Question 1

I'm a complete beginner — is that OK?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — most of our students start as complete beginners with no musical background at all. Your very first piano lesson at Bournemouth Music School is designed to put you at ease, introduce the keyboard layout, and have you playing a simple tune by the end. There is no minimum experience required, no prior reading of music expected, and no judgement if you've never touched a piano before. Adults often progress fastest because they choose to be there.

Question 2

What ages do you teach?

Accepted Answer

I teach piano students from age 5 right through to retirement-age adult learners. Children aged 5–7 typically thrive in 30-minute lessons with games and short pieces; children aged 8 and up often progress to 45 or 60-minute lessons. There is no upper age limit — many of my most rewarding students started piano in their 60s or 70s. It is genuinely never too late to begin.

Question 3

Do I need a piano or keyboard at home?

Accepted Answer

It is strongly recommended but not essential to start. Without an instrument to practise on between lessons your progress will be slower, but I can advise on affordable beginner keyboards (a touch-sensitive 61-key keyboard from around £100 is enough to start). If you are committed long-term, an upright acoustic piano or a weighted-key digital piano is best. I'm happy to give independent advice before you spend money.

Question 4

How long until I can play a recognisable song?

Accepted Answer

Most beginners can play a simple recognisable melody (think 'Ode to Joy' or a film theme) within their first three or four lessons. Within three to six months of weekly lessons and regular practice, you'll typically be playing two-handed pieces with chords. ABRSM Grade 1 standard is achievable within a year for committed beginners. Progress depends most on consistent home practice, even just 10 minutes a day.

Question 5

Can I have a trial lesson before committing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every new student can book a single trial lesson at the standard rate before committing to anything further. This lets you meet the teacher, see the studio, and decide whether the teaching style suits you. There is no obligation to continue afterwards. If you do continue, you can book lesson by lesson, or save money by buying a multi-lesson package.

Question 6

Do you teach adult beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes — adult beginners are very welcome and form a large part of my student base. Adults often worry that they've left it too late or that piano is just for children; both are myths. Adult lessons are paced to your goals, whether that's playing pop songs for fun, exploring jazz harmony, or tackling a Chopin nocturne you've always loved. We focus on your repertoire choices, not children's exercise books.

Question 7

What styles of music do you teach?

Accepted Answer

I teach across a broad range of styles including classical, pop, jazz, blues, film and game soundtracks, and contemporary worship music. Most students enjoy a mix — perhaps a classical piece for technique alongside a pop song they've chosen themselves. Beginners follow a structured method book to build solid foundations; intermediate and advanced students usually work on a balanced programme of pieces, technique, scales, and sight-reading.

Question 8

Do you prepare students for ABRSM piano exams?

Accepted Answer

Yes — ABRSM exam preparation is a specialist focus and I have prepared students from Initial Grade up to Grade 8. We cover the full syllabus: three exam pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural tests. I'll guide you through entry deadlines, mock exams in the run-up, and exam-day nerves. Trinity College London exams are also supported on request. Exams are completely optional — many students prefer to learn purely for enjoyment.

Question 9

Can I learn music theory as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes — music theory is woven into every lesson at the level appropriate to you. We cover note reading, rhythm, key signatures, scales, intervals, chords, and harmony. For students taking ABRSM Grade 5 practical or above, a Grade 5 theory pass is required before sitting Grades 6 to 8 — I can prepare you for that exam too. Adult students often appreciate going deeper into harmony and song analysis as part of regular lessons.

Question 10

How long does each lesson last?

Accepted Answer

Standard lesson durations are 30 minutes (£25), 45 minutes, and 60 minutes (£40). 30-minute lessons suit younger children (aged 5–8) and absolute beginners. 45 minutes is a popular middle ground for older children and most teen learners. 60-minute lessons are recommended for ABRSM Grade 4 and above, adult learners with intensive goals, and anyone preparing for an exam or performance.

Question 11

Do you offer online lessons?

Accepted Answer

All lessons are currently in-person at the Bournemouth studio (or in your home for home-visit packages). In-person lessons allow for hands-on guidance with hand position, posture, and pedalling that simply isn't possible over video. If you live outside Dorset and an in-person lesson isn't practical, please email and I can recommend trusted online piano teachers in the wider UK.

Question 12

How often should I take lessons?

Accepted Answer

Weekly lessons are the standard and the most effective format — they keep momentum and let us build new skills before old ones fade. Fortnightly lessons can work for busy adult learners but progress will be roughly half the pace. Twice-weekly lessons are available for students preparing for an imminent ABRSM exam, audition, or performance. I'll always recommend the cadence I think will serve you best.

Question 13

How do I book my first lesson?

Accepted Answer

The fastest way is to use the Book Now button at the top of this page. You'll see live availability for the next four weeks, choose a slot that suits you, and pay securely with a card. You'll receive an email confirmation immediately. Alternatively, you can email hello@bournemouthmusicschool.com and I'll arrange a slot manually — useful if you have specific scheduling needs.

Question 14

How do I cancel or reschedule a lesson?

Accepted Answer

Sign in to your account and open the lesson from your dashboard — you'll see a Reschedule and a Cancel button next to each upcoming booking. As long as you act more than 24 hours before the lesson, both options are completely free; card payments are refunded automatically and package credits are returned to your account. Inside the 24-hour window the lesson is non-refundable to protect the teacher's time.

Question 15

Can I book a same-day or last-minute lesson?

