Reading & surrounding villages
Music lessons that make every learner want to keep playing.
Warm, patient one-to-one tuition in piano, guitar, violin, singing and theory — for curious five-year-olds, busy teenagers and adults rediscovering an old passion. Taught by Eleanor Hartley, DBS-checked, with 14 years' experience.
- ABRSM & Trinity exam prep
- Enhanced DBS checked
- All ages & abilities
What you can learn
Pick an instrument or subject
Tap any subject to see how lessons are structured, what you'll cover and who it suits. Lessons are tailored to each learner — there's no rigid one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Piano
The instrument I've taught the longest. We build solid technique and reading from day one, but always around music you actually want to play — film themes, pop, classical or your own ideas.
- Beginner to ABRSM Grade 8
- Sight-reading, scales & aural built in gently
- Acoustic, digital piano or keyboard all welcome
Guitar
Acoustic, classical or electric. Most students are strumming real songs within a few weeks, then we layer in fingerstyle, chords beyond the basics, and reading or tab depending on your goals.
- Chords, strumming patterns & song-learning
- Fingerstyle, scales & improvisation
- Rock School & Trinity grades if wanted
Violin
Beautiful but tricky to start — so I focus heavily on posture, bow control and a lovely tone from the very first lessons, using plenty of duets so you're never playing alone.
- Posture, bowing & intonation foundations
- ABRSM grades & orchestral repertoire
- Suitable from age 6 with a correctly sized instrument
Singing
A warm, judgement-free space to find your voice. We work on breathing, pitch and confidence through songs you love, whether you're prepping for a show, an audition or simply singing for joy.
- Breath support, pitch & vocal health
- Musical theatre, pop & classical styles
- Audition & performance preparation
Music Theory
The grammar of music, taught so it actually makes sense. Essential for ABRSM Grade 6+ practical exams, GCSE and A-Level music, and genuinely useful for any musician who wants to understand what they're playing.
- ABRSM Theory Grades 1–8
- GCSE & A-Level music support
- Online or in-studio sessions available
Meet your teacher
Hello, I'm Eleanor
I'm a Reading-based music teacher with a degree in Music from the University of Surrey and 14 years of private teaching behind me. Before going full-time with tuition, I performed and accompanied across Berkshire and taught in two local primary schools.
My philosophy is simple: progress comes from enjoyment. When a student loves what they're learning, the practice takes care of itself. So I build every lesson around real music the student cares about, while quietly developing the technique, reading and theory that let them go further.
Tailored, never templated
Every learner gets a plan shaped around their goals, pace and the music they love.
Calm, confidence-first
A patient, encouraging room where mistakes are just part of learning — never a big deal.
Exam-ready when you want it
Optional ABRSM & Trinity prep with a strong track record of merits and distinctions.
Find a time that fits
Reserve a lesson slot
Choose a day, then pick an available time. Greyed-out slots are already taken. Confirm to send a no-obligation request — I'll reply within one working day to finalise it.
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Simple, honest pricing
Lesson rates & block booking
Pay per lesson, or book a full term in advance for a better rate and a guaranteed weekly slot. Use the estimator below to see roughly what a term might cost.
30 minutes
£22/lesson
Ideal for younger beginners and primary-age children.
45 minutes
£30/lesson
The sweet spot for most students, from juniors to adults.
60 minutes
£38/lesson
Best for exam years, advanced players and dual subjects.
Kind words
What parents & students say
A few of the families I've had the joy of teaching across Reading, Caversham and Earley.
Trust & reassurance
Safe hands, properly qualified
Enhanced DBS checked
Current Enhanced DBS certificate, renewed annually and on the Update Service. Safeguarding-trained.
Qualified & experienced
BMus (Hons) from the University of Surrey, 14 years' teaching, and a strong record of exam merits and distinctions.
Insured & MU member
Full member of the Musicians' Union with public liability insurance, working from a dedicated home studio.
Frequently asked questions
Get in touch
Book your free 20-minute taster
No pressure, no obligation — just a friendly chance to meet, try the instrument and see if we're a good fit. Message me however suits you best.