Where do the lessons take place?
In our home studio at 44 Hunloke Avenue, BN22 8UL. We have two teaching rooms, both access via our side alley. Our conservatory room is at the back of the house, whilst the cabin room is down 5-6 steps at the bottom of the garden.
How long is the lesson each week?
Our Piano Prep (4-7yrs) lessons are 45 minutes long and our Accelerated Piano lessons are 60 minutes long.
Do you teach during the school holidays?
The only school holiday we have lessons during is the summer holiday: we are open for 4 of these 6 weeks. Since we offer unlimited make-up lessons, you are free to cancel and reschedule any of these lessons if you are away.
I have more than one child, can they come together?
Yes absolutely! Our lessons can take students of different ages and musical abilities since each student has their own unique individual lesson. Our two programmes cater to Key Stage 1 (4-7 years) and 7 years and up (to adult). If you have a child from each age group, we can help you find two classes that run simultaneously.
Do I need to buy music books?
We sell all the beginner books - the first book set costs around £20 for 4-7 years (and lasts the entire Piano Prep Programme) and around £26-30 for the first book set for 7yrs up to adult.
Do you do graded exams?
Taking practical exams is entirely optional but many of our students opt to do so. We take beginners through 2 Levels of Piano Safari method series before considering Initial Grade or Grade 1 exam.
Do we need to buy a piano at home?
Whilst beginner students at Cadenza will still make progress with no practise during the week, it will hugely help if they do have access to an instrument between lessons. Students learn all their music at the lesson in the first few years, so practise at home should be fun and easy - and not a chore!​
For advice on hiring a digital piano for your home please click here for our affordable instrument hiring options.
How do you take payment?
Payment is taken on the 1st of each month, for that month, via our automated Stripe payment system. Previous invoices can be viewed in our scheduling app 'Opus1.io'
How much are lessons?
Both our main piano programmes are billed in a flat monthly rate, covering 43 lessons. a year. This means some months have 3-4 lessons, whilst others have 2 or 5. Our up to date procing can be found here.
Do students learn as a group or on their own?
In our Piano Prep Programme (4-7 year olds) our lessons are organised in a more traditional group setting, however every lessons students have access to a full length digital piano which they will have independent time on. Some activities are done together, such as signing, rhythm games and colouring.
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In our Accelerated Piano Programme (7 years - adults) our lesson format is '1-1 tuition in a group setting'. This means during a typical lesson, you work independently at your own digital piano with help from the teacher when you need it. You might grow to know the other membership of the group, but emphasis is on independence and learning how to correct our own mistakes - the teacher acts like a coach! This is an ideal format for anxious or shy teens, however it also works for those who like to make friends.
What's the commitment?
Our memberships are only a 1-month commitment. To give notice, we ask to be informed by email or Whatsapp by the 15th of the month, to avoid payment being taken on the 1st.
What age is appropriate for piano lessons?
We offer lessons for children in their first year of school (Reception/Foundation Stage) aged 4. However, it is less about age: students should be able to sit focussed on one task for at least a few minutes and follow teacher instruction.