Our “Drum Encounters” Course is not just for those seriously considering a musical career, but ideal for those who just want to relieve the stress that’s built up over the day.

Taught in groups of up to 8 students, combining the best elements of traditional one-to-one drum lessons, with a creative, modern approach, resulting in unrivalled quality of teaching. 

Learn to play in a state-of-the-art Drum Studio, using the best Yamaha Drum Kits and practice pads.  (You don’t need a full drum kit at home ~ quiet practice pads are all you need at home to practise effectively.)

“Drum Encounters” is a fun and innovative way to learn to play the drums, designed to take the student from beginner to advanced and open to anyone from age 7.

Our “Drum Encounters” Course contains material covering Rockschool/Yamaha Grades 1 to 8.  The early grade materials (grades 1 and 2) take approximately 12 to 14 months to complete.  Students working at the higher grades (3 to 4) should expect to take approximately 18 months.  Grades 5 to 8 will inevitable take longer, owing to their complexity.  Exams are, of course, entirely optional.

Full hour, group classes from 6 yrs to adult.

For youngsters aged 6 to 7 yrs., we offer the Junior Play For Keeps course in a fun and stimulating environment.  We truly believe that at this age the FUN approach to learning music is important.  We achieve this through listening, singing and reading activities.  Course material consists of a series of themed text books with striking cartoon-style presentation, designed to appeal to children of this age.

For youngsters starting Keyboard at aged 8 (approx) to adult, we offer the “Play For Keeps” course.  Again, the lessons are one hour, group classes which take place in a designated studio. 

The course material follows a fully accredited Trinity College/Yamaha exam syllabus and will take the student from beginner to Grade 8 standard.  It encompasses a broad range of musical genres, with a focus on popular music from the Rock & Roll era to the present day.  We make sure you get to learn the styles of music you want to be able to play, so there’s never been a better time to learn to play the keyboard.

Both keyboard~style and piano~style solo techniques are taught.  Creative development is then encouraged as the student has the opportunity to arrange music in his/her own style and learn to improvise.

Band playing also forms an important part of every “Play for Keeps” lesson.  This greatly enhances the ability to listen to what others are doing and interact accordingly and it’s great from a social point of view because it provides all the encouragement needed to practise.  So that each student can rehearse out of lessons, a CD is provided with each course book which contains fantastic backing tracks created by some of the world’s best arrangers and musicians.

Music notation, theory and aural skills are taught in conjunction with practical work.  This will culminate in the ability of the student to listen to and transcribe even the most complicated musical passages.

Play for Keeps contains material covering Trinity College/Yamaha Grades 1 to 8, with additional materials at the higher levels for ensemble repertoire, technical and improvisation exercises.  The early grade materials (grades 1 and 2) take approximately 12 to 14 months to complete.  Students working at the higher grades (3 to 4) should expect to take approximately 18 months.  Grades 5 to 8 will inevitable take longer, owing to their complexity.  Exams are, of course, entirely optional.

Singing is one of the oldest forms of musical expression and the voice is arguably the most versatile instrument in existence.  We offer a choice of two options for Vocals.

From 9 years to adult, there are group lessons available, combining the essential elements of traditional singing classes with up-to the-minute methods.  The main focus is on popular music, with elements of jazz and classical styles introduced to provide the broadest possible foundation.  Using lots of fun warm-up  exercises and singing with great backing tracks, placing a strong emphasis on vocal development, you’ll learn to train and care for your voice and protect it from damage (particularly important for teenagers whose voices are in a period of transition).

Our Vocals Clinic (held on the first Sunday of every month) offers the option of one-to-one, half or one-hour lessons, for those who only want a lesson occasionally.   Ideal if you are preparing for a special occasion!

Our Vocals Course contains material covering Rockschool Grades 1 to 8.  The early grade materials (grades 1 and 2) take approximately 12 to 14 months to complete.  Students working at the higher grades (3 to 4) should expect to take approximately 18 months.  Grades 5 to 8 will inevitable take longer, owing to their complexity.

Exams are, of course, entirely optional.

By popular demand, Ukulele is the latest instrument to be added to our portfolio!

This fun instrument is taught on a 1-2-1 basis, with lessons lasting half or one hour, depending on your choice. Please call us for more information , or to arrange a no obligation "meet the Teacher" appointment, to see whether U would like to try the Uke!

Electric Guitar

A rock and pop-based course which is perfectly suited to aspiring guitarists aged 9 years to adult.  Lessons are taught on electric instruments. 

Not only does the course material cover skills and techniques that would make other guitarists green with envy, it also fully supports music in the National Curriculum, so you can learn while having fun playing ! 

It also teaches general music and guitar-specific notation and theory.  It even covers technical issues such as how to correctly set-up and maintain an instrument.  Material includes great music, covering the major milestones in popular guitar styles.  Swop your air-guitar for the real thing - now !

As with all our courses, state~of~the~art instruments are provided for use in class, so no student need bring in their own instrument.

Our “Guitar Encounters” Course contains material covering Rockschool/Yamaha Grades 1 to 8.  The early grade materials (grades 1 and 2) take approximately 12 to 14 months to complete.  Students working at the higher grades (3 to 4) should expect to take approximately 18 months. 

Grades 5 to 8 will inevitable take longer, owing to their complexity.  Exams are, of course, entirely optional.

Acoustic Guitar

Half hour, 1-2-1 lessons are also available for those who are more inclined to the classics.

“Before I developed this course, there was nothing suitable or available for very young children after they had finished pre-school rhythm and play sessions and there was a real gap before they were old enough to take up an instrument properly. Mini~Maestros fills this gap and prepares children as young as 5 1/2 years old to graduate to the main Music School and take up the Keyboard.”
Kate Bailey, Principal.

Mini-Maestros is a unique course, ideal for children who are just starting day school, written by our Principal Teacher, Kate Bailey, especially for children aged 4-5 years. Each half hour class uses fun teaching aids and employs enjoyable educational activities, using a state of the art interactive whiteboard.

Mini-Maestros have a designated studio (just for them) in the heart of Solihull Music School, stocked with an array of percussion instruments.

Maestro the big cat puppet attends every class !

By the end of the course, Mini-Maestros will have an excellent understanding of rhythm and pitch, and will be able to read basic notation. They will also have experienced an intro to keyboard, piano, guitar, drums and vocals.

Mini-Maestros’ Mums and Dads are able to stay in a comfortable waiting room, right next to the studios for the duration of the lesson. (On sunny days, we have a garden for them too). They are always able to park in our own large car park, right outside.

All Mini-Maestros’ teaching and ancillary staff have current Enhanced CRB/DBS Certificates, which are on display for your inspection.

After 12-18 months Mini-Maestros GRADUATE to the main Music School. The Mini-Maestros course is the very BEST INTRODUCTION for children who have never experienced the joy of making music.

For those who have attended pre-school rhythm and play sessions, it is the most natural progression.

Mini-Maestros are enrolling NOW...