You’re never too old to learn an instrument. It just takes dedication, patience, practice, a whole lot of practice, and did we say practice? If you’re looking for a place to support your itch for creative expression, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician looking to dust off the cobwebs (or flex on other students) this is the guide for you.

WHERE TO LEARN: Whether you decide to strum a guitar, bang on a drum, or tickle the ivories of a piano, you have to find the right instructor to make you a pro.

#1- Tempo Music Academy: Created by professional musicians, the academy offers lessons for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced performers. Their qualified tutors are all about helping you improve your technique, gain confidence, and actually enjoy learning the instrument. You can find them in Maadi.

#2- Art Mania: This vibrant hub for music lovers has a current count of 350 students learning a variety of instruments. They boast 23 experienced teachers and equipped facilities and soundproof studios. Art Mania follows the Trinity College of Music curriculum, which provides accredited British music certificates. You can find them in Sheikh Zayed.

#3- Cairo Music Center has been running for over 35 years, and offers lessons in various forms of music education, and a wide range of instruments including piano, guitar, violin, drums, and oud. CMC is the local representative of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), which means that you can take practical examinations and earn certificates across 35 instruments, singing, and music theory. Plus, you get to perform at the Cairo Opera House for your graduation. You can find them in Heliopolis.

#4- Tango Music Academy: For those on the east city of the city, Tango Music Academy offers lessons for different musical instruments given by qualified professional instructors.They offer a variety of western and oriental instruments including piano, guitar, violin, cello, oud, nay, drums, and tabla. You can find them in New Cairo.

First things first: choosing your weapon. You can’t learn to play the violin without having a violin. So step one is to purchase your instrument of choice. With a variety of locations, one of these will definitely be near you.

PSA: Before you swipe your credit card, check with your instructor or academy whether you need to bring your own instrument, or if they’ll be supplying you with one to practice on until you’re ready to commit. This is personal preference, but if you pick a wind instrument — trumpet, tuba, flute, saxophone, etc. — that makes contact with your mouth, we would advise getting your own. Obviously.

PSA #2: If you feel that your calling is the piano, you don’t need to purchase a Heintzman Crystal Piano — priced at a hefty USD 3.2 mn. A simple keyboard will suffice for your at home practice.

#1- Distingo: With four branches scattered around Cairo in Zamalek, New Cairo, Maadi, and Sheikh Zayed, Distingo has become a favorite for musicians around the country. They also sometimes offer instrument lessons. Keep up with their social media to find out when.

#2- Guitar Shop: Despite what the name implies, this shop sells more than just guitars. Their wide array of products — including accessories and studio equipment — is available to view on their website or at any of their stores in Sheikh Zayed, New Cairo, and Dokki. Guitar Shop also offers instrument repair service and, in case you’re looking for an upgrade, resale services.

#3- Future Music Stores claims to be the biggest music store with the largest stock out of any music store in Cairo. They boast 20 years of experience and partnerships with top brands like Kurzweil, Focusrite PLC, Cort, and Fender. You can find them in Nasr City.

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