Finding the right music education fit for your child in Luxembourg

With its rich cultural history, Luxembourg is a country which places great value on the arts. In recognition of the many benefits of music education, citing improved levels of concentration, self esteem and creativity, the Ministry for Education has been working hard to make music more accessible to children and young people across the nation. Since 2022, all children between the ages of 4 and 18 have been eligible for free music lessons at any of the municipal music schools across the country. 

What’s the catch? Well, there is one thing. All students who want to take practical instrumental or vocal lessons must also undertake music theory lessons. Opinion is divided on this. The idea is that theoretical learning will underpin their practical skills. So children must enrol in a ‘Formation Musicale’ class, alongside their instrumental lesson, which will teach them the basics of how to read and write music.

If your child is not inclined to spend an hour a week on theory and just wants to get on with music making, there are plenty of other classes on offer through private music schools or individual teachers. You’ll have to pay for these - but it could be more suitable to your child’s learning style. Certain private music schools might also provide more opportunities for children who want to learn pop and rock instruments or get experience playing in a group.

The other thing to consider is your child’s age. Within the municipal system, children younger than seven are restricted to ‘Musical Awakening’ lessons (‘Éveil Musical’), whereby they discover their first musical learning experiences through singing and movement. So if you have a younger child who really wants to start playing an instrument, you’ll have to go private.

Local and regional music schools and conservatoires

There are three types of municipal music schools offering a very impressive programme: local, regional and conservatories. The local music schools are small and intimate, offering tuition on the most popular instruments alongside the theory lessons. Regional music schools tend to be larger and might provide a wider variety of instruments to learn. They usually have thriving ensembles to join such as choirs and bands, and some might offer dance and theatre courses. The three conservatories are arguably the most prestigious places to learn with the broadest curricula ranging from conducting lessons to jazz based theory. Upon entry, they may ask for a reference letter from a previous teacher or for your child to sit a test. 

All music schools offer lessons after school or at the weekend. There are strict deadlines for signing up and the window for registering your child is usually mid to late spring for a September start. The commitment is for a full academic year. 

You can find additional information on the UGDA website. 

© Canva

Private music schools

If you decide to go down the private music school route for any of the reasons listed above, there are several to choose from. In the city, Music For All is a 3 minute walk from Hamilius and lessons start from the age of 4, using the founder’s own method to ensure an inclusive approach. Musikand in Kirchberg advertises lessons from a very young age in a warm, familial setting. Luxembourg Music School in Sandweiler offers lessons on a termly basis. 

Further out, the Music Factory in Roeser and Bergem accepts students from the age of 5 and offers individual or small group lessons on many different instruments. La Do Re Academy in Steinfort offers lessons on piano and strings. In Howald, Bach to Groove gives lessons in classical and pop, as does the EMA school in Beggen. Further south, there is the Luso Academy in Esch-sur-Alzette, Reboredo’s Music School in Differdange and Da Capo who specialise in lessons for younger children. 

Pop and rock music schools

If pop and rock music is more your thing, there are several options available. Cavem is a music school with four premises across the country, whose goal is to teach musicians to perform either as a soloist or as part of a band. The Rock University in Findel accepts children from the age of 5, and prides itself on its state-of-the-art equipment, its ‘Rock Bus’, and its recording studio. 

The School of Blues runs monthly workshops in the well-equipped rehearsal rooms of the Sonotron space in the 1535 Creative Hub in Differdange for teens over 12. For something a little different, SKILZ DJ Academy offers DJ and Music Production lessons.

Individual music teachers

One major advantage of having an individual private teacher is that many travel to your home to give lessons. You will find independent music teachers across the country using websites such as Freie Musikschule, Apprentus or Superprof. 

Some individuals have their own websites such as guitarists Charles and Jason and Pedro, violinists Glen and Torun, piano and vocal teacher Kelsey, singer Laura or drummer Pedro. Others you might find through a recommendation from a local Facebook group or another parent from school. It’s always worth having a quick internet search to see if there is an individual near you who offers lessons on your child’s chosen instrument. 

For children with specific learning needs, Music For All specialises in teaching children with autism, and the EME Foundation offers tailored workshops and courses throughout the year.