The Music Works

We Make Musicians

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👏👏Here is Georgina confidently performing on piano in the local theatre! Amazing work Georgina 👏👏 With the help of our fantastic teacher Vicky and by studying the brilliant Junior Music Course by Yamaha Music School, Georgina is developing the skills and confidence needed to perform! We can't wait to see her on stage with us in future 🎵 https://www.themusicworks.uk/instruments/junior-music-course

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Buying Your First Instrument? Here’s A Helpful Guide

A very common question asked of our team at The Music Works is ‘what do we recommend as an affordable option for a first music instrument’. Where do you start!?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve quizzed some of our teachers for their recommendations of what music instrument to purchase and come up with the following guide to help you keep on the right track. Every music instrument mentioned is available at most major retailers, but for the frugal can also be found on secondhand sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree & eBay.

Keyboard

Modern Keyboards are just awesome, with a plethora of fun sounds available at your finger tips, while still being able to sound like a traditional piano. Our keyboard teacher George Wilkinson suggests:

“For parents looking to buy their kids a keyboard as a beginner, I would look at the Yamaha PRS series. Mostly because it will look familiar to what we teach on, but also there are lots of sounds and features for them to play around and have fun with.”

In particular, if you are on a modest budget look at the Yamaha E363 series! If you have a bit more money to play with, the Yamaha PRS series are great value for money.

Conductor of neon light instruments by Spencer Imbrock

Guitar

There are lots of cheap options for guitar readily available, but our experience suggests that you need to be careful to avoid a proper mess! Guitar Joe Boult says:

“Our lessons are based around electric guitar, so I would suggest one of those first and foremost plus they’re much easier for beginners than acoustic guitars. The strings are easier to press, the bodies are smaller, and the necks are usually much thinner. I recommend anything by East Coast or Yamaha - these brands are known to have the best performance per pound for a beginner, and a few of them offer starter packs with a small amp, strap and picks. Also, definitely use a full-size guitar from the beginning (if you can) to avoid an upgrade too soon!

In terms of price, £100-200 is a very safe bet from the above brands. There are cheaper guitars, but you’ll gamble running into some quality issues that could seriously hinder playability.”

Drums

There are lots of options with drums, from big, loud and expensive to small, quiet and inexpensive! Our drum teacher Quilly suggests:

“Carlsbro, Millennium and Gear4Music brands would be good cost/quality ratio. Yamaha and Alesis are a bit more expensive but would be higher quality and my recommendation. Roland is known to be the best for electric but can cost anything up to £8000!

The only brand I'd advise against is ION - they are more of a toy than an instrument and trend to fall apart within a matter of months. If you are just starting out and unable to buy a full kit for space or financial reasons, I would recommend some Vic Firth 5A American Rock Drumsticks and a small practice pad.”

Ukulele

And last, but by no means least, the humble ukulele! Ukulele teacher Kyle MacKenzie says:

“After years of teaching I have tried out quite a few different Ukuleles! Although the vast majority of Ukes are relatively inexpensive, there are definitely huge differences in quality, even among the budget ranges.

We recommend Octopus, as these are what we use for our lessons each week. Ukulele is the only instrument we currently sell directly to customers, you can pick one up at our online store.”

If you have questions regarding learning your music instrument, make sure to claim your free lesson with us and our team of amazing teachers will be happy to help!

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You Need A Ukulele in Your Life - Here’s 5 Reasons Why!

The ukulele is a fantastic instrument to learn and perform with. Whenever you play one it really is difficult not to smile, and you will no doubt bring joy to others when playing! Below we have 5 Reasons for you to start learning Ukulele today:

1. Buying One Won’t Break the Bank

This is a biggy for many - they are super affordable! A beginner’s ukulele for a child can cost very little (see our website for ukulele and course book bundles). They come in several sizes and to fit several budgets, but any version you have will help you learn your ukulele chords! Our students can even purchase a super-affordable Ukulele bundle to help with their weekly lessons from our online store.

