Finding the right music school can mean the difference between a symphony and a headache. So, we took one for the team and interviewed parents across Christchurch to bring you the ultimate list. 

Here are the five best music schools in Christchurch that parents rave about – because who better to trust than those who’ve survived the DIY drum kit sounds and lived to tell the tale? 

How much does going to a music school cost in Christchurch?

On average, private music lessons in Christchurch can range from $30 to $100 per hour. These prices differ depending on the type of course, length, and format of delivery. 

How we chose

Experienced Faculty: We wanted schools with teachers who have many years of experience not only in teaching, but also in their respective musical fields. This ensures students get top-notch guidance and mentorship.

Diverse Music Programs: We picked schools that offer a variety of music programs beyond just the basics. Whether it’s classical, jazz, or contemporary, having options allows students to explore different genres and find their musical niche.

Performance Opportunities: It was important for us to find schools that provide ample opportunities for students to perform, both within the school and in public settings. This helps build confidence and stage presence.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Schools with well-equipped practice rooms, recording studios, and performance spaces create an environment conducive to learning and creativity.

Positive Student Culture: We looked for schools with a track record of happy students who felt supported and inspired by their instructors. Positive testimonials often reflect a nurturing and effective learning environment.

Community Engagement: Schools that are involved in the local music community through workshops, collaborations with other artists, or community performances. This helps students connect with others who share their passion for music.

1. Christchurch Music Academy

Christchurch Music Academy follows a teaching method of Listen-Sing-Play-Read-Write, which is especially useful for young learners. On top of that, they also incorporate games into lessons, making each class more enjoyable for kids. 

In class, instructors use digital pianos for each child, plus a supply of instruments, props and resources to support learning. For example, they offer a set of books that includes a set of flashcards so students can review them at home. 

Apart from their comprehensive resources, we also love the range of music programs they offer as they cater to all ages and skill levels. They offer both group and individual lessons to ensure flexible options for various students.

Community engagement is another strong suit, with Christchurch Music Academy actively participating in local music events and workshops. With a broader music community, there are ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

However, parents may occasionally note scheduling challenges for performances. But once the scheduling process is pushed through, everything is pretty seamless and problem free. 

Patient and helpful teachers

“Thank you to the Christchurch Music Academy for supporting both our daughters with their piano tuition. The girls have been attending for over two years now. Our daughter who has an auditory processing condition has been supported by the tutors to develop skills to play music giving her confidence in other areas of her life. Katie has an understanding of children who are faced with different neurological conditions and knows how her programme can develop them in life!”

Rob Turner | Google Reviews

Professional, friendly and helpful

“My son has been at Christchurch music academy learning drums for the last 6 years which he absolutely loves. We find the teachers and staff very friendly, professional and helpful. We would not choose any other music school. They are simply the best!”

Kirsty Stanton | Google Reviews

2. Mrs A’s Music School Christchurch

We found Mrs A’s Music School to be exceptional thanks to its dedicated faculty. Led by Jannette and Deon Aldridge, the experienced team of part-time music teachers creates a supportive environment for over 250 students.

The school offers diverse music programs that cater to various interests and skill levels – all with flexible scheduling. This includes classes on the weekends and evening lessons for all students.

As for equipment, their modern studios are equipped with Yamaha grand pianos and Roland digital keyboards. Additionally, each studio is acoustically treated to ensure optimal sound quality and comfort for students during lessons.

Their effective teaching methods also won us over, such as the Suzuki method for young beginners and the ABRSM curriculum for advanced students. As we see it, these personalised approaches ensure steady progress in technique and theory.

Community engagement is a strong focus here, with the school actively participating in local events and outreach programs. Learners also benefit from numerous performance opportunities, including annual recitals at the Christchurch Town Hall. 

We just wished there was more flexibility when it comes to changing instruments for lessons. That’s why we recommend carefully choosing an instrument to learn before committing to a program. 

