introduce our new Leeds based Guitar/Bass teacher Ryan Hawkins.

Over the past 10 years Ryan has built an impressive career as a proffesional musician. Ryan started his musical journey on the local music scene in the North East playing in churches and local venues. After studying music at college Ryan moved to Leeds where he studied Pop performance (Guitar) at Leeds Conservatoire. Ryan has ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory and an extensive knowledge of the Rock School syllabus. Ryan is fully DBS checked and has a vast experience teaching guitar to both children and adults of all abilities. Ryan has been teaching guitar and bass for over 10 years and has discovered a passion for sharing his love of music as a 1-1 guitar tutor. During this time he discovered his love for working as a music tutor; helping students navigate their path to becoming competent musicians. If you are looking for fun and passionate bass/guitar lessons from a professional musician in Leeds then Ryan is the perfect tutor for you.

Book your Guitar & Bass lessons at your own home in Leeds, Headingley, Adel, Burley, Leeds City Center, and online now.

We also offer piano & Music Theory lessons in our Teaching Studio at Pollard Yard (Manchester), or at your own home in Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, and online now.

The Science of Learning Music: How Playing an Instrument Boosts Your Brain 🧠

The Science Of Learning Music

5 Reasons Learning An Instrument Can Improve Your Cognitive Health

Learning a musical instrument has numerous positive benefits. One of these is the impact it can have on your long term cognitive health. When you play an instrument you are stimulating multiple regions at once which has the effect of enhancing overall cognitive function. At Phillips Music Tuition we teach students off all ages from 7 years old to 75 years old. We can see the benefits it brings all of our students as they progress through their musical journeys with us.

Here are 5 reasons how learning an instrument boosts your brain:

1. Enhances Memory

• Learning an instrument enhances both short and long terms memory. This is particularly true with verbal memory. When leaning an instrument you have to read music, recall notes/rhythms and improve technique which all strengthens the hippocampus (a part of the brain involves with memory).

• Learning an instrument can give better auditory memory which is extremely helpful for language learning.

2. Improves Language and Communication Skills

• Processing sounds improves speech perception and enhances the brains ability to process sounds.

• It can be easier to learn new languages as learning an instrument improves your ability to detect nuances in tone and rhythm.

3. Boosts Math and Spatial Skills

• Learning music has many aspects which are closely related to mathematical ability. Reading rhythms, improving timing and processing patterns are all example of this.

• Studies have shown that children who learn a musical instrument tend to have increased performance on spacial-temporal reasoning tests.

4. Reduces Stress and Enhances Emotional Health

• Mental health has become an extremely important issue in recent years. Anxiety and depression has become extremely prevalent in children and adults alike. Playing music has been shown to lower cortisol levels which improves mood and reduces anxiety.

• Music can offer an escape and an outlet for emotions. This can help with regulation and mental well being.

5. Early and Lifelong Brain Benefits

• Learning an instrument as an adult helps preserve cognitive function and can potentially slow down cognitive decline..

• Starting your musical journey early has many benefits. Areas such as motor skills, auditory processing and emotional regulation are some examples of this.

If you are looking for a great way to improve the cognitive health of yourself or your child then learning a musical instrument could be a great choice.

Book your piano lessons in our Teaching Studio at Pollard Yard, or at your own home in Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, and online now.

7 Students Entering ABRSM Practical And Performance Exams In Summer Session 2025

ABRSM Exams Summer Session

7 Students Entering Exams From Initial Grade - Grade 8

Phillips Music Tuition are excited to announce that we have 7 students entering ABRSM exams during the summer session. We have students between the ages of 8 - 17 entering exams from the initial Grade to Grade 8. All of our students have worked extremely hard and we are very proud of their progress.

If you are interested in your child taking ABRSM grades or want to start yourself then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Book your piano lessons in our Manchester Studio, Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, or online now.

Best Practice Techniques for Faster Progress in Music 🎯🎹

How To Progress Faster

10 tips to help speed up your musical journey.

1. Set Small, Achievable Goals

• Sometimes the idea of learning a piece can feel overwhelming. It can help to break it down into smaller chunks such as, learning 8 bars in a week, practicing hands separately…

• Try using SMART goals. These are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound, and will help you keep track of your progress.

2. Practice Consistently Using Shorter Sessions

• Practicing 20–30 minutes daily is much better than 3 hours once a week. It will give your brain and fingers regular reinforcement which helps speed up your progress.

• Younger students can often struggle to maintain an adequate level of concentration beyond 30 minutes.

3. Utilise Focused Practice

• A lot of students tend to avoid working on weaknesses and often just play things that they already know. Avoid doing this. You get the most progress by isolating difficult sections, playing them slowly whilst looping them.

• Make sure you always practice with a metronome, this will improve your accuracy and timing.

4. Record Your Playing

• When we are performing, it can be extremely difficult to think in an analytical/reflective way. By recording ourselves we can really hear any issues that need to be worked on in our practice sessions.

• You can use these recording to tracking progress over along period of time. This can be great motivation if you are going through a difficult period

5. Listen Actively & Ear Train

• Listen to recordings of performers/artists that you admire. Listen to how they use dynamics, tone and feel and try and replicate it in your performances.

