Lessons

Lesson Information

Piano Lessons - Violin Lessons - Singing Lessons - Theory Lessons

  • At Solent Music we are happy to start teaching children from the age of 5 on keyboard, piano, violin and singing. An initial consultation lesson will be required for the particularly younger students to determine if they have enough finger strength and concentration to proceed with lessons.
  • All levels of piano playing are welcome from complete beginners to more advanced students. We pride ourselves on the amount of adult students we have, and tailor lessons/flexibility appropriately.
  • We teach lessons on a weekly basis during term time. If you would like lessons during the holidays, these can be arranged on an individual basis.
  • We aim to provide three recital opportunities a year which is a wonderful experience for the children and parents.


  • For students wishing to take exams, we use the prestigious ABRSM Exam Board for Classical and Jazz exams. For more information on these exams, please click here.
  • Lessons are usually delivered in the student's home, and we currently cover the areas of: Locks Heath, Fareham, Gosport, Portchester, Waterlooville, Cosham and Portsmouth.
  • Your will receive regular updates on your child's progress and at least one report every year.
  • Please click here to view our Policy and Pricing.
  • Please Contact us if you have any questions and we'll be happy to help. 


Curriculum

We are proud to be one of the only music schools in the UK to use Piano Pronto as our primary method for our piano students. This new and exciting curriculum gets students reading on the stave through popular and engaging melodies from a wide variety of genres. Piano-Pronto-Prelude-book

  • Students learn to read music notation from day one!

  • Motivating, familiar solo piano music from beginning to late-intermediate levels

  • Music drawn from all classical eras, standard piano repertoire, folk tunes, ragtime, blues, and patriotic songs

  • Lush sounding, easy to read arrangements with fingers and dynamic suggestions

  • Clear explanations of music theory, terminology, music history, and analysis

  • Pronto Prep sections show students how to practice EFFECTIVELY!

For more information please visit www.pianopronto.com 

FAQ's

What is the best age to start piano lessons?

As a rough guide, 5 years old is good age to start. However, every child is different and the right age for one child may be too young for another. We are happy to have an initial consultation and musical assessment with your child. We can then determine whether they are ready to undertake formal instrumental tuition. Contact Us to find out more.

How long are lessons?

Lessons depend on the age, attention span, and experience of the student. For younger beginners, 30 mins is ample time. When students get older and more experienced, 45 mins to 1 hour is more suitable so that we have time to cover everything required.

How long should my child practise?

Ideally, your child should be practicing 4-5 times a week for between 10-20 minutes depending on age and experience. Realistically this isn't always possible! Children are busy, and we know that music will be one of many activities competing for their attention. There will be 'valleys and peaks' in a child's practise and motivation over the years, but positive, consistent encouragement from parents will help with steady progress.

How long does it take to get to 'Grade 1'?

Going from a complete beginner to Grade 1 standard takes an incredible amount of learning and skill development. It is by no means an easy accomplishment. Between 1 and 3 years is what you can expect, but this is completely dependent on the individual student, their age, and how much they practice. Taking grades in music is a great way to measure progress, and motivate pupils. It should not however be the main aim and focus of all lessons.

Do we need a piano to start lessons?

You will definitely need some sort of keyboard instrument that your child can practice on during the week. Ideally this will be either an acoustic piano, or a digital piano with weighted keys. A keyboard will be suitable for younger beginners up to 1 year of study, but to make good progress and enjoy playing, upgrading to a piano is highly recommended. We do have some keyboards for hire for beginners at £6 / month. 

Benefits of Learning 

  • Increases the capacity of your memory. 
  • Betters your mathematical ability. 
  • Improves reading and comprehension skills.  
  • Sharpens your concentration skills. Teaches discipline. 
  • Elevates performance skills and confidence.