Blog

5 Things to Know Before Starting Guitar Lessons in Belfast

Thinking about learning guitar? Whether you’re a total beginner or picking up where you left off years ago, getting started the right way can make all the difference. At Strandtown Music Academy, we’ve helped hundreds of Belfast students begin their musical journey — and we’ve noticed a few things that help learners succeed from the very start.

Here are five things worth knowing before your first guitar lesson.

1. You don’t need an expensive guitar to start

A common myth is that beginners need a high-end instrument to make progress. The truth? A simple, comfortable guitar that stays in tune is all you need. If you’re not sure what to buy, ask your teacher for advice before spending — they can recommend something that suits your hand size, goals, and budget.

2. Consistency beats talent every time

It’s tempting to think great players are born that way, but progress on the guitar is mostly about regular practice. Even 10–15 minutes a day makes a huge difference compared to one long session a week. Your tutor will guide you on how to structure practice so it feels achievable, not overwhelming.

3. Finger discomfort is totally normal

Every new guitarist goes through a short “toughening up” phase. Sore fingertips, clumsy chord changes, and buzzy notes — it’s all part of the process. The good news? Within a couple of weeks, your fingers adjust, and everything starts to feel easier.

4. You’ll progress faster with guidance

Online tutorials are great, but a good teacher spots habits before they become problems. They’ll keep you motivated, structure your learning, and adapt lessons to your goals — whether that’s playing your favourite songs, joining a band, or writing music.

5. Playing music you enjoy is the secret

The fastest progress happens when you play songs that make you want to pick up the guitar. Tell your tutor what kind of music excites you — rock, folk, blues, pop — and they’ll build lessons around it. Motivation is everything.

Ready to start your own journey?
If you live in Belfast and you’ve been thinking about learning guitar, there’s no better time to begin. Our tutors at Strandtown Music Academy make learning relaxed, personal, and fun — no pressure, just progress.

👉 Book your first lesson today or drop us a message to find out more.

What to Expect in Your First Drum Lesson

Starting drum lessons can be one of the most exciting (and loudest!) decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re an adult fulfilling a lifelong dream or a parent booking lessons for your child, that first lesson sets the tone for everything that follows. Here’s what you can expect when you sit behind the kit at Strandtown Music Academy.

1. You’ll learn how to hold the sticks — properly

Before any fancy fills or grooves, your tutor will show you how to hold the sticks in a way that feels comfortable and controlled. The right grip makes drumming easier and helps prevent fatigue later on.

2. You’ll get hands-on right away

We believe the best way to learn drums is by playing drums. From your first lesson, you’ll be playing simple beats along with real music. It’s fun, satisfying, and shows you just how musical even the basics can sound.

3. You’ll cover rhythm foundations

Your teacher will introduce you to rhythm — how to count, feel, and play in time. It might sound tricky at first, but everyone can develop a sense of timing with practice. Many of our students find that drumming improves their coordination and focus in everyday life too.

4. You don’t need your own drum kit (yet)

Many beginners start lessons before buying a kit. We have everything you need here, and your tutor can help you decide whether an acoustic or electronic kit would suit your space, budget, and noise levels at home.

5. Lessons are tailored to you

Some students want to play rock or pop, others love funk or metal — and some just want a creative outlet. Your teacher will tailor lessons around what inspires you, ensuring every session is enjoyable and motivating.

At Strandtown Music Academy, our drum tutors make learning approachable, encouraging, and rewarding from the very first session. You’ll build confidence, coordination, and musical awareness — all while having a brilliant time.

👉 Get started with drum lessons in Belfast — let’s make some noise!

5 Things to Know Before Starting Piano Lessons in Belfast

Starting piano lessons is an exciting decision — whether you’re an adult beginner or a parent enrolling your child for the first time. The piano is one of the most versatile and rewarding instruments you can learn, and with the right approach, progress happens quickly.

Here are five things worth knowing before your first lesson at Strandtown Music Academy.

1. You don’t need a grand piano at home

A full-size acoustic piano is lovely, but a simple, touch-sensitive keyboard with weighted keys is perfect for beginners. What matters most is that you have something to practice on between lessons. Your tutor can recommend affordable options that feel and sound great.

2. Good posture makes everything easier

Your teacher will show you how to sit at the piano so your arms and hands feel relaxed. It might seem minor, but posture affects your comfort, sound, and even how fast you learn. We make sure our students build these habits early so playing feels natural from day one.

3. You’ll make music in your first lesson

Even if you’ve never touched a piano before, you’ll be playing simple melodies in your very first session. Our tutors focus on getting you making real music quickly — it keeps things fun and motivating while you learn the basics of notes and rhythm.

4. Practice doesn’t have to mean hours a day

The best progress comes from short, focused sessions — even 10–15 minutes a few times a week is plenty for beginners. Your tutor will help you plan practice that fits your schedule and keeps you moving forward.

5. Learning piano opens musical doors

Once you know a bit of piano, everything else makes more sense — chords, melody, rhythm, even songwriting. It’s an amazing foundation for any musician, young or old.

Thinking about piano lessons in Belfast?
At Strandtown Music Academy, we make learning approachable, flexible, and rewarding for all ages. Whether you’re aiming for grades or just want to enjoy playing your favourite songs, our tutors will help you every step of the way.

👉 Book your first piano lesson today and start your musical journey with us.

What to Expect in Your First Singing Lesson

Starting singing lessons can feel exciting — and maybe a little nerve-wracking too! Whether you’ve sung in choirs, bands, or only in the car, that first step into a lesson is where your real voice journey begins.

Here’s what to expect in your first singing lesson at Strandtown Music Academy.

1. You don’t have to be confident to start

Many people think they need to already sound good before taking lessons. Not true! Most singers come in feeling unsure — our tutors specialise in helping you relax, build confidence, and enjoy finding your sound.

2. You’ll do gentle warm-ups first

Your lesson will start with vocal exercises to wake up your voice. These help with breathing, control, and range. Think of them as stretching before a workout — simple but essential.

3. You’ll sing songs you actually like

We believe the best results come from singing music you enjoy. Your teacher will ask what styles or artists inspire you and build lessons around that. Whether it’s pop, rock, musical theatre, or soul, you’ll work on songs that motivate you to practise.

4. You’ll learn about breathing and posture

Singing isn’t just about your voice — it’s about how you use your body. You’ll learn how to breathe efficiently, stand comfortably, and project your voice without strain. These small details transform your sound and confidence.

5. Progress happens quickly with regular lessons

Many beginners notice improvement after just a few weeks — clearer tone, better pitch, more control. Consistent practice (and a bit of patience) go a long way.

At Strandtown Music Academy, our singing tutors are passionate about helping students of all ages discover their voice in a supportive, relaxed environment.

👉 Book your first singing lesson and start building confidence in your sound today.