Welcome to
Music lessons in Manchester
Discover top-rated music teachers across Manchester for piano, guitar, singing, drums and more — learn in person locally or take online lessons, from beginners to advanced.
Our Music Teachers in Manchester
Browse local music teachers to get started, or search again above to find the nearest music teacher to you.
Dr Robert Ratcliffe is an award-winning composer, producer, pianist, writer and music educator with more than twenty years' teaching experience. His career has taken him from classical piano performance and internationally recognised academic research to contemporary electronic music and commercial production, with his compositions performed and broadcast in approximately 30 countries worldwide. Robert brings this breadth of professional experience into his teaching, working with musicians at every stage of development, from children and complete adult beginners to advanced pianists, diploma candidates and university-level musicians. He has previously taught performance, composition, electronic music, music production and critical studies in higher education, while maintaining a successful private teaching practice for more than two decades. Piano Teaching Piano and music theory remain at the heart of Robert's private teaching. Lessons are individually tailored to each student, whether they are learning purely for enjoyment, preparing for examinations, developing advanced performance skills, working towards a diploma or preparing for an audition or further study. Robert has a 100% ABRSM examination pass rate, with students frequently achieving distinctions. Previous results include 99/100 for ABRSM Grade 5 Music Theory and 146/150 in an ABRSM Piano Practical examination. One student was invited to perform in a special ABRSM concert after achieving one of the highest examination marks of the period, while others have won prizes in music competitions and achieved outstanding results in school and college music examinations. Robert has prepared students for auditions and study at institutions including Chetham's School of Music, Leeds Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music, and has taught piano performance through to diploma and university level. Examinations, however, are only one possible part of learning music. Lessons can focus on repertoire, technique, interpretation, sight-reading, aural skills, improvisation, theory, composition and general musicianship according to the student's interests and ambitions. Robert's teaching methods are adapted to the individual. Rather than applying exactly the same approach to every student, he considers both how a student learns and how they physically approach the instrument, developing strategies to address particular technical or musical difficulties. Technique is always approached as a means of achieving greater musical freedom. Lessons can explore relaxation, coordination, sound production and quality of tone, as well as strategies for managing performance anxiety. Robert has a particular affinity with Romantic and Impressionistic repertoire, especially the music of Chopin, Debussy and Scriabin, although students work across a very wide range of composers, periods and styles. As a composer, Robert is particularly interested in helping students understand how music is constructed. Where appropriate, lessons explore the structure, harmony, musical ideas and historical context of a work rather than simply concentrating on playing the correct notes. This helps students develop informed and individual interpretations and, ultimately, communicate the music more effectively. Performance and Musical Background Robert holds a First Class BA (Hons) degree specialising in solo piano performance and composition, an M.Res in Composition with Distinction and a PhD in Composition/Musicology, completed under the principal supervision of composer Mike Vaughan, with Rajmil Fischman as second supervisor. Both his M.Res and PhD studies were supported by national AHRC awards. His postgraduate piano studies included private study with Professor David Fanning of the University of Manchester, together with masterclass and private study with Roy Howat, internationally recognised for his work on French piano music, and study and consultation with Michael Bell, formerly Director of Performance at Keele University. Robert won the Keele Concerto audition in 2004 and has experience as a soloist, accompanist and ensemble performer across a diverse range of music. His recorded performances and original compositions have been broadcast by the BBC and internationally, and his performing experience has ranged from classical repertoire to jazz and funk, including supporting Jools Holland. Composition, Research and International Work Before moving into commercial music releases, Robert established an international reputation within contemporary and experimental music. His compositions have been performed and broadcast in approximately 30 countries worldwide, including presentations at major international festivals and conferences such as ICMC, NIME, ACMC, L'espace du Son and Sonorities. He has collaborated with leading performers working in contemporary and experimental music, and recordings of his work have been released internationally. Robert's research has been published in international peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, including Dancecult, eContact!, eOREMA, Sonic Ideas and the proceedings of the International Computer Music Conference. He has also served as an international reviewer and adjudicator, including work for the International Computer Music Conference and the international 60×60 project. This background means that Robert can also provide specialist tuition and mentoring in composition, electronic music, music production, music history, critical studies and related areas, including work at university level. Current