Frequently Asked Questions

How often are the lessons?

Lessons are weekly and will be held at the same time every week. Your teacher will advise of the times available at the end of your free trial lesson.

Is there a maximum age limit?

NOBODY is too old to learn - all of our teachers teach adults – many of whom are retired people!! The minimum age for our courses may range from 4 to 8 but there’s no maximum!!

Do you use headphones in your lessons?

We do NOT use headphones. There are certainly many places that do and the contact time between teacher and student is usually around 5 minutes in every hour, for which you can pay anything up to £12. This allows teachers to take pupils of very different standards at the same time. You are effectively 'paying to practice' in these circumstances. Something we consider to be extremely unfair.

Do you need an instrument at home?

The student does not require an instrument as all equipment is provided at the school, but it is preferable as when the homework is to practice pieces for the next lesson, all students are at the same level and have worked hard to improve their playing.

Will my child have any opportunity to play in any concerts?

We actively encourage class concerts. Some of our students also play at local Musical Festivals.

Do the Dawsons Music School courses follow an accredited syllabus?

There are a few nationally recognised music exam boards: ABRSM; Guildhall; LCMM; Trinity College and Rockschool. All exams taken by students at any of our music schools follow the syllabus of, or are accredited by, one of these boards. It has also recently become the case that from Grade 6 and upwards the qualifications now hold UCAS points (for university entrance). For example, at Grade 8 (practical) a result of distinction holds almost the same value as a C Grade A’ level.

Do you provide exams?

Yamaha for keyboard and piano also has it's own exam system with which most pupils begin. We then enter students for exams with Trinity College London which is accredited by the QCA. Guitar pupils can enter exams with Rockschool. We established a Rockschool Examination Centre in our Warrington Music School in 2008 and are now one of the leading Exam Centres in the Northwest in just 3 years. For more details on Rockschool Exams and FAQs, please follow this link.

Points shown are for ABRSM, Guildhall, LCMM, Rockschool and Trinity Guildhall advanced level music examinations
D - Distinction | M - Merit | P - Pass

Dawsons Music Schools