Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Saturday Music School in Reading Since 1960
Established in 1960, Earley Music Centre has been dedicated to fostering musical excellence and enjoyment for over six decades. We provide individual instrumental lessons, theory, and aural studies tailored to students aged five to eighty-plus, delivered by a team of experienced DBS-cleared instructors. Our Saturday morning sessions at Earley St Peter's School accommodate approximately 200 students, combining structured tuition with opportunities to participate in ensembles. We prioritise exam preparation through ABRSM syllabuses and offer a supportive environment for all skill levels.Our teaching staff includes specialists in brass, strings, piano, woodwinds, and more, ensuring comprehensive musical development. Health and safety protocols, including supervised tuition and clear emergency procedures, ensure a secure learning environment. We maintain transparency in operations, with detailed term dates, timetables, and policies accessible to all families. Our ethos of 'Quality and Enjoyment' underpins every aspect of our educational approach, making music accessible and rewarding for all ages.
Services
Individual Instrumental Lessons
Theory and Aural Studies
Combined Ensemble
ABRSM Exam Preparation
Music Tuition for All Ages
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We offer DBS-checked, experienced music instructors for all instruments.
- Our Saturday morning sessions have operated continuously since 1960.
- We provide individualised tuition tailored to each student's learning pace.
- ABRSM exam preparation includes focused aural and theory training.
- Our Combined Ensemble offers practical performance experience for pupils.
Associations and certifications
- DBS
What people say
Experienced instructors
Structured exam prep
Family-friendly schedule
Supportive environment
Ensemble opportunities
Services
Individual Instrumental Lessons
Personalised one-on-one music instruction across brass, strings, piano, woodwinds, and percussion. Lessons cater to all ages from beginner to advanced levels. Our experienced teachers adapt teaching methods to individual learning styles and goals.
Theory and Aural Studies
Comprehensive training in musical notation, harmony, and aural skills aligned with ABRSM exam requirements. Sessions develop reading ability, rhythmic precision, and listening comprehension. Essential preparation for graded assessments.
Combined Ensemble
Collaborative performance opportunity for students to develop ensemble playing skills. Weekly sessions focus on coordination, dynamics, and stage presence. Open to all instrument groups and ability levels.
ABRSM Exam Preparation
Specialised training for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music assessments. Covers technical exercises, repertoire selection, and performance practice. Includes mock exams and feedback sessions.
Music Tuition for All Ages
Flexible learning programmes designed for children, teenagers, and adult learners. Adaptive teaching approaches accommodate varying schedules and musical interests. Weekly Saturday morning sessions suit family commitments.
People
Don Dobby
Vice Chairman / Joint Director
Overseeing finance and administration at Earley Music Centre since 2000, Don combines musical expertise with organisational leadership. He manages financial operations and strategic planning.
Phil Rogers
Chairman
Leading Earley Music Centre's management committee, Phil brings 25 years of governance experience in music education. He chairs meetings and represents the centre at external engagements.
Taryn Deane
Joint Director
As clarinet instructor and director, Taryn coordinates teaching staff and ensures educational standards. She has taught at the centre for 15 years, specialising in woodwind tuition.
Chris Dobby
Treasurer
Managing financial records and budgeting for Earley Music Centre, Chris applies 20 years' experience in accounting. He oversees fee structures and financial reporting.
Martin Whalley
Committee Member
Contributing to policy development and operational oversight, Martin has served on the committee since 2010. He teaches guitar and mentors younger instructors.
Questions
What music lessons do you offer?
We provide individual instrumental lessons in brass, strings, piano, woodwinds, and percussion, plus theory and aural training.
Are exams included in your programme?
Yes, we prepare students for ABRSM graded exams with dedicated theory and aural sessions alongside practical tuition.
What are your Saturday morning hours?
Term-time Saturday sessions run from 08:00 to 13:00 with lessons and ensemble practice available during this window.
Do you accept adult learners?
Yes, our students range from age five to eighty-plus, with tuition tailored to individual experience levels and goals.
How do you ensure student safety?
All staff have DBS clearance, and we maintain supervised teaching areas with clear emergency evacuation procedures for all buildings.
Can I observe my child's lesson?
Parents must ensure children understand safety guidelines, though direct lesson observation isn't standard due to space constraints.