Professional Work In recent years Robert has increasingly focused on composition, production and writing outside academia. He is the creator of the science-fiction multimedia project Chronicles of the Residuum, whose first major album, The Age of Destruction, brings together electronic music, contemporary composition, narration, visual art, constructed languages and extensive world-building. The project has received considerable international recognition. The Age of Destruction received two Silver Medals for Outstanding Achievement at the Global Music Awards, in Electronic and Production/Producer, while both the audio work and its artwork received recognition in the British Science Fiction Association Awards. The album and wider project have received coverage in publications including Prog, Record Collector, Electronic Sound, Darkus and the journal of the British Fantasy Society, alongside extensive international reviews. Sonic Abuse awarded the album 9.5/10, describing it as "a masterpiece destined for cult worship". The project has also enabled Robert to work with an exceptional range of internationally recognised creative and music-industry professionals. These include Grammy Award-winning engineer David Donaldson; David J. Peterson, internationally renowned language creator whose work includes major film and television productions; electronic music producer and DJ René LaVice; fantasy artist Igor Kieryluk, known internationally for his work on Magic: The Gathering; and electronic music industry pioneer Nick Halkes, whose career includes co-founding XL Recordings and signing The Prodigy. These collaborations sit alongside work with broadcasters, performers, writers, visual artists, producers and remixers and have given Robert first-hand experience of developing a large-scale creative project across music, storytelling, visual art and commercial release. His music has also increasingly crossed into electronic, dance and drum & bass culture through a growing series of collaborations and remixes. Robert is currently serving as a juror for the British Fantasy Awards in the Audio Fiction category, adding to his previous international academic reviewing and adjudication experience. This continuing professional activity feeds directly back into Robert's teaching. Students interested in composition, production or pursuing music beyond examinations can benefit not only from his academic background, but from current first-hand experience of creating, producing, releasing and promoting ambitious professional music projects and collaborating with specialists across the contemporary music industry. Lessons More than twenty years of teaching has reinforced Robert's belief that the most successful lessons are those that develop independent musicians rather than simply preparing students to pass the next examination. Technical development, interpretation, theory and musical understanding are therefore connected wherever possible, helping students understand not only what they are playing, but how and why the music works. For advanced students, this can extend much further. Robert's experience across performance, composition, academic research and professional music production allows lessons to move naturally between disciplines: analysing a score, solving a technical problem at the piano, discussing compositional structure, developing an original piece of music or considering how ideas might work in a professional production environment. For beginners, the same breadth of experience translates into something much simpler: clear, patient teaching and strong foundations from the very first lesson. Robert particularly welcomes enquiries for piano and music theory tuition, from beginners through to advanced and diploma level, alongside specialist composition and music mentoring where appropriate. Lessons are available online to students throughout the UK and internationally. © Robert Ratcliffe 2026
As well as my main instrument guitar, I also play bass, drums, synthesiser, sequencer and sing. I studied Popular Music and Recording at the University of Salford, specialising in jazz guitar performance, studio composition & recording and the music business. My knowledge comes from a wide mixture of previously running a very successful underground live music venue in Manchester, recording and videos for bands through my production label, performing for a large number of acts across the UK/Europe and more recently getting my own workshop repairing and building custom guitars. Music Qualifications & Achievements: Distinction in HND Music Performance First Honours Degree in Popular Music and Recording Toured with a wide variety of artists, opening for Toploader and Jurassic 5 Stage managed for Wu Tang Hand picked for Classic Rock’s special Blues edition sample CD featured among artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout and Gary Clark Jr I love using my knowledge, experience and patience to facilitate and encourage others to realise their own potential and musical abilities.
Significant teaching experience for over 20 years, having worked with pupils of all ages and abilities throughout Manchester in schools, privately and for various music services. I work for the RNCM and Chethams School of Music, have taught on the course 'Flute Kitchen', for Yorkshire Young Musicians (Leeds and Hull), at the RNCM Junior School, and am currently flute teacher at Bangor University. I teach pupils of all abilities from complete beginners to LRSM students. Lessons can be simply for fun and learning a new skill, or can be focussed on reaching a specific goal. Many of my pupils enter ABRSM exams, local and national competitions and play in local ensembles. I also organise a concert each year in which I encourage all of my pupils to play. I also have a number of flutes available for pupils to hire. Please contact me for further information!
