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Let's make music!
 

Join a Band!

 
 

Play together. Perform together. Grow together.

Our band sessions are for young musicians who want to take their playing beyond the practice room. It's where they learn to listen, collaborate, find their role in a group — and experience the buzz of performing live.

Our bands rehearse for gigs, busk in the high street, and perform at our regular events, including our annual gig - The Next Wave - at Chinnerys! It's real band experience, with real opportunities to play.

What They'll Learn

In our band sessions, young people will:

  • Play with others — learning to listen, lock in and respond as part of a group

  • Find their role — understanding how their instrument fits in a band setting

  • Build repertoire — working up songs together, ready to perform

  • Develop stage confidence — through showcases, gigs and busking

  • Be part of a team — building friendships and learning to collaborate

Who It's For

  • Ages 8–13 — Saturdays

  • Ages 14+ — Wednesdays or Thursdays

  • Instruments: Guitar, bass, keys, drums, Vocals

  • Experience: At least 1 year of playing experience required

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

Meet Your Coaches

Billy Hoyle and Tom Cunningham lead our band sessions.

Billy heads up our guitar and production programmes, and brings his instrumental expertise to the band sessions — helping players develop their technique and confidence in a live setting.

Meet Billy →

Tom is our Songwriting and Bands coach, bringing hands-on experience of playing, writing and performing with groups. He helps young musicians find their voice within a band — learning how to collaborate, communicate and create together.

Meet Tom →

Flo Evans assists with Saturday band sessions, supporting young musicians as they learn to play together.

Meet Flo →

FAQs

  • Our bands are for guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, drummers and vocalists. If your child plays something else and wants to join, get in touch — we may be able to accommodate them.

  • No. We work by ear, with chord charts and tabs where needed.

  • That's fine — we'll place them in a group that suits their age and ability. They don't need to come with a ready-made band.

  • It depends on the group! Our bands play everything from pop and rock to indie and soul. We tailor the repertoire to what the young people want to play.

  • Ages 8-10 (Juniors)

    Band (1 hour): £36/month

    Junior Music School - Band/Songwriting or Production combined (2 hours): £60/month

    Ages 11+ and Ages 14+ (Saturday afternoons and Seniors)

    Band (2 hours): £60/month

    Band/Songwriting or Production combined (4 hours): £84/month

    Pricing is based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.

  • Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.

 
 
 
 
 

Book a Free Trial

Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

 

How to Register

  1. Select the appropriate age group for your child

  2. Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial

  3. Complete the short induction form

  4. Click 'Sign Up'

You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.

Can't find a session for your child?

If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.

WAITING LIST -->
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Songwriting

 
 

Tell your story through music.

Songwriting is at the heart of what we do. Our young people write from as young as age 5 — some to explore their creativity, others to get thoughts out of their heads and make sense of the world.

Whatever brings them to it, the benefits go far beyond the songs themselves. Our songwriters report improved wellbeing and mental health, alongside a real sense of belonging through the community of young people who write together.

What They'll Learn

In our songwriting sessions, young people will:

  • Find their voice — learning to express ideas, feelings and stories through lyrics

  • Understand song structure — verses, choruses, bridges and how to shape a song

  • Develop melody and rhythm — creating hooks and musical ideas that stick

  • Collaborate with others — co-writing and building on each other's ideas

  • Record and share their work — bringing songs to life in the studio

No musical experience is needed — just something to say.

Who It's For

  • Ages and 8–13 – Saturdays

  • Ages 14+ - Wednesdays or Thursdays

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

Meet Your Coaches

Tom Cunningham leads our songwriting sessions.

Tom brings hands-on experience of writing, recording and performing. He helps young people find their voice — turning ideas into finished songs and building the confidence to share them.

Meet Tom →

Billy Hoyle and Flo Evans also work across the songwriting programme, supporting young writers as they develop their ideas and craft.

Meet Billy →

Meet Flo →

FAQs

  • It helps — songwriters who play an instrument often find it easier to develop their ideas. If they don't play yet, we'd suggest either learning an instrument or starting with our music production sessions, where they can create using software instead.

