Musicland

 Musicland began in November 1993 and is located at the Ashmore Park shopping parade, Wednesfield. There is free parking outside the shop, and it is one of the largest shopping parades of small independent traders in the Wolverhampton area. It is also the terminus of the 559 bus from Wolverhampton, which runs every five to ten minutes.

Our priotity is teaching a variety of different musical instruments. The woodwind and keyboard pupils are able to take exams with the London College of Music, although exams are purely voluntary. The exams are held at Musicland with an invigilator from the London College of Music, and during school hours. We teach up up grade 8.

Learning to play musical instruments is not just about exams. Over the last 18 years, Phil Palmer has put together hundreds of arrangements and titles that are used in our teaching. From the very simplest to professional standard there are enough types of music to keep the interest going. Some of the keyboard/organ arrangements are played by the top performers on the organ circuit.

We have concerts at the local community social club. It's an evening for parents and friends to see a musical performance put on by the pupils.

We are still building on our success over the years by embracing new technology with our very own backing tracks for our woodwind pupils. Today's pupils bring a USB memory stick which is updated regularly. It is nice to be able to practice at home with a backing, and is like having your own little band.

Musicland was established in November 1993 by Phil Palmer. Ashmore Park was selected as the site due to its out of town location, easy access for the local population and free car parking. Affordable music tuition was the key to the success of the business so the lower rent and rates were paramount. Drawing on his experience of serving as an Army band sergeant in the Parachute Regiment for 11 years, and 12 years as sales manager and music teacher for Greame Hawkins organ studios, he created Musicland.

Phil also has the experience of working in groups, backing cabaret artists, working as a cabaret artist, tv work, and currently a holder of a Guiness musical world record. He has performed for Prince Charles, played all of the UK and appeared on "Whats my line" with Angela Rippon. He had his own trio in Berlin for 2 years performing for armed forces bases and British Forces radio.

The London College of Music were invited to be the examining board as Phil wanted an independent organisation to exam the pupils musicianship. He sees the younger generation as the future and helps them as much as possible. The concerts provide a platform for their first experiance of playing in front of an audience knowing that they will enjoy the buzz of doing it.

Every child should be given an opportunity to play an instrument properly. Thats why we are here.

Our Staff