• Do lots of transcribing, whether it is chord progressions or jazz solos good musicians have a great ear and use it often.

6. Focus On The Foundations

• Get the essentials down rhythm, technique, scales, chords, ear training. When you are a gigging musician 9 times out of 10 no body wants to hear that new altered scale lick you have been working on forced into the solo section of “Don't Look Back In Anger’ If anything you will lose the gig and never be asked back.

• Before jumping to advanced techniques and sounds, be sure you have the foundations locked down, they are what make musicians sound great.

7. Work On Tone/Sound Design

• People often neglect sound/tone when practicing. Getting a good sound out of your instrument will make you sound so much better. Examples for different instruments.

• Drums: Working on the dynamic balance between Cymbals/Hi Hats/ Kick and Snare. Researching the right gear for you sonically (Dark/ Bright/ Tight/ Loose)

• Guitar: Understanding your pedals, getting the correct amount of crunch. Balancing your tone (how much low mids, how much top end)

8. Do What You Find Fun

• You will progress faster if you are practicing things you actually enjoy.

• Pick songs that you like and with the help of a teacher you can find songs you like that also enhance your musical ability.

9.  Join A Band/Go To Jam Nights

• Playing music with other musicians is a great way to learn and improve your skills, especially if they are more advanced then you are

• Find a local jam night or open mic night and meet/socialise with people who are on the same journey as you.

10. Reflect & Adjust/Be Honest With Yourself

• Regularly reflect on what you have been practicing and what you are still struggling with.

• It is important to be honest with yourself and adjust your practice accordingly.If you can avoid these common mistakes and remain focused on consistent improvement the learning process will be much smoother and more fun. If you want piano lessons with then please get in touch and we can help you on your journey.

Book your piano lessons in our Teaching Studio at Pollard Yard, or at your own home in Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, and online now.

New Video | Rootless Major 2-5-1 Position B | All 12 keys

Master Rootless Major 2-5-1s with our new video

Use our videos to learn more about jazz harmony. This knowledge will give you a good base to build from.

We have just published a new practice video for position B rootless Major 2-5-1s. In our piano lessons we explore and explain how major 2-5-1s are formed and how to best practice them. This video gives support to our piano lessons and allows our students to practice with confidence, knowing everything they play is correct. If you need more help in understanding these voicings, please contact us and we can organise a lesson.

This video is in a playlist which has other similar videos in slower BPMs. If you are finding this one a little fast, or want to learn position A major/minor 2-51s then please us the learning materials on offer.

The aim is to be able to play through these exercises with ease and fluidity (with both Left hand and right hand). This will allow students to incorporate them into their playing, becoming more comfortable in keys they aren't as familiar with. These are all extremely helpful for students who are struggling to play in all 12 keys and need to establish better fundamentals to build from.

Book your piano lessons in our Manchester Studio at Pollard Yard, Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, or online now.

10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Learning an Instrument ❌🎼

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these common mistakes and speed up your progress when learning an instrument.

Learning a new instrument can be an incredibly challengeing and rewarding undertaking. Beginners can often make common mistakes that can decrease progression which can lead to frustration and ultimately giving up. Below we have listed 10 common mistakes that beginners often make so you can avoid them:

1. Not understanding Why Musicians Practice Scales And Arpeggios
   Beginners sometimes jump straight into playing scales without properly understanding how they are constructed and how they help musicians understand keys. Scales not only develop technique, finger strength, and muscle memory; but they help musicians gain a deep understanding of which sharps and flats are in all 12 keys both major and minor.

2. Not Practicing Consistently
   Many new musicians start off motivated and practice intensely and seeing results quickly. Although as they progress the learning material gets more difficult and without consistent practice progress will be slow. Regular practice sessions, even shorter ones are much more effective than inconsistent long practice sessions

3. Playing Too Quickly, Too Soon
   Rushing through songs before you have deeply learnt the material can lead to inconsistent mistakes within performances. It's important to prioritise proper technique, making sure you use the correct notes, fingering and rhythms.

4. Lack of Patience With Progress
   Many beginners expect quick results and become discouraged if they don’t progress quickly. Learning an instrument is hard and takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and don’t take shortcuts

5. Focusing On The Next Thing You Have Seen On Social Media
   It can take along time to learn concepts on a deep level. For example you could spend a year or more just on drop 2 chord voicing. Many beginners see something potentially more advanced than they are ready for and learn it until the next thing comes along. This can really affect progress. Some ideas need to be learnt in all 12 keys and maybe aren’t that applicable in real world situations.

6. Only Being Able To Play In One Key
   This is aimed at pianists or keyboardists. There is nothing wrong having a favourite key or keys, but one of the most common mistakes beginners make it not taking things through all 12 keys. This becomes slightly more complex for classical pianists as you would take fugues through all 12 keys but you need to find a way to become comfortable in all 12 keys,

7. Ignoring Basic Theory
   It is true that you can become an incredible musician just by using your ear and not using theoretical knowledge but this is the exception not the rule. Most musicians will reach a plateau without music theory knowledge. Good music theory helps in so many ways, such as being able to decipher chord progressions quickly, sight read faster and so much more.

