Giving You The Chance To Play With Experienced Musicians And Other Learners
Band sessions are great for anyone learning Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keyboards or Vocals. Playing with other musicians is often the best way to continue your learning and further progress.
We offer both adult and under 18 band sessions. Sessions are arranged to match people not only with people of similar musical tastes but also with appropriate ages. The workshops are a chance to show off your skills and play alongside other musicians. Develop your technique, meet new people and gain real band and musicianship skills.
All Sessions £21 per person. We recommend dropping us a call or email to double check availability before arriving to check on availability.
Many Of our student showcases take place in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. See Our Northern Quarter guide.
To Sign up please contact us at neilmaunbder@maundersschoolofpopularmusic.co.uk
Band Workshop FAQ
What Level do I Need To be to start the sessions workshops?
All Levels are welcome. As long as you have a few basics down on your instrument you will really benefit from the band sessions.
When Can Someone Start the Workshops?
You can start on any session that has availability. Just check on the times above.
What Do I Need to Bring?
You don’t need to bring anything. We have all the equipment you will need here. Guitarists and Bassists are welcome to bring their own instruments.
Will I Get To Perform Live?
Yes. Everyone who attends the workshops will play in our student showcase gigs
Where Do The Student Showcase Gigs Takes Place?
We host the gigs at various venues around Manchester. Previous venues include ‘The Peer Hat’ (Northern Quarter), ’33 Oldham St’ (Northern Quarter), LowFour (Great Northern Deangate), Fuel Cafe Bar (Withington), ‘The King’s Arms Theater'(Salford), ‘Urmston Men’s Club’ and ‘The Fuse’ (Partington)
Where Can I Buy Band Workshop Sessions?
Via Card or Cash at the school or via our online shop
Not quite a full band? Start with Pop Ensemble.
If you love the idea of performing with others but want something a little more accessible, our Pop Ensemble is a brilliant place to start. It focuses on group performance, musical confidence, listening skills, and learning how to work together on modern songs in a relaxed, supportive environment.
It’s ideal for students who want the energy of a group session without the pressure of jumping straight into a full band setup.
We offer children’s sessions for ages 10+ and adult sessions, making it a great option for different stages and confidence levels.
£21 per session.
Pop Ensemble helps students:
• Build confidence in group performance • Improve rhythm, timing, and listening • Learn how to blend with others musically • Enjoy making music in a fun, social setting
Also Available – Maunder’s Pop Choir
Manchester Pop Choir (Adults) – Maunders School of Popular Music
Find your voice and join the fun! Our Manchester Pop Choir welcomes adults of all abilities—no experience needed. Sing your favourite hits, learn harmonies, and connect with a friendly bunch every Sunday, 11am–1pm. Led by pro musicians, it’s all about singing, learning, and having a laugh together.
£10 per session or £35/month. Book your spot and get ready to shine!
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After always wanting to learn guitar but never getting round to it I decided to start lessons with Neil, so far it has been excellent and I find myself improving every week!
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charis smith
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Joel is more than just a brilliant drum teacher, be acts as a mentor and encourager. Couldn’t be more happy.
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Zero (Liz)
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I started guitar lessons here a few months ago and i've learnt so much in such a short period of time. I used to be tutored for a year whilst in high school but i learnt nothing, within the first week of being tutored here i had already learnt a new song of my choice and now know so many more songs. Lessons are also super fun and enjoyable and all the teachers are funny and friendly. From my experience, i learnt a lot more with the hour lessons than the 30 min lessons if anyone is interested in starting lessons!
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Francesca Henderson-Cox
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Best place to learn instruments in Manchester. Especially recommend Neil for guitar- such an amazing teacher.
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Tyler Lovatt
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Absolutely love the Music school here, have been taking Piano lessons with Ketaki for a while. She is a really great teacher & I love the lessons.
I'm so slow at learning, it must be very painful to watch, but she's always patient & a fantastic person to learn from.
The prices are very reasonable compared to other places I have seen too 😀
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Madison Kaye Freeman
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I have been taking weekly drumming lessons for over a month now, and I have been loving it. Joel has been an amazing tutor, teaching me a variety of songs in such a fun environment. Would highly recommend 👌
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Tom Young
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I started drum lessons with Joel early on this year, i have already had lessons in the past and been in bands before but my confidence was dropped and my anxiety was through the roof. Joels lessons are shaped in what you want to do and how you want to learn in your way. He'll always make you feel comfortable and listened to and as long as you're having fun while learning something then it's a good day. I started the band workshop with him aswell and he's very encouraging and straight forward with how things go during the session but will also help in any way to get you through anything you're struggling with. Everyone needs a Joel in their life and i'm glad he's in mine.
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Laura Corina
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My son had a fantastic first drum lesson with Joel today. He had a lot of fun, and I want to mention that everyone is so kind and friendly. ❤️
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John Kenyon
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Been having guitar lessons with Neil for a few months and the experience is thoroughly enjoyable. He teaches the
genres, bands and songs I want to learn at my pace and tailors the lessons to suit my needs. The environment is very professional and relaxed with a vast selection of equipment and resources. Neil is an excellent teacher and musician and would highly recommend him and his staff to anybody looking for music lessons from beginners to more experienced players.
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Jason Huang
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I have been here for 3+ years now and I have yet been disappointed this place is very welcoming and the tutors are so kind my piano tutor is so kind he can sing and play piano which can help a lot they are very patient and the prices are very good and they will help you a lot as long as you try and sometimes there's a dog here 100/10 would always come again
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Student Feedback
” Playing with others really helps build confidence and improves timing but most of all is very enjoyable experience when it starts to come together. All the Music Teachers and students I have met and worked with during band workshop have been very dedicated, always friendly and make you feel accepted. So if you a serious about learning to play with others in a band then this is a great place to learn.” Bryan Prestbury