2. Ukulele Is Easy to Learn

The ukulele is easier to learn than the guitar and most other stringed instruments. Its softer nylon strings are gentler on your fingertips and the fret sizes mean that minimal stretching is needed. And because it’s small, it’s easy to hold and won’t cause as much tension in the wrist when learning your ukulele chords!

3. An Instrument for All Ages

The ukulele is the perfect instrument for all ages ranging from small children to the elderly. It is easy to travel with and even easier to store at home!

4. They Have A Great Sound Which Just Makes You Smile

Most popular songs can be simplified to be easily played with ukulele chords. This means that most of the music you come across can be adapted to the ukulele and it will sound awesome. Ever heard ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole? It’s killer! He took a classic and with great vocals and simple ukulele chords he reinvented it completely.

5. Fantastic Foundation for Graduating to Other Instruments

Once you have mastered the basics on this fun four stringed instrument, you will have built the foundations to transition to guitar or many other instruments. As you will have learnt the basics of understanding rhythm, reading music and developing chord vocabulary using ukulele chords, all of these skills can help you transition easier!

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Think You’re Too Old to Start Music Lessons? Think Again!

You are never too old to learn music. Many people are too embarrassed to even try to sing (other than in the shower of course!), but really everyone should give it a go! Many famous, talented artists don't have perfect voices…. or ever hit outrageous high or low notes. Their voices or style make them unique, and if you learn to carry a tune with the help of a singing teacher, any voice can sound great. Your voice is a unique instrument; no one else can sound exactly like you and if you embrace it, nothing will hold you back!

Why Start Singing?

The positive health effects of singing have been well researched, and you are never too old to learn music to reap the benefits. Singing strengthens the immune system, increases lung and heart function and reduces anxiety and stress in both children and adults.

Singing can also help build confidence, improve your memory and releases endorphins, making you feel energised and uplifted!

How Difficult Is It to Learn as An Adult?

Anybody can learn to sing and what’s more, we all have the instrument in-built and ready to be used - no need to pop to the music shop and spend £££'s! We’ll say it again, you’re never too old to learn music!

If you’ve ever sang in the shower, hummed along to your favourite song on the radio, or attempted to sing the vocals of Bohemian Rhapsody, then you are a singer!

The muscles you use to talk on the phone, call the dog with or laugh out loud at someone’s joke with, are the same as the ones famous singers use – it’s all about being taught how to use them. You can join one of our amazing singing teachers now for a free singing lesson!

1:1 Singing Lessons

Singing lessons are the best way to learn such an excellent craft! Our singing lessons are available at our music centres in Godalming & Haslemere (Surrey, UK), at a few local schools and online. They are a great way for beginners, kids and adults to be musical and all abilities and ages are welcome.

Whether you are looking to learn all about the mechanics of singing via a singing teacher, gain qualifications or learn songs just for fun, singing lessons can help develop control over your voice so that you can be more confident no matter the situation.

Prefer to Sing in A Group?

Not sure if you want singing lessons or 1:1 lessons with a singing teacher? Then maybe singing in a community choir is the right fit for you!

When you sing with others, you’re likely to feel the same kind of camaraderie and bonding similar to what players in team sports experience. Singing in a community choir offers a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves, a sense of community.

Singing in a community choir also boosts your social life and spending time with likeminded people creates a fun and uplifting atmosphere. We are sure you will be in awe of the sound a group of singers can create – it gives you goosebumps!

Why not join our ‘Voices’ Community Choir?

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All Hail the Thumb King!

Meet Henry, a bass guitar student at The Music Works. Henry has studied Bass guitar with TMW for a few years under the guidance of Vic Cox and recently took his grade 7 in our recent Rockschool exams.

The Best Teachers Supporting Their Students

What an amazing performance by Henry! It's no surprise that Henry has been nominated by his Bass guitar teacher Vic Cox for this excellent rendition of Rockschool’s Thumb King!

