Private Music Lessons, Tailored for Your Child

Who We Are

Prelude Education is London’s leading music tutoring agency, specialising in:
✔️ Private in-home music lessons
✔️ Music scholarship preparation
✔️ Personalised tutor matching for children of all ages and abilities

We’re trusted by families across London to deliver lessons that are structured, inspiring, and completely bespoke.

Families Love Working With Us

“I've never had such great communication throughout my son's musical education, and I only wish I had encountered Prelude before.”

Finn H., Singing Grade 8

Why Parents Choose US

Unparalleled Expertise

  • 100% of teachers are conservatoire graduates

  • 56% hold Master’s degrees

  • Average 7+ years’ teaching experience

  • EDBS-checked, reference-checked & personally interviewed

Progress-Focused

  • Monthly progress reports keep you updated

  • Real structure, real improvement

Hassle-Free

  • Pay-as-you-go with a 48-hour cancellation policy

  • Simple, automatic invoicing – no fiddly payments

Flexible & Convenient

  • Lessons at home, in a studio or online

  • Set a regular schedule that fits your family’s routine

All ages, all instruments, all levels.

Delivered in your home, online or in a studio.

Pricing

60 minutes | £75 to £85

45 minutes | £65 to £75

30 minutes | £55 to £65

The fee range varies depending on the teacher's experience. You can specify your preference.

For specialist teachers (e.g. ABRSM Examiners or Conservatoire Professors): £110–295/hour

☎️ Want to skip the queue?

We’ll be in touch shortly –
or, if you'd prefer, you can book a call now:

Meet Our Team

Miles Contreras-Brown, Founder of Prelude Education
  • Founder and Managing Director

    Raised in a family of artists and musicians, Miles was inspired to found Prelude Education to pay musicians what they’re worth, provide students the high-quality teaching they deserve, and wrap this into a highly personalised service.

    With close to a decade of private 1:1 teaching experience and a deep understanding of the independent education sector, Miles understands the subtle art of pairing students and teachers to produce connections that seamlessly fall into place.

    Outside of running Prelude Education, Miles has worked as an education consultant and in the Department of Education. He also regularly volunteers for an education charity and enjoys attending classical concerts.

  • Director of Tuition

    Samuel Ng has taught the cello for eight years and holds a teaching diploma and masters degree from the Royal College of Music. As Director of Tuition at Prelude Education, Samuel is responsible for overseeing the training and development of all our teachers, and carefully pairing students with teachers.

    In addition to his work as an educator, Samuel is an accomplished performer, having appeared at festivals such as the Vienna Philharmonic Ball and the BBC Proms. His chamber career has also brought him through most of Europe, where he has enjoyed performing and being broadcast on the radio.

    In his free time, catch Samuel wandering flea markets for oddly shaped vases and restaurants off the beaten track.

  • Senior Scholarship Advisor

    Ralph Allwood has been a Director of Music at independent schools for 38 years, 26 of those being at Eton College.

    He has personally taught over 10,000 students, delivered 210 courses, and has supported over 400 students to achieve music scholarships.

    As a Senior Scholarship Advisor with Prelude Education, Ralph supports potential scholarship applicants and their families through the entire process of achieving a music scholarship at their first-choice school.

    Ralph works as a composer for radio, film and television and has honorary degrees and diplomas, including a DMus, FRSCM, ARAM and FNMSM.

    He was also awarded an MBE by Her Late Majesty the Queen, and the Cranmer Medal by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

    Outside of his career, Ralph has founded numerous music education charities, including the Rodolfus Foundation, Inner Voices and the Pimlico Musical Foundation, and sits across many other charities as a trustee.

Reviews and Testimonials

“They’ve gotten to know us on a personal level, paired us with wonderful teachers, and provided guidance for every whim or question.”