8. Inadequate Ear Training
   Improving your ear is just as important as increasing skills and techniques on your instrument. Beginners often skip ear training exercises as they don’t understand how important it is for a well rounded musician. A good ear helps with tuning, improvisation, harmonic recognition and confidence when performing new pieces.

9. Not Using A Metronome
   One of the most obvious signs of a beginner playing their instrument is inconsistent tempo. Rhythm is effectively fifty percent of all music, yet for many beginners it takes a back seat in their practice regime. Using a metronome when you are playing pieces and performing scale/technical exercises can really improve your rhymical consistently.

10. Not Taking Lessons/ Seeking Feedback/Recording Yourself
    Beginners sometimes aimlessly practice without direction, purpose and proper guidance. Understanding your goals and getting structured practice routines from a teacher or mentor can help. Recording yourself to listen critically can help beginners understand areas that need improvement.

Bonus Mistake

Comparing yourself to other musicians (especially online). Music is a personal journey that is individual for everyone. There will always be someone better than you who is improving faster and sounds more impressive. It is important to focus on your improvements and try to see other people as inspirations and not put yourself down.

If you can avoid these common mistakes and remain focused on consistent improvement the learning process will be much smoother and more fun. If you want piano lessons with then please get in touch and we can help you on your journey.

Book your piano lessons in our Teaching Studio at Pollard Yard, or at your own home in Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, and online now.

New Video For Major Triads In All Inversions And All 12 keys

Master Major triads with our new video

Use our videos to learn more about the building blocks of harmony. This will give you an amazing foundation to build from.

We have just published a new practice video for major triads. In our piano lessons we explore and explain how major triads are formed and how to best practice them. This video gives support to our piano lessons and allows our students to practice with confidence, knowing everything they play is correct.

This video has 4 play along exercises to will be played through all 12 keys.

1. Playing the major triads in all inversions one after the other whilst playing octave root notes in the left hand.

2. Playing the major triads in root position whilst playing octave root notes in the left hand.

3. Playing the major triads in 1st inversion whilst playing octave root notes in the left hand.

4. Playing the major triads in 2nd whilst playing octave root notes in the left hand.

The aim is to be able to play through these exercises with ease and fluidity. This will allow students to incorporate them into their playing, becoming more comfortable in keys they aren't as familiar with. These are all extremely helpful for students who are struggling to play in all 12 keys and need to establish better fundamentals to build from.

Book your piano lessons in our Manchester Studio, Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, or online now.

Launch of our new YouTube channel.

Lots of free resources to help improve your piano playing

Use our videos to learn more about harmony, sound design and piano playing. The videos will be amazing to use a supporting material for in person or online lessons with us.

We have just launched our new YouTube channel which you can find at https://www.youtube.com/@PhillipsMusicTuition.

Here we will have lots of videos ranging from: using complex harmony, keyboard tutorials, music theory, ABRSM grade support and much more. You can use these free resources to support online or in person piano/keyboard lessons with us.

Here are the titles of the first 3 videos posted:

Understanding the role of tritones in V7 chords

Using drop 2, secondary dominants and triads in C major

Learning Position 1 Minor II-V-Is

These are all extremely helpful for students who are studying Jazz/Pop/Gospel with us and are used by students who study with us.

Book your piano lessons in our Manchester Studio, Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge, Styal, or online now.

Learning Sound Design on Keyboards

Korg Kronos + Yamaha MODX8

Learn how to improve your sound design and sound layering skills to improve your performances in a band setting.

Sound design, programming and arrangement is a very important part of playing keyboards/piano in a band. In the video above our piano tutor Ryan demonstrates playing a groove in the key of A. There are 4 sounds being used Clav, Pianet, Organ and Brass. On the Yamaha MODX8 the keybed is split into 3 parts, In the lower register Clav the mid register Pianet and the upper register organ. The organ is controlled by the sustain pedal whilst the other 2 parts aren’t, allowing it to play throughout. These sound all have effects such a phaser, chorus and reverb which are all programmed on the YAMAHA MODX. On the top board (Korg Kronos 2 73) you can hear the brass section. This has been created using 3 layers to help thicken the sound and make it more authentic.

If you are looking to gain a better understanding on how to use sound design on your keyboards then please get in touch as teaching slots with Ryan are filling up quickly.

Book your piano lessons in our Manchester Studio, Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge and Styal now.

Arrival of our upright piano

Upright Piano

Gain experience playing an acoustic piano when taking lessons with us.

We have just taken delivery of our new upright piano at our Manchester studio. This an amazing sounding antique piano by Collard and Collard. For more information about this piano brand then you can visit Antique Piano Shop. A big thanks to Mark Goodwin Pianos for their great friendly service.

Having lessons on a digital piano or keyboard is fine but gaining some experience on an upright or grand piano can be extremely beneficial. This can be before taking an ABRSM exam where students will have to perform on a full size piano and the transition from a smaller keyboard can be very confusing.

Book your piano lessons in our Manchester Studio, Manchester, Wilmslow, Cheadle, Alderley Edge and Styal now.