Accessible resources and friendly services

“Find a music class in Christchurch is a Struggle, I was referred to Mrs A’s music class by a friend. They are quite accessible resource, a friendly service. My son is just 6 years old, and I wanted introduce music to him at this early age. Enjoy the way they deliver this class and quite ambitious about days to come and music future of my son. Highly recommend their service to you…”

Thilanga Ariyarathna | Google Reviews

Great teacher – student collaboration

“My 7-year-old loves her singing lessons with Elly at Mrs A’s Music School. Great that she lets her students pick their own songs and works with them to sing to a performance standard.”

Tim Shannahan | Google Reviews

3. MSI Christchurch Limited

Music Schools International earned our appreciation for its personalised approach to music teaching. This is because each class has no more than ten students, and are grouped according to age and ability.

What also stood out to us was that their music and piano lessons follow the internationally acclaimed International School of Music curriculum. This method focuses on musically stimulating classes from two years of age through to advanced level studies. 

Performance opportunities at MSI are also solid, though not as plentiful as other schools. Regular recitals and concerts are pretty standard, which allows students to practise their performing skills. 

However, we just wish their fee structures were more transparent to provide clearer direction for prospective students and their families. Regardless, we do find their fees to be competitive and reasonable. 

Encouraging and patient teacher

“Best Music teacher ever!!… Jamiee has a great, patient manner with her students. Uses techniques suitable for each level which encourages growth and learning and a love of music. Her passion for what she does shines through in every area and i highly recommend her to all that i meet. Ms.Jamiee is a gem and has an amazing gift. Thank you for running a great school where my daughters have learnt and are learning to love piano playing and enjoying music. 👍😊”

Michelle Thinnasagaren | Google Reviews

Goes above and beyond with children

“Absolutely cannot recommend enough!!!! Miss Jaimie is incredible with the children and has gone above and beyond to keep classes going no matter what! Either online or in class, Miss Jaime is the best!!! Thank you!!”

Josey F | Google Reviews

4. Christchurch School of Music

Looking into Christchurch School of Music (CSM), we found that they provide a great environment for students to learn. The school offers different learning types, from individual lessons, paired, and even grouped, allowing students to pick whichever is best for them.

CSM offers diverse music programs that cater comprehensively to the musical interests and developmental stages of its students. These lessons range from theoretical music studies, and practical lessons.

Feedback from students and families consistently highlights the positive impact of CSM on their musical journeys. They mentioned that their various courses in rhythms, pitch, harmony, etc. allowed each student to grasp their own style.

Apart from their effective courses, we also like that CSM integrates their students with the local culture. For instance, their outreach program allows students to try out different instruments (modern or traditional) that they haven’t tried before.

However, during our search, we encountered feedback regarding occasional communication challenges, as they don’t get responses immediately. If you ever have any inquiries with them, we recommend visiting the school in person. 

Best music school

“Best music school in Christchurch!”

Jo Cherry | Google Reviews

Great Teachers

“The music teachers are great.”

Susie MA | Google Reviews

5. Le Jon School of Music

At Le Jon School of Music, students benefit from a wide array of programs –  from music theory down to practical lessons. The courses are designed to match different ages and skills. 

Their teaching method of giving rewards for doing a good job allows students to receive positive feedback for their hard work. Some of these rewards are coupons to get discounts from various shops like Little Hero Kids and Music Works.

Speaking of which, students here even get discounts from multiple different companies. These companies offer supplies for different music learning needs like Rock Shop which offers both instruments and music books.

With these perks, we see them as a top choice for students who want to take advantage of money-saving benefits. Although overall, the rates here are pretty competitive as they meet the city’s average.

While generally praised, some clients mentioned occasional challenges with the school’s 3-hour rescheduling policy. Despite this minor concern,w e find everything else up to our standard.

Friendly and caring teachers

“I would really like to thank the drum teacher and John. My son loves playing drums and has improved a lot since learning here. Both the drum teacher and John are very friendly and take good care of my son. I have tried two other teachers, but I would say this is the best. My son loves learning drums here!”

Jason Chen | Google Reviews

Patient and awesome teacher

The teacher is just awesome at teaching piano. He’s got this ways of making tricky stuff seem easy, and he’s super patient. Every time I have a lesson with him, I feel like I’ve leveled up in my piano skills. So glad he is my teacher!

Jin | Google Reviews