  • Definitely not. We're full of instrumentalists who don't sing! If they want their song performed vocally, we have plenty of singers we can pair them with.

  • Whatever they want to say! Our songwriters explore all styles — pop, indie, acoustic, rap, spoken word, instrumental. We follow their interests.

  • Yes, they can be. We have spaces and equipment suitable for recording all instruments and vocals. Some young people also explore producer skills in our music production sessions, learning to record and mix their own work.

  • Ages 8-10 (Juniors)

    Songwriting (1 hour): £36/month

    Junior Music School - Band/Songwriting or Production combined (2 hours): £60/month

    Ages 11+ and Ages 14+ (Saturday afternoons and Seniors)

    Songwriting (2 hours): £60/month

    Band/Songwriting or Production combined (4 hours): £84/month

    Pricing is based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.

  • Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.

Hear What Our Songwriters Create

'Yellow Days' was written and recorded by songwriters from The Song School.

 
 

Book a Free Trial

Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

How to Register

  1. Select the appropriate age group for your child

  2. Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial

  3. Complete the short induction form

  4. Click 'Sign Up'

You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.

Can't find a session for your child?

If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.

WAITING LIST -->
 
 
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Music Production

 
 

Create music with technology.

For young people who love tech as much as they love music. In our production sessions, they'll learn to build beats, arrange songs, record instruments and vocals, and explore the world of live sound.

We use industry-standard software like Logic Pro — the same tools used by professional producers — so they're learning skills that translate directly into the real world.

What They'll Learn

In our music production sessions, young people will:

  • Build beats and arrangements — creating tracks from scratch using software

  • Record instruments and vocals — capturing performances in the studio

  • Mix and master — learning how to shape and polish a finished track

  • Work with songwriters — producing and enhancing original songs

  • Explore live sound — shadowing at our events, or taking a hands-on role depending on experience

No prior experience needed — just curiosity and a love of music.

Who It's For

  • Ages 8+ — Saturdays (alongside songwriting)

  • Ages 14+ — Wednesdays or Thursdays

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

Meet Your Coaches

Billy Hoyle leads our music production sessions.

Billy heads up our guitar and production programmes, bringing hands-on experience of recording, mixing and producing. He helps young people get to grips with the tools and techniques used by professional producers.

Meet Billy →

Tom Cunningham also coaches across the production programme, supporting young people as they develop their skills and work on projects.

Meet Tom →

FAQs

  • No - we provide everything. They’ll learn on studio computers using Logic Pro

  • Not at all. Music Production is about creating with software - though if they do play, they can record themselves too

  • Whatever interests them! Our producers work across pop, hip-hop, electronic, indie, lo-fi and more

  • Absolutely! As they develop skills, they can bring their own ideas and work on personal tracks

  • Yes - we offer opportunities to shadow or assist at our live events, depending on experience and confidence

  • Juniors (Ages 8-10)

    Music Production (1 hour): £36/month Combined with Junior band (2 hours): £60/month

    Seniors (11+ and 14+)

    Music Production (2 hours): £60/month Combined with band (4 hours): £84/month

    Pricing is based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.

  • Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.

Hear What Our Producers Create

'Unity' is an example of a song where some of our young people have been involved in the recording and mixing process.

 

Book a Free Trial

Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

How to Register

  1. Select the appropriate age group for your child

  2. Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial

  3. Complete the short induction form

  4. Click 'Sign Up'

You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.

Can't find a session for your child?

If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.

WAITING LIST -->
 
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Learn to Sing at The Song School

 
 

Find your voice. Build your confidence. Perform.

Our vocal sessions are for young people who want to sing — whether they're just starting out or already love performing. In a supportive group setting, they'll develop technique, discover their style, and grow in confidence alongside others who share their passion.

We specialise in commercial vocals: Pop, Indie, Soul, R&B, Gospel and Rock. It's real music, taught by real musicians.