Professional Piano Lessons in Manchester – All Ages & Levels Welcome Are you looking for high-quality piano lessons in Manchester? Whether you're a complete beginner, an intermediate player, or someone preparing for exams and competitions, I am here to guide you through your musical journey. My lessons are designed to be engaging, structured, and tailored to your personal goals—whether that’s mastering classical pieces, exploring jazz, or simply playing for fun. About Me I started learning the piano at the age of six and have dedicated my life to music ever since. I hold a Master’s degree in Piano Performance (Merit) from the University of Manchester and have five years of teaching experience, working with students of all ages and levels. My early start in piano has given me a deep understanding of the learning process, allowing me to guide students effectively from their very first lesson to an advanced level. As a performer, I have achieved recognition in international competitions, including: Gold Award – 2023 Paris Music Competition (Shanghai Division) Gold Award – 2023 Brahms International Music Competition (China Finals) With my strong foundation in both performance and teaching, I help students develop proper technique, musical expression, and confidence in their playing. What You Will Learn I offer structured, personalized lessons based on your skill level and goals. My teaching covers: ✔ Classical repertoire – Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and more ✔ Jazz, pop, and contemporary styles for a more diverse musical experience ✔ ABRSM exam preparation (Grades 1-8 and Diploma level) ✔ Music theory, sight-reading, and ear training to build a strong foundation ✔ Improvisation and composition for students who love creativity in music ✔ Performance coaching for competitions, concerts, and recitals Lesson Options & Location In-person lessons – I travel to students’ homes in Manchester Online lessons via Zoom, Skype, or WeChat for students outside Manchester Pricing & Duration 30-minute lesson: £20 45-minute lesson: £27 60-minute lesson: £30 Travel fee for home visits: £5-10 (depending on location) Contact Information 📱 WeChat: fm6960 📞 Phone: +44 7443726699 📧 Email: min.feng6960@gmail.com Whether you are looking to start learning the piano, improve your current skills, or prepare for exams and performances, I am committed to helping you achieve your musical goals. My lessons are structured, engaging, and designed to make piano learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Contact me today to book your first lesson!
I’m a professional violinist and experienced teacher with a background in both performance and education. My approach to teaching is structured, clear, and adaptable, helping each student build strong foundations and real confidence in their playing. I currently work at Chetham’s School of Music and Trafford Music Service, and I previously taught at Junior Birmingham Conservatoire. Through these roles, I’ve worked with students from beginner to advanced levels, including those preparing for exams, auditions, and professional pathways. These experiences have shaped a teaching style that balances technical precision with musical understanding and encourages students to think independently as musicians. My lessons are tailored to each student’s needs — focusing on tone, technique, and interpretation, while maintaining a positive and focused learning environment. I use a mix of structured technical work and engaging repertoire to ensure consistent, measurable progress. Alongside teaching, I maintain an active international performing career. I’ve performed worldwide as a soloist and with orchestras, ensembles, and commercial showbands, collaborating with DJs and luxury event productions across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. These experiences bring a practical and versatile perspective to my teaching, connecting classical training with the demands of modern performance.
LOK LAI is a rising UK-based Hong-Kong-born musician, after attaining Distinction in DipLCM (Recital) in Classical Singing and DipLCM (Recital) in Piano Performance of London College of Music, LOK LAI graduated in Diploma Studies from Internationales Musikkonservatorium (IMUK) Graz in Austria, where he majored in Voice under the tutelage of Prof. Wolfgang Müller-Lorenz. He also studied Piano with Prof. Zoltan Füzessery and Prof. Che-Lun Hsu. Linus completed the Diploma in Music Foundations at The Hong Kong Academy For Performing Arts, studying Voice under Prof. Albert, Chun Lim. He also attended masterclasses by renowned artists, including Prof. Wolfgang Müller-Lorenz and Prof. Aud Kjellaug Tesaker. Linus frequently won accolades during his studies in Hong Kong and Austria since 2020. He won the Scholarships for Outstanding Performances by HKSAR Government Scholarships Fund in Hong Kong. Besides, he has won prizes in various international music competitions held in Germany, Austria, the U.K., and Hong Kong. Recognized for his profound expression with great stage presence, Linus is an experienced choral singer and has been singing at numerous events, including the Choir and Organ Concert with the Hallé Choir, the Sung Eucharist with Manchester Cathedral Voluntary Choir for Festival of All Saints at Manchester Cathedral in the U.K., the Choral Evensong with Adamas Voces at Selby Abbey in the U.K., the Holy Mass for Corpus Christi with Choir of Parish Church of Münzgraben (Pfarre Graz- Münzgraben) at Graz Cathedral (Dompfarre Graz) in Austria, Festival of Religion held by Chamber Music Festival Styria (Steiermark) in Graz of Austria, Chorus Performance of IDOMENEO at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the International Choral Jazz and Mass Participatory Musicking Festival in Hong Kong. He also performs actively as a soloist. He had a solo performance of Messiah at Christ Church Pennington in the U.K.. He had a solo performance with pianist Henrik Sande at The United Methodist Church Graz in Austria. He performed the Holy Mass with other singers, including Prof. Wolfgang Müller-Lorenz at theParish Church of Frohnleiten in Graz of Austria conducted by Christian Köckl. Linus also performed at Stiftung Mozarteum- Großer Saal in Salzburg of Austria.
