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Frequently Asked Questions.

The most commonly asked questions have been answered here to help you decide if you'd like us to help guide you on your musical journey.

Here at The Music Den our tuition and lesson environment are second to none, with over 100 years combined teaching experience you’ll be giving your child the best possible start.

The Music Den provides a superior learning environment for music students in a working professional recording studio.

78a High Street, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2SP.

We also teach in our dedicated rooms at Verulam School.

Verulam School, Brampton Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4PR.

As well as:

Roundwood Park School, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 3AE.

At the time of your enquiry we’ll let you know what slots we have available. There is also an option to join our waiting list.

If you have purchased gift vouchers, please ask the recipient to email us as soon as possible to arrange their lesson.

To learn at our facility at Verulam School in St Albans you can choose to invest in 30 minute lessons at £25.00 per lesson or 60 minute lessons at £50.00.

To learn at The Music Den Studio in Harpenden you can choose to invest in 30 minute lessons at £32.50 per lesson, or 6o minute lessons at £65.00.

To learn at our facility at Roundwood Park School in Harpenden you can choose to invest in 30 minute lessons at £30.00 per lesson or 60 minute lessons at £60.00.

Lesson fees are spread over a 12 month period by monthly direct debit using our secure GoCardless service. Prices are based on 38 lessons per academic year.

Please enquire about discounts for siblings for The Music Den St Albans.

If you wish to take an exam, you will be liable for the exam fee. Costs differ depending on the exam board but generally range between £45 for grade 1 and £105 for grade 8. One or two additional lessons maybe require to cover the theory and oral tests elements of the exams.

Our tutors are experienced qualified professionals and are able to teach from all the recognised syllabuses should you wish to follow them. These include:

• Trinity Guildhall 

• Rockschool (Now recognised and established but designed towards Rock and Commercial music).​

• ABRSM (Associated Board Of The Royal Schools Of Music)

In addition to this we have also developed our own teaching material based on the best of all 3 exam boards, along with the most established teaching methods from the worlds greatest educators (many of whom Darren and the faculty have studied with personally).

Everything about how we teach music is put into context by making music.

You or your child will learn with the same tutor for the majority of the time, however, we have a team of tutors who are all able to teach at our demanding high standards. By using our unique ‘Focus and Feedback’ system, other members of our team will be able to step into the shoes of your normal tutor should they be unavailable due to illness etc. In the unlikely event that a teacher is unavailable, we will offer a rescheduled time or a refund.

For a taster session you aren’t expected to bring anything with you unless you want to bring your own instrument.

To get the best from your regular lessons, you’ll need to bring the following. 

  • A pair of drumsticks (If learning  drums)
  • Your guitar pick (if learning guitar)
  • A pen & pencil
  • An A4 folder with plastic wallets
  • An A4 note pad
  • An A4 manuscript pad
  • Your completed Focus & Feedback Sheets provided by us.

Absolutely not, there are plenty of things to be working on in the first phase of learning that do not require you to invest in an instrument.

The short answer is no, but it all depends on what you want from your learning experience – Valuable UCAS point make you stand out if you are considering going to university for example. Regardless of what path you follow, we will always keep focused and set goals so you will be sure to improve by following our guidance. 

Yes, we cover all major exam boards and it is entirely up to you whether you take this step.

Yes. We have developed a ‘Focus And Feedback’ sheet that details goals set and plenty of space for weekly communication between parent and tutor. At a glance you will be able to see how your child is progressing and what recommendations we have made for practice and listening. You can find this form at the bottom of the website.

We do not reschedule missed lessons for any reason, this is because to retain our highly rated tutors we pay them and the rent regardless of whether students attend lessons or not.

In the event of us having to cancel lessons we will endeavour to reschedule these during school holidays or by using another one of our highly rated tutors.

If you wish to stop lessons we require notice of half a term via email.

For Example:

  • To end lessons before the Spring Term, notice must be given before Autumn Half Term.
  • To end lessons before the Summer Term, notice must be given before Spring Half Term.
  • To end lessons before the Autumn Term, notice must be given before the Summer Half Term.

All of our tutors are DBS (Enhanced) checked and take their duty of care very seriously. Please view our Safeguarding policy which details how we go about protecting children.

Some of our teachers are experienced teaching students with special educational needs. We deal with each student as an individual. You can contact us about your, or your child’s specific needs so we can asses if learning at The Music Den is the right choice for you.

Yes we can. We have extensive experience in teaching adult learners of all abilities.

Yes we sure can. Whether you are playing the drums or bass we can help you rediscover your skills.

Of course! We will advise you about the right things to invest in, or communicate via the parent/teacher book. Generally, this will be between 3-6 months after commencing lessons. We have built up good relationships with several suppliers that give preferential rates to all our students.

Our taster sessions are designed to give students an idea of what lessons will be like. Students will be able to meet the teachers, see the venue and equipment.

Schedule Free Taster

NOW OFFERING

FREE Tasters

Our 30 minute FREE ‘Taster’ sessions are the perfect gift or starting point for people wanting to learn an instrument. We will get you playing along to your favourite music in no time, hopefully inspiring you to come back for more!

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