Beyond guitar tuition, Cornwall and Plymouth both have music schools, instrumental tutors and shops covering piano, strings, brass, woodwind, drums and voice. Whether you're looking for structured lessons working towards a grade, or simply want to try an instrument before committing to buy one, there's a good spread of options across both areas.
Looking specifically for guitar tutors or recording studios? See our separate Guitar Lessons & Recording Studios guide.
Choosing a Music School or Tutor
As with any private tutor, check for a current DBS check if lessons are for a child, and ask whether tuition works towards graded exams (ABRSM, Trinity College or Rockschool) if that matters to you. Some larger schools provide instruments and a soundproofed teaching room as part of the lesson, which can be useful if you don't yet own an instrument.
Music Schools & Tuition
Cornwall
-
Multi-instrument
Cornwall Music Service Trust – county-wide
A countywide music education service formed by local music teachers in 2015 after Cornwall Council dissolved the previous county music service. Offers private and group lessons across piano, guitar, violin, saxophone, drums and more, plus vocal lessons, music theory, exam preparation and school-based instrumental tuition.
-
Strings
Violin Cornwall – St Austell area
Music tuition from a fully qualified and experienced teacher, covering violin and viola to advanced level, cello and piano to intermediate level, and music theory at all levels. Offers basic instrument repair and set-up alongside lessons, and holds a current DBS check.
Plymouth
-
Multi-instrument
Mr Dove's Music & Russ Davies Music Schools – Plymouth & Ivybridge
Established over 20 years, offering tuition across electric, acoustic and bass guitar, drum kit and percussion, keyboard/piano, brass, woodwind and strings, for students of all ages and starting abilities. Tutors are fully qualified, DBS checked and insured; lessons are mainly one-to-one, with group tuition considered subject to availability.
-
Directory
Music Teachers in Plymouth (via Sound Unlimited)
A curated listing of independent Plymouth-based tutors across guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, vocals, violin, woodwind, brass and piano, maintained by the local music shop Sound Unlimited. A useful starting point if you want an instrument not covered by the schools listed above.
Music Shops
Cornwall
-
Guitars & drums
Modern Music – Truro
Trading in Truro since 1982, and widely regarded as Cornwall's biggest stockist of electric and acoustic guitars, amps, bass and drums, with brands including Marshall, Fender and Martin. Also buys and sells second-hand gear.
-
Guitars
Craig's Music – Bodmin
Trading from Bell Yard, Bodmin for around 30 years, with a purpose-built guitar demo studio and a reputation as one of Cornwall's leading guitar shops. Also sells via eBay UK with a strong feedback record.
-
Full range
Trevada Music – Camborne
A full-range music shop covering brass, woodwind, drums, guitar, bowed strings, piano, keyboard and folk instruments, with worldwide shipping. Also offers an instrument trial hire scheme – useful for trying before you buy – alongside tuition and repairs.
Plymouth
-
Guitars & repairs
Sound Unlimited – Embankment Road, Plymouth
A well-regarded Plymouth music shop specialising in guitars and instrument repairs, including a same-day restringing service booked via their website. Praised in reviews for knowledgeable, friendly staff and reasonably priced maintenance work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments can I learn in Cornwall?
Most music schools and tutors across Cornwall cover a wide range of instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, cello, brass, woodwind, drums and voice, alongside music theory and exam preparation.
Where can I buy or hire a musical instrument in Cornwall?
Cornwall has a small number of independent music shops, including Modern Music and Trevada Music, stocking guitars, brass, woodwind, drums and pianos. Trevada Music also offers an instrument hire scheme, which can be a good way to try an instrument before committing to buy.
Are there music lessons for children in Cornwall?
Yes. Organisations such as Cornwall Music Service Trust provide instrumental tuition to children in schools across the county, and many private tutors also teach children from a young age, usually with a current DBS check.
Listings are provided as a guide only and checked against current business websites. Availability, pricing and stock are subject to change – please confirm directly with the school or shop before visiting.