Business Details
35 Years
experience
Expert Music Tuition in Harrogate
Harrogate Music School was founded in 1991 to provide high-quality individual music tuition to pupils at Harrogate Grammar School and the wider community. We specialise in offering flexible lesson times outside regular school hours, ensuring students can pursue musical education without disrupting their academic schedules. Over the past three decades, we have expanded our services to cater to over 100 students annually, ranging from children aged seven to adults, with instruction available on more than 20 instruments. Our team comprises experienced and qualified instructors, many holding advanced degrees, who deliver tailored lessons in dedicated, well-equipped teaching spaces.We prioritise accessibility, offering 20- to 60-minute sessions weekly across 33-week academic terms, with options for short-term examination preparation. Our facilities include practice rooms with pianos, keyboards, and orchestral instruments, alongside a commitment to safeguarding through transparent teaching environments. Beyond tuition, we provide instrument hire and professional musician bookings for events, supporting both educational and performance needs. With lessons available Monday to Friday evenings and occasional Saturday mornings, we adapt to individual scheduling requirements while maintaining a focus on excellence and community engagement.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Tuition
Drum Lessons
Violin Instruction
Voice Coaching
Brass Lessons
Woodwind Tuition
Percussion Classes
Music Theory
Exam Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in music education.
- Our team includes degree-qualified instructors across all major instruments.
- Flexible lesson durations and evening/weekend availability accommodate busy schedules.
- We offer instrument hire starting at 5 per month.
- Professional musician bookings available for local events.
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano tuition caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Lessons focus on technique, sight-reading, and repertoire development using both classical and contemporary styles. Instructors tailor sessions to individual goals, whether for leisure, examinations, or performance preparation.
Guitar Tuition
We offer electric, acoustic, and classical guitar instruction covering TAB notation, fingerstyle, and improvisation techniques. Courses are designed for rock, jazz, and classical enthusiasts, with options for grade examinations and ensemble playing opportunities to enhance practical skills.
Drum Lessons
Students learn rhythm, coordination, and dynamics using full drum kits and orchestral percussion instruments. Lessons include Latin, jazz, and rock styles, with access to timpani, vibraphone, and hand percussion to develop versatile rhythmic foundations.
Violin Instruction
Violin and viola lessons cover classical repertoire, sight-reading, and performance techniques. Instructors guide students through graded exams while fostering expressive playing. Adult beginners receive tailored approaches to build proficiency at a comfortable pace.
Music Theory
Our theory courses support ABRSM and Trinity grade examinations, covering notation, harmony, and aural skills. Lessons integrate practical application with instrument-specific examples to reinforce understanding and improve overall musicianship.
People
Andy Kemp
Director
Andy founded Harrogate Music School in 1991, managing operations and student registrations. With over 30 years in music education, he coordinates instructor schedules and provides guidance on instrument selection and lesson planning.
Ian S Davies
Brass Instructor
ARCM-qualified brass tutor specialising in trumpet and horn. Ian brings professional performance experience to lessons, focusing on tone development and ensemble playing for students from beginner to conservatoire audition levels.
David Beebee
Guitar Tutor
David holds a B.Mus (Hons) in Jazz & Contemporary Music. He teaches electric and acoustic guitar, emphasising improvisation and modern techniques while preparing students for graded exams and live performance.
Gordon Kilroy
Percussion Teacher
Gordon, a BA (Hons) percussionist, instructs drum kit and orchestral percussion. His lessons cover rock, jazz, and classical styles using full kits and instruments like timpani to develop comprehensive rhythmic skills.
Stephanie Yaple
Woodwind Tutor
Stephanie teaches flute and clarinet, guiding students through classical repertoire and examination preparation. She focuses on breath control, articulation, and expressive playing to build confidence across all ability levels.
Questions
What instruments can I learn at Harrogate Music School?
We offer tuition on over 20 instruments including piano, guitar, violin, brass, woodwind, drums, and voice, with options for classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Are lessons available for adults?
Yes, we welcome adult learners of all skill levels, with instructors tailoring lessons to individual goals and experience levels.
Can I hire instruments through the school?
Yes, we offer instrument hire starting at £5 per month for items like keyboards, clarinets, and violins, with local shop alternatives available.
Do you provide examination preparation?
Our tutors prepare students for ABRSM, Trinity, and other graded exams, covering technical work, repertoire, and aural tests as part of regular lessons.
What are lesson times?
Lessons run Monday to Friday evenings (3:30–9:00pm) and occasional Saturday mornings, with flexible scheduling to suit individual needs.
Can I book musicians for an event?
Yes, we arrange professional musicians for weddings, conferences, and festivals, offering soloists, duos, and ensembles across genres starting from £200.
