Pianist's £7.50 lessons offer hope to aspiring musicians

A self-taught pianist from Greater Manchester, Alan Gregory, is making music education accessible to those who cannot afford traditional lessons. Gregory, 64, who grew up unable to pay for piano instruction, taught himself to play and eventually became a concert pianist. He now offers lessons at his studio in Scholes, providing four free introductory sessions followed by lessons at a subsidized rate of £7.50.

Gregory, who has been teaching for over two decades, reportedly works 70 to 80-hour weeks with 60 pupils. He has invested his personal pension into the initiative, driven by a desire to give back. He stated that piano music was an instant attraction for him during a difficult childhood and ultimately "saved him" after his wife's death at age 48, motivating him to help others find similar solace and opportunity through music.

Many of his pupils, like 16-year-old Tegan, express deep gratitude, viewing Gregory's lessons as a crucial start to their musical journeys. Tegan aims to become a cruise ship musician, inspired by the access Gregory provided. Gregory views his students as family, a sentiment echoed by their affection for him, filling a void left by his and his wife's inability to have children.