01 · Make it easy
Leave the music out
A safe instrument stand and an open book make starting easier. If unpacking takes five minutes, count that as part of practice.
The way we learn together
A little every week.
A lot to feel good about.
Playing music is a skill you build, not a talent you have to prove. We make room for listening, trying, getting it wrong and discovering what works.
Our teaching promise
A clear next step.
A patient pair of ears.
You leave each lesson knowing what to try and why it matters.
Small beginnings, real connections
Built around a room,
not a syllabus.
Sonata began in 2017 with one upright piano, a borrowed kettle and a weekly guitar group. Neighbours brought songs they wanted to learn. The school grew from those conversations, and that is still how we begin.
Today our six tutors teach from a converted courtyard building on St Peter Street. The rooms are small enough to feel familiar, with good instruments, proper music stands and somewhere comfortable to wait.
We teach by ear, by eye and by doing. Reading music can open doors, but it is not a test you have to pass before you are allowed to play. Your tutor will help you find the right balance.
Our termly listening afternoons are invitations, never obligations. A duet with your tutor, one piece you have been working on, or just a seat in the audience: it all counts as being part of the music.
Something small, often
Your practice, at your pace.
Pick a course, a small daily goal and the days that work. Tick off what you do. A few focused minutes count.
Good habits, gentle expectations.
02 · Make it specific
One tricky little bit
Slow down two bars. Try one chord change. Sing one phrase comfortably. Small tasks make progress easier to notice.
03 · Make it yours
Finish with something loved
Play a favourite song, improvise, or listen to a musician you admire. Enjoyment belongs in the plan.
Learning your way
Do you prepare learners for exams?
Yes, where an exam supports the learner’s goals. Tutors can prepare practical and theory grades and discuss the appropriate board. Exam fees and dates are agreed separately; there is no expectation to enter.
Can you adapt lessons for additional learning needs?
We start with a conversation about useful adjustments: visual plans, shorter instructions, a quieter room or breaks. We explain what we can offer before you decide. You can arrange a quiet visit outside teaching hours.
How do parents support practice?
For younger children, a predictable short routine helps more than correcting every note. Your tutor will show you one useful prompt. Please tell us if practice is becoming a source of stress.