Learn to play an instrument

Interested in learning something new?

Learning to play an instrument with MAPAS is hugely rewarding, develops a range of skills, and will boost your confidence.

To enquire about lessons, complete the form on our Registration page and one of our team will be in touch to set up the right lessons for you.

Anyone learning an instrument with MAPAS is entitled to the FREE loan of a handheld instrument (availability of certain instruments may be limited so feel free to check with us before you book).

MAPAS offer tuition in Salford schools but we know that this doesn't suit everyone. If you are an adult learner or would prefer to learn outside of a school setting, we teach in a range of community venues as well as at home.

Register for lessons

Which instruments can I learn?

We teach keyboard, steel pans, voice and piano as well as a number of other instruments

Woodwind – recorder, flute, clarinet and saxophone

Brass – trumpet, cornet, horn, baritone, trombone and tuba

Orchestral strings – violin, viola, cello and double bass

Rock and pop – guitar, bass guitar and drum kit

MAPAS offer the free loan of any handheld instrument to all our learners. Information about purchasing your own instrument is below.

Examinations

Some people like to use graded music examinations to track their progress.

We offer examination sessions three times a year and pupils can enter for these when they are ready. We use the Associated Board examination system but through our involvement in the Greater Manchester Music Hub can offer alternative examination boards such as Rock School or Trinity.

The next round of ABRSM examinations will be held on Saturday 25 March at Moorside High School. The deadline for entries is Friday 17 February.

Find out more

Progression

Once you have started to play an instrument, it is important that you have the opportunity to develop that skill.

Joining together to make music is a great way to practice what you have learnt and share your creativity. You could join a band or orchestra at the MAPAS Centre, or start a band of your own! Whatever you choose, we can support you.

Performance is an important part of our work and opportunities are offered for you to play to an audience whatever standard you have reached. This includes local community venues through to large scale events at The Lowry, Bridgewater Hall and the BBC Philharmonic studios at MediaCityUK.

Join a Group

Buying an Instrument

MAPAS loan instruments for free, but sometimes it's nice to have your very own to keep and cherish

Often our more advanced students decide that they would like to have their own instrument to play rather than loaning one from us. Our expert tutors can advise on where to find quality instruments to take your playing to the next level.

Parents and carers of MAPAS pupils who attend a Salford school can purchase an instrument through Salford City Council's 'Assisted Purchase' scheme and benefit from additional discounts including paying no VAT.

The scheme has the full backing of HMRC and has a strict set of criteria that must be adhered to, but considerable savings can be made.