His teacher Vic had this to say about Henry’s achievement:

"Henry has been a student at Music Works since 2016, having bass guitar lessons and also taking an active part in band workshops. At the end of 2019 he took and passed his Grade 5 bass, and since then has jumped up to Grade 7. This video is a masterclass in Slap technique, using thumb slap, pop, left hand slap, double stops, dead notes, slides and hammer-ons. All this as well as nailing rhythmically tricky lines and playing with great tone and great groove. This demonstrates how far Henry has come since his Rockschool Grade 5, and what he has achieved through detailed, focussed practice and determination to take on a challenging piece. It is also a fantastic example of how do play something so dynamically, but also be relaxed when you do it! As well as working toward his Rockschool exams Grade 7 this year, Henry submitted this for his School House Music Competition and won Best Solo instrumentalist! Excellent work Henry.’’

We are so proud to see students excel in instruments and if Henry continues with this drive and momentum, we have no doubt he will do well if he chooses to work within the music industry.

More Than Just Lessons

Henry is a great example of what great teachers and dedication can allow students to achieve. He is also a great example of what can be achieved through our community spirit, as he has had valuable work experience with TMW by helping the admin team on Saturday’s. Henry has also frequently performed in our student bands, gaining great experience in live performance in a friendly and supportive community.

We pride ourselves in being able to help students at every step in their musical journey, and in 2019 we became a Rockschool Exam Centre. This means that our students not only can study their instruments with great music teachers at our purpose-built music centres, but they can also take their Rockschool exams in a familiar setting.

If you would like to learn an instrument like Henry, you can join us for a free music lesson here - www.themusicworks.uk/freelesson

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You Can Never Start Music Too Young

We are often asked ‘what age can my child start to learn an instrument and which instrument should they play’? There is no ‘perfect’ age for a child to pick up an instrument, but our suggested guide would be between 4 and 8 is ideal.

Mozart often watched his older sister practice piano. He started learning the basics when he was just three years old. When he was five, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's first ever composition was a dainty and balanced little Minuet and Trio in G major… 

Starting early can help to strengthens self-confidence, improve coordination, help to train patience and stamina.

Learning an instrument is also a good way to express feelings and emotions, improve maths, reading, listening and comprehension skills.

And finally, it creates a sense of achievement.

A nurturing environment is key for young students, to make the lessons fun and suitable for their age.

What Instrument Should My Child Begin to Study?

At The Music Works you can begin music lessons from the age of 4, starting with the Junior Music Course. Age 6+ is perfect for the Ukulele and Age 8+ for drums, guitar, singing, keyboard or music production.

The Junior Music Course (JMC) is Yamaha's flagship educational programme. The course starts students from the age of 4 or 5 years old. This is the ideal time to develop absolute pitch, a sense of harmony and the ability to recognise harmonic phrases. The standard of musician the course produces is of a very high standard, where students understand music on a level where they can easily pivot to multiple instruments.

The Yamaha Junior Music Course

The goal of the Junior Music Course is to enable children to sing what they hear, play what they sang and to compose music in a natural, expressive way. Learning this way helps to develop the foundations for creativity and expression using the keyboard instrument as a learning tool in a fun and engaging way. Using rich imagery with story book style syllabuses, and approaching music as a language, children can learn in a natural and joyful way.

Parents sit in on the lessons to help students develop quickly and learn in a fun and social way.

We are fortunate enough to have a hugely experienced JMC teacher deliver lessons at the Milford Centre. Due to this we are always operating a waiting list, so make sure to sign up in good time in order to have the best chance of joining the course. We would recommend that students are added to the waiting list after their 3rd birthday.

Join the waiting list by signing up at the website!

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Ever Had Fireworks Going Off in Your Brain?

‘On the outside they may look calm and focused, reading the music and making the precise and practiced movements required, but inside their brains there’s a party going on.’

