The History of Hindhead Music Centre

The Hindhead Music Centre was founded in 1975 by Ann Hughes - Chamberlain, then a professional harpist with four young children. Her aim was to offer excellence in music tuition to everyone, from complete novices to post-graduates, from two year old toddlers to eighty-two year old pensioners, to gifted musicians and to the physically and mentally disabled. No-one has ever been turned away; our philosophy is that music is a language which reaches absolutely every mortal being, and can bring unrivalled joy to so many, if only they have the opportunity to discover it.
The Centre is situated in a very large rambling Victorian house, and includes sixteen teaching rooms. All of these are comfortably and attractively furnished, most having grand pianos. The drawing room is used for receptions and concerts, the library acts as a waiting room for parents and students, and an elegant recital room seats 75 comfortably and is home to a superb Steinway Concert Grand piano. The coffee shop within the grounds offers pleasant surroundings and high quality sustenance, and includes a television room. The grounds incorporate a has six acres of gardens and a heated swimming pool, and the property is surrounded by hundreds of acres of National Trust commons and woodlands.	The Drawing Room
Many hundreds of aspiring musicians have passed through the Centre over the years, and a considerable number have said that there time here has changed their lives. Several have been close to breakdown through personal tragedy, but felt saved by their involvement in making music. Many have gone on to make careers of music from the tuition, and many more have reached a potential far beyond their expectation, and therefore feel a sense of satisfaction and achievement. Many have stated how they benefit from the Centre's unique family atmosphere, where old and young are brought together and experience a sense of musical belonging. The Centre has currently around five hundred pupils visiting weekly for private individual tuition, and another hundred or so coming to various classes. The age range is from pre-school to pensioners, the ability range is from complete novices to post graduates, the musical range is from classical to pop, covering all instruments. There are a number of pupils with severe physical and mental difficulties, attending both individual and group classes. The teaching staff, about 45 in number, are all performing musicians in their own right, with a love and understanding of teaching both advanced students and beginners, both children and adults. Many are regular performers in the concert-halls of the world, and thus they are well-equipped to teach concert manners and control of nerves, all part of the performer's art and technique. Even modest amateur players can enjoy playing amongst friends, once they have confidence, technique and feeling for sharing their musical experience. For those who wish to take exams, there are workshops and mock exams which help to build confidence and competence.

For further details, please click here or contact us by telephone (01428) 604941 or fax on (01428) 607871 Copyright © Hindhead Music Centre Ltd 1999