Monica Glenn, Violin, Singing & Guitar Lessons

“I can't say enough good things about Prelude Education! My son and daughter have been taking music lessons with their wonderful teachers, and we couldn't be happier. The personalized attention and expert guidance they receive have truly nurtured their passion for music. From early education to exam support, Prelude Education has been there every step of the way. We're so grateful for the exceptional music lessons and support they provide..”

Queena Tang, Violin and Piano Lessons

“We’ve been using prelude education over a year now and are very happy. We receive progress reports which are very useful and professional.”

Stephanie Curiel, Drum Lessons

“The level of attention to match you with a suitable teacher is great. The teaching is also very professionally structured with monthly reports on progress from your teacher. It feels like you are valued as a student and it certainly seems like Prelude value their teachers too..”

Samuel S., Piano Lessons

“Miles really took the time to find just the right person for our son for one to one singing. Our son and his teacher have a fantastic rapport and are making great headway. Miles has such a passion for music and impacting young people’s lives.”

Diana Hayes, Singing Lessons

“My daughter started violin lessons with Beatrice a few months ago and I cannot recommend Beatrice highly enough. She has the patience of a saint and is so dedicated and makes the class enjoyable and engaging for my boisterous 4 year old. Miles has been equally accommodating to our change in schedules and is very well informed with instruments and getting the right fit for my child. I have already recommended Prelude to several other parents and will continue to do so.”

Charisse Shaw, Piano Lessons

“Really great with my 5 year old, he's been having guitar lessons for 10 months now and Felix is great with him!”

Serena S., Guitar Lessons

“Our 10yo has come a long way thanks to Prelude. Our tutor Felix’s knowledge, patience and imaginative approach means lessons are fluid and fun - never a chore. Our son’s technique, knowledge and confidence has improved and this has spilled over into other areas of his life, too - wonderful to see. Thank you so much.”

Dominique Smith, Guitar Lessons

Music Tuition FAQs

  • A qualified and dedicated teacher can make all the difference. That is why we have a meticulous and detailed process for finding the right music teacher for each of our students.

    To ensure a perfect match for your child, we’ll talk with you to understand exactly what you’re looking for, your child’s music level, and their learning style.

    We’ll then conduct a personalised search of our music teachers and send you a profile of an excellent teacher who matches your child’s needs and personality.

  • We offer music lessons in all instruments, from piano, violin and acoustic guitar lessons to drum classes!

    Our network of music teachers is wide, and our industry connections are deep. So, even if you play a non-standard instrument, we're certain we can find music classes for your instrument of choice.

  • Our team of expert teachers undergo a multi-stage vetting process to ensure the safety and well-being of every student.

    Every teacher conducting music lessons at Prelude Education has undergone a rigorous background check, where we speak to the families of their previous students and contact their named professional references.

    We also interview every teacher and ensure each one holds an enhanced DBS check.

    If you feel that your assigned music teacher doesn’t meet your child’s specified requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll do everything we can to find you the perfect match.

  • The total cost of your music lessons will depend on a few different factors.

    These include the type of music tuition you’re looking for, the duration of lessons, and the teacher's experience.

    You can find our full fees here.

    Our prices reflect our talented music teachers' skill level and dedication, and we are committed to paying our teachers above the Musicians’ Unions guidelines.

  • No, but we do offer a two-week no-strings-attached trial period.

    Lessons are still chargeable in this period, but you can request to change teacher or terminate lessons anytime (provided you give your teacher at least 48h notice before a scheduled class).

  • We offer private 1:1 music lessons at your home or online.

    Some of our students, particularly those who want to have drum lessons, request lessons in rehearsal studios. If you need support finding a music studio in central London, we are on hand to help.

  • While many of our students own or bring their own instruments to lessons, we recognise this isn’t possible for every student.

    In our detailed consultation, we can advise you on where to rent the best rehearsal studios and instruments in London. If you're looking for a piano studio, a piano teacher with Prelude Education may also have a personal studio students can use.

    If you have any questions about renting rehearsal spaces or instruments, fill out our enquiry form, and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.