We’re in the new age of technology, and in 2026, everything feels digital, and automated. However, have you noticed that more and more people are resisting against it? This is because as humans, we’re craving practical skills and human coaching. However, even though you can have online pre-recorded lessons online for Musical Instruments, what happens when a student has a question, or needs help from an actual in-person or present tutor? Pre-recorded lessons can be great for some students, especially for those who can pick things up quickly, without the need for intervention. However, students that become stuck and struggle to work out a stumbling block may lose interest and want to quit. Students & young people are individual, and each has their own way of learning. Different learning styles should always be celebrated.
Group keyboard lessons can be a great fit for children and hold many benefits. They give children the chance to learn music in a way that is simple, supported, and, as a team! Our group keyboard lessons are often in very small groups, meaning that children get the attention required. This way, they have a better chance of learning by listening, watching, and joining in. When a child sees another student demonstrate it, this can quickly put this into a clear perspective, especially for kinaesthetic learners!
During their lessons, children will often start to pick up rhythm, timing, and learning to read basic notation and being able to match up the correct keys on their keyboard. These skills are a great method for combining memory, focus, and coordination without really needing to think about those things as separate skills.
Mistakes are a normal part of learning. They are often the bit that helps the lesson stick.
As a child, our Head Principal Mark would often struggle in class, especially he didn’t understand a task. As a neurodivergent child, this would often lead to internalised anxiety, shame and poor self esteem. He says “The worst feeling in the world was not understanding a task that the whole class seemed to understand. I would try and figure this out by myself, but become more frustrated & upset. Therefore, I don’t want any student to feel this way”. Mark is adamant that if a child is tackling something they don’t quite understand, that they should never feel shame, or embarrassment. “This isn’t good for a child’s mental health, nor, will it help them learn”. We need to ensure that challenges are dealt with positively, and nurtured gently.”
For Parents & Guardians, a straight-forward membership also makes keeping track of activities much easier. WHAM keeps things simple with a monthly subscription, a one month notice period, and only two weeks off in the Summer Holidays. This often makes it easier to organise family schedules, as well as helping children keep going without long gaps in between lessons.
Our syllabus is ABRSM-influenced, ensuring we tackle the basics first. Each child will have their own manuscript book, and, resources to take home to practice. Top up individual lessons can be provided if a child would like some 1:1 time with their tutor.
WHAM Music Academy launches in Sunderland on 8th July 2026, and trials can be booked today! To book a trial, just go to www.whamtheatreschools.com/bookatrial and follow the instructions :)
