How old must my child be to start sending them for lessons at Harmony?

Comprehensive Musicianship Classes (voice) - Five to 17 years old

Private voice lessons: 17 years old and over

Piano lessons: Five years and over

Violin: Five years and over

Guitar: Eight years and over

Drums: Five years and over

I don’t know if my child is interested in music. Can this be a good way to introduce her/him to lessons?

This is a very welcoming environment. We understand that there are some children who have a keen interest in singing and music and some who may not be so eager to try it. However, we believe that each child deserves a chance to find ways of expressing themselves beyond words and music provides that safe space to do so. We offer bespoke training that is holistic, robust and designed to nurture a lifelong love and appreciation for the arts.

My child can’t sing in tune. Is this still the right class for her/ him?

The CMP environment is a non-judgemental one. Students of varying ability make up a class. We aim to provide focused work on building good intonation and aural awareness to anyone who needs more of it. We have watched many students with pitch issues improve dramatically after varying amounts of time and consistent work.

My child has already had vocal lessons before. How do I know where to place him/ her?

Your audition video will provide us with the information as to where we can place a student, based on their level of competency and skill. Intermediate and advanced students may also be asked to solve a theory paper. Our goal is to find a student’s strengths and work from there.

My child is really talented and I prefer private lessons. Is that possible?

Private lessons are not provided for children under the age of 16 as their voices are still developing and may be prone to damage with too much focus. However, in unusual circumstances, we offer private sessions at the discretion of the school.

How long is the course? What comes next?

The Comprehensive Musicianship Program is designed as an ongoing program. Students have been with us for several years growing in their skill and musical ability, composing, appearing for music exams, taking part in recitals, concerts and examinations. Often, students add an instrument to complement the deep learning that takes place in this class.

I’m just here to learn singing. Why should I learn music theory too?

Music theory provides the backbone for a lot of music related exploration. For example, you may enjoy singing and might soon want to write your own songs. Music theory equips you with the skill to be able to do that with more creativity and confidence. It helps you read songs much better too and puts you at an advantage when you learn about music from other parts of the world.

What happens if my child misses a class? Can s/he catch up?

Teachers will share a summary of each lesson, and in the event that this isn’t possible, they will keep the student abreast of everything taught before moving on with a new concept.

Will my child receive a certificate for this course?

We provide focused feedback on the progress of our children every year. This may be downloaded and printed and used to submit along with a college application (if required). Specific letters are also shared for students who may require it. Certificates are awarded to students when they complete international music examinations.

I want to join the choir but not be a part of the Comprehensive Musicianship Program. Is that possible?

Unfortunately, it is not possible at the moment. Any student who wishes to be a part of our choir has to be enrolled at Harmony. Choir lessons are an extension of the sessions we offer in vocal and musicianship training.

Why should I audition for the choir?

The repertoire we pick to perform varies from simple to extremely complex. The audition process is designed to ensure a student can handle the rigorous training that is offered at choir.

I sing well but I still didn’t get picked. Why?

While we have no entry criteria to attend singing lessons at Harmony, choir is completely different. Just having a good voice doesn’t cut it! After a few sessions of training at Harmony in building aural skills and sight-singing skills, we check to see if a student can manage the demands of the choir.

I didn’t make it this term, can I audition again?

Auditions are held every term for choir. You will have plenty of opportunities to sing for your Choir Director or the audition panel again!

How will I know whether private lessons work for me?

We ensure that every student receives the best possible fit with an instructor who will work to bring out the best in the student.

What board is Harmony - The Music School affiliated with?

Our students prepare for examinations in Classical Singing with the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), Musical Theatre and Pop Vocals with the London College of Music (LCM) and Contemporary Singing with the Rock School London (RSL) Boards.

Depending on their ability and affinity towards particular styles, students appear for ABRSM, Trinity, LCM and RSL examinations. Eligibility for examinations is entirely up to the teacher’s discretion.

Should my child do music exams?

Exams are not compulsory at Harmony. We do a whole ton of learning with and without the exams! They are however a helpful indicator of a student’s progress and it often keeps them motivated to work towards reaching their goals. Each exam is conducted with a very specific set of musical and technique related goals that a student will have to achieve in order to do well in the exam.

Moreover the certification from each exam is recognised internationally and can be used on a college application towards extracurricular activities.

When do I pay for lessons at Harmony?

All lessons must be paid in advance without which your slot cannot be confirmed. We offer a first come, first served payment system. Your requested time slot will be reserved once payment is received and your registration is complete.

Can I get a refund for my payment?

Unfortunately, we have a no-refund policy. Once a payment has been received, the student must commit to taking the lesson(s) s/he has purchased or forfeit the remaining lesson fee(s).

What if my child isn’t interested in music anymore?

No refunds will be made as our exceptional teachers are paid for their valuable time (whether a student attends their class or not). However, in some circumstances (eg. in cases of a health emergency where a student has a fracture or surgery, etc.) we may hold the fee payment for up to four months. This is strictly on a case-to- case basis.

My child has exams. Can you hold my payment?

Classes cannot be carried forward, refunded or transferred. No exceptions will be made for school examinations. In the past, our students have learned to prioritise and balance school work and music work beautifully. This is a life skill they acquire!