Hello. My name is Catrin. I work at Opera North as an Instrumental tutor for ages 8-14. I have a music degree from Manchester University. I currently play for fun with Lancashire Sinfonia in Bolton. I have previously played in the NYOW and the Manchester Philharmonic Orchestra. Outside of classical, I play in two folk singer songwriter bands in Manchester- cello is just a diverse instrument, and I love being able to show it off in all settings!I will be following classic beginner books such as cello time joggers (runners, sprinters) and ABRSM/trinity/MTB grade styled teaching. However, I will accept suggestions from students and parents to ensure the best for my students. You do not have to go through the classical route if you wish to explore other ways of expression! I love all types of music so please feel free to explore options with me. I will be available to teach Friday-Monday.My teaching is very gentle. I understand the importance of challenging mental boundaries, increasing confidence in playing, and ensuring enjoyment and creativity. I have studied and explored Alexander Technique and the Feldenkrais method, and try to implement them in my own teaching. I want to make sure that technique is always implemented into my teaching, increasing the importance of posture, body awareness and mental clarity.
Hi I’m Charlie! I teach piano, guitar, bass and ukulele and have counted to over 10,000 hours of music lessons throughout my career. After obtaining my music degree (BMus Hons) in 2014, I began teaching music in multiple schools and private institutions, gradually building up to a personal network of private students. Having been in so many different musical interactions has kept me agile as a teacher and be aware of the versatility required to master the art of tuition. I began doing one-to-one lessons online at the start of lockdown in 2020, realising it was the only way to progress as a teacher and for also students to progress. During this time I discovered the advantage of learning an instrument in the comfort of your own home, whilst having the same quality as a face to face lesson, which led to rapid developments of my students! For many aspiring musicians, the thought of learning to play can be daunting; therefore as a tutor I provide an engaging and supportive learning environment that helps students build confidence and improve their playing ability. When I am not teaching, I perform in multiple bands and compose and release solo music. One of my favourite aspects of music is the aspect of composition; taking your own musical influences and toying around with them to create something unique is a thrilling experience! Since teaching in 2016, I have had a 100 percent pass rate with students entered in Guitar, Bass and Piano grades, from 1-8, mainly achieving the highest credentials! Qualifications: B (Mus) Hons degree , University of Huddersfield
About Music lessons in Manchester
Looking for music lessons in Manchester? Connect with professional music teachers across the city offering lessons for all instruments and skill levels. Browse teachers, compare their experience and teaching styles, and message them directly to start learning — whether you prefer in-person lessons or the flexibility of online instruction.
Manchester teachers offer lessons from home studios, music schools, community spaces, or via online sessions. Many teachers travel within the Greater Manchester area, and travel fees vary by location. Check with individual teachers for their preferred teaching locations.
Find professional teachers with clearer trust signals — and inquire in minutes.
Music lessons: what to expect
Use the search above to find a teacher matched to your goals.
Nearby locations to Manchester
Try a nearby area if availability is limited.
Trust & safety
Parents and students should always feel confident asking about safeguarding, insurance, and lesson policies.
FAQs about music lessons in Manchester
Manchester has teachers specializing in piano, guitar, singing, drums, violin, saxophone, bass, keyboards and music theory. Use filters to search by instrument or browse all available teachers in your area.
Yes. Most Manchester teachers offer flexible online lessons alongside in-person options, perfect for busy schedules or if you prefer learning from home.
Lesson prices vary by teacher experience and format. Browse teacher profiles to see rates, and message them to discuss package deals or discounts for regular bookings.