What They'll Learn

In our vocal sessions, young people will:

  • Develop their technique — breath control, pitch, tone and projection

  • Expand their range — safely and sustainably, with proper guidance

  • Find their style — exploring genres and discovering what suits their voice

  • Train their ear — through harmony work and singing with others

  • Build performance confidence — through showcases, gigs and community events

All abilities welcome. No experience needed.

Meet Your Coaches

Olly Gourley leads our vocal programme.

Olly holds a Diploma in Singing from the London College of Music and is an accomplished singer and multi-instrumentalist. Under his guidance, students have gone from finding the confidence to sing in public, to landing leading roles in UK tours, West End productions and places on well-known TV talent shows.

Meet Olly →

Flo Evans supports all vocal sessions alongside Olly.

Flo started at The Song School aged 15 as a student, progressing through our Youth Mentor programme before joining the coaching team. Now an Associate Music Coach, she brings first-hand experience of the journey our young vocalists are on — and a natural ability to connect with and support them.

Meet Flo →

FAQs

  • We run sessions for different age groups, from age 5 through to young adults. The widget above shows all current options.

  • We focus on commercial vocals — Pop, Indie, Soul, R&B, Gospel and Rock. Olly and Flo tailor sessions to the group's interests and help each singer find their own style.

  • Not at all. Our sessions are for beginners and improvers alike. Everyone starts somewhere.

  • Yes — we offer 1:1 vocal coaching for those already attending group sessions, when spaces are available.

  • Mini Pops (ages 5–9, 45 mins): £30/month

    Vocal Tech (ages 10–12 or 13-15, 1 hour): £36/month

    Vocal Artist (ages 15+, 1.5 hours): £45/month

    Pricing is based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.

  • Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as space opens up

 

Book a Free Trial

Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.

Sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

How to Register

  1. Select the appropriate age group for your child

  2. Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial

  3. Complete the short induction form

  4. Click 'Sign Up'

You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.

Can't find a session for your child?

If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.

WAITING LIST -->
 

Song School alumni Emily is the featured vocalist in our cover of 'I Miss You' by Clean Bandit, with dancers from Mushroom Theatre Company

 
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Learn Guitar at The Song School

 
 

Pick up the guitar. Play the songs you love.

Our Group Guitar sessions are perfect for beginners and improvers who want to learn in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether your child dreams of strumming their favourite songs or wants to build towards playing in a band, this is the place to start.

What They'll Learn

In our guitar sessions, young people will:

  • Learn chords and strumming patterns — the building blocks of thousands of songs

  • Play real music — from pop hits to rock classics, we focus on songs they actually want to play

  • Read chord charts and tabs — practical skills they'll use forever

  • Build confidence — performing in a small, friendly group setting

  • Develop technique — proper hand positioning, rhythm, and timing

All abilities welcome. No experience needed.

Meet Your Instructor

Billy Hoyle heads up all things guitars at The Song School.

Billy has a degree in music performance from ICMP (The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance) and has played gigs across the UK and overseas — including the O2 Islington — with artists like George Gaudy and Tactful Kactus. Known for his confident delivery and enthusiastic stage presence, Billy brings real-world experience into every session.

As well as guitar and bass, Billy is an accomplished musical director, songwriter, and producer — so he's perfectly placed to help young musicians grow.

Meet Billy →

FAQs

  • Not for the trial — we have guitars available. If your child continues, we can advise on buying or borrowing an instrument.

  • We run sessions for different age groups. The widget above shows all current options.

  • We focus on songs young people actually want to play — pop, rock, indie, and more. Billy tailors sessions to the group's interests.

  • Sessions are £30/month (45 minutes) — based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.

  • Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.

 

Book a Free Trial

Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

How to Register

  1. Select the appropriate age group for your child

  2. Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial

  3. Complete the short induction form

  4. Click 'Sign Up'

You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.

Can't find a session for your child?

If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.

WAITING LIST -->
 
Group guitars.jpg
 

Learn Piano at The Song School

 
 

Start your musical journey at the keys.

