What a lesson is

A lesson in three parts

Every instrument follows the same rhythm, whatever the length of the lesson.

01
Step 1: Warm up
A few minutes to settle in: scales, breathing, a rhythm clapped back, or whatever helps that instrument and that student.
02
Step 2: New material
The teacher shows something new, plays it, and then you try it together until it feels possible. Nothing is rushed, and every student moves at their own pace.
03
Step 3: A plan for the week
You leave with a short plan written in your notebook, so practice at home has a clear start, whether it is ten minutes or thirty.

At home

What to have at home

Ask your teacher before you buy or rent anything. The tuition page explains how rental works.

Keys
A piano or a full-size keyboard with weighted keys is ideal. A smaller keyboard is enough for the first few weeks.
Strings
A violin, viola or cello in the right size. A teacher measures the student, and the school rents the smaller sizes by the term.
Winds
A flute, clarinet or saxophone, or a recorder to begin with. Your teacher checks that the instrument works before the first lesson.
Voice
A quiet corner, a glass of water and a way to record the lesson on a phone. No instrument needed.
Percussion
A practice pad and a pair of sticks to start with. A full drum kit can wait until a teacher says so.
Guitar and ukulele
An acoustic guitar or a ukulele that stays in tune. Ask Siyu to look at it before you buy.

Format

Age, level and what you hope to play decide whether a lesson is private, shared or a group class, and how long it runs.

Private lessons
One student and one teacher, weekly. The usual choice for a first year, and the one that fits any instrument.
Shared lessons
Two students and one teacher, for friends, siblings or a parent and child who want to learn side by side.
Group classes
Ukulele, recorder, hand percussion and theory in a small class on weekday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

That is what the placement visit is for. A teacher listens, you talk, and we suggest a start.