Accepted Answer

Same-day bookings are possible if a slot happens to be free — the booking calendar always shows the live availability. Slots fill up quickly, so weekday evenings and Saturday mornings are usually booked at least a week ahead. If nothing online works for you, email hello@bournemouthmusicschool.com and I'll see if I can fit you in. Last-minute lessons are ideal for revising a piece before a performance or exam.

Question 16

What happens during the school holidays?

Accepted Answer

Lessons run as normal during half-terms and most of the school holidays — many students value the extra free time to focus on practice. The studio closes for two weeks over Christmas and one week in mid-August, both announced well in advance. If you're booked into a lesson pack, the closure dates do not consume any credits. Please email if you need confirmed dates for the next school year.

Question 17

Are lesson packs more flexible than individual bookings?

Accepted Answer

Lesson packs (5, 10, or 20 lessons) save you 10–20% compared with individual bookings and let you book any standard slot using a credit — no card required at the time of booking. Credits stay valid for 12 months from purchase. The cancellation rules are the same (24-hour notice for a free credit return) so packs offer the same flexibility but with better value. See the Packages page for current pricing.

Question 18

How do I pay for my lessons?

Accepted Answer

You can pay by debit or credit card online (processed securely by Stripe), in cash at the lesson, or by redeeming a pre-purchased lesson-pack credit. Card payments give you the smoothest experience because your booking is confirmed instantly with no further action needed at the lesson. We accept all major UK cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, plus Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Question 19

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancel or reschedule any lesson up to 24 hours before its start time and you'll get a full refund to the original payment method (or your package credit returned). Inside the 24-hour window, the lesson is non-refundable — this protects the teacher's income against last-minute slots that cannot be re-sold. If we ever cancel a lesson (e.g. teacher illness), you always get a full refund or a free reschedule, your choice.

Question 20

Can I pay in cash at the lesson?

Accepted Answer

Yes — cash payment at the lesson is welcome for individual bookings. When booking online, choose the 'Pay at lesson (cash)' option. Your slot is held on a trust basis and full payment in cash is due at the start of the lesson. Lesson packs and home-visit bookings must be paid by card in advance because they involve more committed teacher time and travel.

Question 21

Do you offer discounts for buying multiple lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes — lesson packs are the best way to save. A 5-lesson pack saves you around 10% versus the standard rate, a 10-lesson pack around 15%, and a 20-lesson pack up to 20%. Credits are valid for 12 months from purchase and can be used to book any standard slot of the matching duration. There are also discounted home-visit packs for students within easy reach of central Bournemouth.

Question 22

What happens if I miss a lesson without warning?

Accepted Answer

A no-show — where you do not arrive and have not contacted us — is treated as a taken lesson. The card payment is not refunded and a package credit is consumed. This is exactly the same rule that applies to a cancellation made inside the 24-hour window. If something genuinely unexpected has happened (illness, accident, family emergency), please email as soon as possible — I can usually be flexible on a one-off basis.

Question 23

Where is the studio?

Accepted Answer

The studio is in central Bournemouth, Dorset, easily reachable from Bournemouth town centre, Westbourne, Boscombe, Poole, and Christchurch. The exact address is sent to you in your first booking confirmation email — this is standard practice for home-based studios for security reasons. The studio is on the ground floor with step-free access and a quiet teaching environment.

Question 24

Do you offer home visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes — home-visit lessons are offered within central Bournemouth and the immediate surrounding area (typically within a 15-minute drive of central Bournemouth, including Westbourne, Charminster, Winton, parts of Poole and Boscombe). Home visits are sold as 5, 10, or 20-lesson packs only, because the per-lesson cost includes travel time. Email with your postcode if you'd like to confirm whether your address is in range.

Question 25

Is there parking nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there is free on-street parking immediately outside the studio (no permits required at the times most lessons run). The studio is also a short walk from the nearest bus stops on the Yellow Buses and More Bus networks. Parking details and the exact arrival instructions are included in your booking confirmation email so you don't need to worry about searching on the day.

Question 26

What should I bring to my first lesson?

Accepted Answer

Just yourself, a notebook and pencil if you'd like to take notes, and any sheet music or tunes you already love and would like to learn. All teaching materials, beginner method books, and method-book audio tracks are provided by the studio at no extra cost. There's no need to bring a keyboard, music stand, or metronome — the studio is fully equipped with everything you'll need.

Question 27

Is the teacher DBS checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the teacher holds a current Enhanced DBS certificate (the highest level of UK criminal records check), which is the standard required for working with children. The certificate is renewed regularly and a copy is available on request from any parent or guardian. This is in addition to following written safeguarding procedures consistent with UK best practice for peripatetic music tutors.

Question 28

What safeguarding policies do you follow?

Accepted Answer

Lessons for under-16s require a contactable parent or guardian for the duration of the lesson. The studio door is kept ajar during lessons with younger children, and parents are welcome to remain in the studio if they prefer. Audio or video recording of lessons is only made with prior written consent. A formal safeguarding statement and incident-reporting procedure is available on request to any parent or guardian.

Question 29

What are the teacher's qualifications?

Accepted Answer

The teacher is a professionally trained pianist with a music degree, ABRSM diploma-level performance experience, and over a decade of full-time teaching across all ages and grades. Membership of professional bodies (such as the Incorporated Society of Musicians) means continuing professional development and adherence to a recognised code of conduct. Full credentials and references are happily provided on request before your first lesson.

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