Piano is one of the best instruments to begin with — it builds a foundation for understanding music that carries across to everything else. Our group sessions are designed for beginners, helping young people develop technique, confidence and a love of playing.

What They'll Learn

In our piano sessions, young people will:

  • Learn the fundamentals - hand position, posture and technique from the start

  • Read music - understanding notes, rhythm and how to follow a score

  • Play songs - building repertoire and the satisfaction of playing real music

  • Develop coordination - training both hands to work independently

  • Build confidence - performing for others in a supportive group setting

No experience needed - these sessions are designed for beginners.

Meet Your Instructor

Tom Cunningham leads our piano sessions at The Song School.

Tom is an accomplished singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and the frontman of the indie rock band The Trusted. A graduate of Goldsmiths, University of London, with a degree in Popular Music, Tom is as comfortable at the keys as he is on stage — bringing real-world musicianship into every session.

Meet Tom →

FAQs

  • It helps to have a keyboard to practise on, but it doesn't need to be expensive. We can advise on what to look for if you're not sure.

  • No - we have sessions for beginners and improvers.

  • We focus on building a strong foundation that works across styles. As they progress, they can explore what interests them most.

  • Sessions are £30/month (45 minutes) — based on 36 sessions per year, split into 12 equal monthly payments. You can cancel anytime with one month's written notice.

  • Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces in each session are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.

 

Book a Free Trial

Ready to give it a go? Select a session using our booking widget (below or to the right) to register for a free trial.

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

How to Register

  1. Select the appropriate age group for your child

  2. Choose the date you'd like to come in for the trial

  3. Complete the short induction form

  4. Click 'Sign Up'

You'll receive a confirmation message straight away, followed by a reminder email 24 hours before the session, with everything you need to know.

Can't find a session for your child?

If there isn't a session available for your child's age group right now, pop them on our waiting list. We'll be in touch as soon as a space opens up or a new session is added.

WAITING LIST -->
Piano Juniors.jpeg
 

Learn Drums at The Song School

 
 

Find your rhythm.

Drums are the heartbeat of any band — and there's nothing quite like the feeling of sitting behind a kit. Our 1:1 sessions are tailored to each student, whether they're picking up sticks for the first time or ready to take their playing further.

What They'll Learn

In our drum sessions, students will:

  • Get to know the kit - understanding each part and how it all fits together

  • Build rhythm and timing - the foundation of great drumming

  • Develop technique and confidence - from basic patterns to more complex grooves

  • Learn songs they love - playing along to real music

  • Work towards grades - if that's something they're interested in

  • Join a band - when they're ready, we encourage drummers to join one of our house bands and learn to play as part of a group

All ages welcome, from 5 years up. All experience levels - complete beginners to improvers.

How It Works

  • 1:1 sessions — one hour, bi-weekly

  • Tailored to each student — we meet them where they are

All sessions take place at our studios in Southend-on-Sea: 30 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1BU

View on Google Maps →

Meet Your Coach

Si is our resident drum coach.

Si has played in bands, worked as a session drummer — live, recording and in theatre shows — and has been coaching drums to all ages for nearly 20 years. Whether your child is a complete beginner or looking to push their skills further, Si tailors each session to where they are.

FAQs

Do they need their own drum kit at home? It helps to have something to practise on, but you don't need a full kit — a practice pad works well, or just grab your sticks and practise on a pillow! We can advise on what to look for.

What ages do you teach? From 5 years up to young adult.

Is this for beginners? Yes — and improvers too. Si works with students at all levels.

Will they get to play in a band? Yes — once they're ready, we encourage drummers to join one of our house bands and experience playing as part of a group.

Is financial support available? Absolutely. We never want cost to be a barrier. Through The Song School Fund, we offer free and subsidised places for families who need them. Funded spaces are limited, so if there isn't one available right away, we'll pop you on our waiting list and let you know as soon as a spot opens up.

 

Register Your Interest

1:1 drum sessions are subject to availability. Register your interest below and we'll be in touch.

 
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