Studies by neuroscientists, using tests such as Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography, show that the human brain operates at an amazing rate when musicians are performing on their instrument.

In essence, practicing music makes you smarter! By practicing we consistently strengthen the relationship between the Motor, Visual and Auditory areas of the brain, which can then be utilised by skills other than playing an instrument.

Surely That Can’t Be True!?

We hate to say it (actually we love it!), but it is indeed true that music makes you smarter. Harvard say, ‘Today's doctors tell us that music can enhance the function of neural networks, slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, reduce levels of stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines, and provide some relief to patients undergoing surgery, as well as heart attack and stroke victims.’

Well, that’s an unbelievable greatest hits of what benefits to our health music lessons bring! Let’s recap that Def Poetry Jam style, music:

1. Enhances the function of neural networks

2. Slows heart rate

3. Lowers blood pressure

4. Reduces levels of stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines

5. Provides some relief to patients undergoing surgery

6. Provides some relief to victims of heart attacks and strokes

Add to this a higher chance of developing critical thinking tasks such as planning, strategising and attention to detail, learning music while developing can effectively add points on to a fully-developed adults IQ.

It’s clear that learning music makes you smarter, so why doesn’t everyone learn an instrument!? That’s not a question we can answer, but we’re here for anyone who wants to try. You can learn music on a variety of instruments with The Music Works. Sign up for a free, no obligation music lesson now!

How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain

Check out this amazing video by Ted Talks, which explains how playing music makes you smarter!

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10 Reasons Why Learning an Instrument Is Good for You

The Benefits of Learning an Instrument

Everyone who works in the backroom team at The Music Works has been involved in music in one way or another, whether they have had lessons with us or have worked/are working in the industry. This is what helps us be the best version of a music tuition company we can be, because we understand our teachers and our customers well.

The benefits of learning an instrument are obvious to us, mainly because we see the results every day with our students! But if you’ve never had a music lesson before here is a great list of the benefits of learning an instrument.

Photo by Mohammad Metri

10 Reasons Why Learning an Instrument Is Good for You

1. Improves your health

‘No way!’, I hear you say. Well, ‘yes way!’ my friend! The benefits of learning an instrument go as far as keeping you healthier by creating the immunoglobulin-A antibody. Unbelievable!

2. Reduces stress

Studies consistently show that learning an instrument reduces blood pressure and heart rate. All we know is that when you are in the ‘zone’ all of our worries disappear!

3. Increases memory

Harvard say, ‘Listening to and performing music reactivates areas of the brain associated with memory, reasoning, speech, emotion and reward… music doesn’t just help us retrieve stored memories, it also helps us lay down new ones.’ That’s pretty cool!

4. Improves critical thinking

Learn how to effectively break down a large challenge (like a difficult song) into sensible bite-sized chunks that can be practiced. This discipline can be applied to any goal or challenge in life!

5. Improves coordination

When learning an instrument your dexterity is pushed to the max! Think of practicing like being at the gym for your finger muscles, arms, feet and lungs (depending on the instrument of course!)

6. Develops discipline

Discipline can be a game-changer for so many people and this is a huge benefit of learning an instrument. Little and often will get you across the line in time!

7. Allows emotional release

Words cannot express how it feels to have a musical release in the hard times that life can bring. Being able to cry or rage with our musical voices can honestly be a transcendent moment.

8. Helps with socialising

There’s a reason that musicians typically are a social bunch! Musicians can engage with each other on another level, performing in synchronicity and being able to understand the most subtle of social cues. Did you catch the singer nodding at the drummer!?

9. Builds confidence and self-esteem

Not everyone can be the star "sportsball" player! Music offers a path to confidence for those who follow it. There’s no exclusivity in music and everyone has a voice in one way or another.

10. Develops cultural appreciation

There’s a reason that musicians tend to be open-minded and (sometimes) informed in politics. The music industry is steeped in cultural history and the mixing of traditions from multiple countries and ethnicities has brought about the creation of some incredible music and communities!

