Shades Music Shop, Repair & Tuition Centre was founded by Christopher Poole on 1st December 2007 and has grown into a thriving community music hub.
Shades supports hundreds of regular customers and helps over 250 students every week achieve their musical goals. We also provide music lessons to local schools during school hours, extending our support into the wider community.
Lessons are a huge part of Shades and continue to grow in numbers. We offer one-to-one tuition as well as small group lessons, catering for all ages and abilities.
From Rock and Reggae through to Classical, Jazz, and Blues, we help students achieve their goals in any style — whether that’s working towards qualifications or simply playing for fun.
Students are encouraged to take regular graded exams (entirely optional). These are fully accredited, ranging from GCSE-equivalent grades at the lower levels through to A-level standard and UCAS points at higher grades.
These all count to be GCSEs at the lower end and A-level and UCAS points in the upper grades.
We stock a wide range of beginner instruments, along with all essential accessories, and operate a fully equipped repair centre specialising in woodwind instruments, guitars, ukuleles, and basses.
Shades Music is also home to BPM Café offering a full range of hot and cold drinks and snacks in a welcoming, relaxed environment.
With a fully equipped stage, we provide students with opportunities to perform live, as well as host events and concerts, helping to build confidence and real-world performance experience.
Monday – Friday: 14:00 – 20:00
Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: Closed
Email or phone the shop to book your lesson with one of our qualified instructors.
Come in store and learn how to play your instrument. No matter your level we will take you to the next level.
