Frequently Asked Questions 

On this page we answer the most common questions about the purpose, benefits and methods of our school. If you can not find the answer you are looking for here please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Question
Answer

Contact us for more information.

  • Why come to your School when I can find a tutor that comes to my house?
  • At 'A to G' not only do we have appropriate instruments (i.e. tuned pianos), but we also give you the possibility of recording and internet use with advantages to communication and research, in fact  the School is purposely designed to be an environment conducive to learning. Also more and more people prefer a neutral venue rather than allowing tutors in their home, for privacy and safety reasons especially if children are involved.
  • Why pay to come at your School when I can find private teachers for less?
  • Why come to your School when my child's school already provides music lessons? 
  • What is the Membership fee for and when do I need to pay it?
  • We are very happy that many schools provide good musical education, but this doesn't stop many parents to enrol their children for extra private lessons. Some reasons are: Regularity: we do not follow terms but are open all year round. Environment: going to a different and purposely designed School impresses the seriousness of learning and the effort made pays back. Variety: at our School children can see various instruments and decide to give them a try. People: is a good place to meet other young ones with similar interests and form bands, ensembles etc... 
WHERE?
HOW MUCH?
  • Are you really saving? GROUP LESSONS are the cheapest but usually follow standard, term designated syllabi and the particular needs and tastes of individual students are not met. That is often the cause for loss of interest if not even repulsion for the instrument. There is always 'the one' that slows the class down, and you pay for it! INDIVIDUAL LESSONS in London swing between £15-£25 per half hour. Our price is average especially considering the environment we provide. Also if teachers are cheap you should wonder why. It is a free market and it is up to you!
  • The 'Membership Fee' is an Annual Admin Fee for the services we provide to students, among which are secretary costs (prints, calls, arranging lessons etc...) and a long list of running costs. We give you the possibility of having one trial lesson only, after which you need to become a member to receive your second lesson and being able to continue.
WHAT?
  • What method do your tutors use in their lessons?
  • Our tutors try to be flexible, adaptable and enthusiastic and can pass the passion on by using a variety of methods, depending on the students peculiar abilities and tastes.
  • Do your tutors prepare for Grades? Which boards?
  • Yes, our tutors prepare for Grades. The two main boards used are ABRSM and Trinity-Guildhall. It will be up to the tutor-students communication to determine which one to use. We do not associate ourselves with any particular examination board.
WHO - TUTORS?
  • Are your tutors DBS (ex CRB) checked?
  • Yes, all of our tutors have an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.


  • What are the tutor's qualifications?
  • We are proud of the varied background of our tutors. You can check their qualifications or references on our Tutors page. Keep in mind that a good performer is not automatically a good teacher and vice-versa. The best tutors are those that can pass on the passion, if that happens technique and skill will come too!
WHO - STUDENTS?
  • At what age can my child start learning to play?
  • Depends on the child and instrument you choose. Some children may have a good concentration span and start playing at 3, others need a bit more time. Some instruments are easier to handle for little hands than others. Generally speaking, when your child starts reading is a very good moment to begin music lessons.
  • Am I too old to play?
  • You are never too old to enjoy music! True, there may be some physical limitations but learning to play can be an exciting hobby for your retirement and we will adapt to your personal circumstances.
Music Quotes:

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.

Aldous Huxley


I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.

Billy Joel


If music be the food of love, play on.

William Shakespeare


If you want to make beautiful music, you must play the black and the white notes together.

Richard M. Nixon


Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.

Victor Hugo


Music happens to be an art form that transcends language.

Herbie Hancock


Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.

Ludwig van Beethoven


Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.

Plato


Music is forever; music should grow and mature with you, following you right on up until you die.

Paul Simon


Music is intended and designed for sentient beings that have hopes and purposes and emotions.

Jacques Barzun

  • About recordings, are they optional or is compulsory?
  • Recordings are OPTIONAL! You do not have to record unless you agree to do so. We do believe that listening to yourself is a good way of progressing. It is also fun and allows others to enjoy your performances. But is entirely up to you.