You can learn music on a variety of instruments with The Music Works. Sign up for a free, no obligation music lesson now!

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Teachers vs Youtube

Self-Learning vs Learning with A Teacher

This is a question that comes up all the time with music lessons! Why pay someone to teach you an instrument when you can get everything for free on Youtube?

Learning via free music lessons on Youtube can work well for some, but for the vast majority the overwhelming amount of information and lack of a structured pathway can be a massive downside to learning effectively. What do you learn next? Am I playing it correctly? You have to answer your own questions.

Watch Out, Don’t Develop Bad Technique!

We see it all the time. Students join us for lessons after months and even years learning on their own and unfortunately, after learning from free music lessons on Youtube they have usually developed bad habits and/or technique that needs to be ironed out. This takes hard work and dedication to do and with hindsight 20/20, most musicians will gain more from structured lessons than studying for free in the beginning. We would even hazard a guess that ultimately you would save money the long run if you start out with guidance, rather than if you don’t.

Why do we think that!? One of the most time-consuming parts of learning an instrument is research. What should you be studying? And when you have completed that, what next? This can take hours and hours each week and this is time spent before you have even picked up your instrument.

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Research Takes A Lot of Time

This is why a teacher is so valuable at any point in your musical journey. A teacher has already gone through the process of learning the techniques and theory you want to understand. Great teachers have not only got to this point but have also thought through diligently how they can pass that information on to another person in the simplest way, so that it is easy to understand. Unfortunately, you will never get this from free music lessons on Youtube.

So, Is Youtube Bad!?

No, of course not! Youtube does have its place in the grand scheme of your music education, as it’s a magnificent pool of information and inspiration that can be drawn from. Attending weekly music lessons and learning songs/music concepts in your free time is a sure-fire way to improving on your instrument.

What’s the conclusion?

I think it’s clear where we sit on the debate (although we may be slightly bias!). If you want to get the most out of your time and effort when learning a musical instrument, we will always recommend that you have input from a music teacher to help guide you. There are benefits from learning using free music lessons on Youtube, but you will not gain as much from structured and planned music lessons.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of ‘Self-Learning vs Learning with A Teacher’:

Self-Learning Pros:

Inexpensive

Flexible timing

There’s a huge amount of information available on the internet!

Repeat the lesson over and over if you want

Self-Learning Cons:

There’s a huge amount of information available on the internet! You’ve got to do your own research and this takes a lot of time

Technique correction. You won’t know if you’re doing it right or wrong and this can lead to injuries such as repetitive strain.

Trust. How do you know you can trust the lesson by that guy on Youtube? Anyone can make a video, but not everyone should be a teacher.

Motivation. You won’t have someone in your corner encouraging you to push yourself.

Learning with A Teacher Pros:

Trust. You can trust that a teacher knows the best pathway for you to reach your potential.

You can check their credentials. Are they qualified to teach you?

Time. You can focus on practice and enjoyment while your teacher does the legwork. Want to learn ‘Eruption’? Your teacher will transcribe it and teach you how to play like Eddie

Bespoke lessons. Learn what you want to learn! A Teacher will work with structured lesson plans to get you from A to B.

Motivation. We are on your side! Your success benefits everyone involved and we love nothing more than seeing our students nail a song or compose/perform!

Learning with A Teacher Cons:

Price. This is an interesting one, as although price can be the harsh reality of having weekly lessons, you honestly get what you pay for. A music teacher prices their time appropriately based on literally 1000’s of hours (and 1000’s of ££££) spent honing their craft over years.

Finding the right teacher. This is a toughie as it really can be hard to find the right person based on what you need. Fortunately, we work with a team of 25 fantastic musicians who are all highly trained, experienced and patient when it comes to helping students achieve their goals.

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Welcome to The Music Works blog! We will be updating you here every week with great information about music education and what we are up to.

Let’s get started with some great pictures to set the tone, starting with the legend that was Prince!