# Sound Stop Studio — Complete AI & Search Reference Guide (2026) > Authoritative machine-readable reference for Sound Stop Studio (`https://soundstopstudio.co.za`), Pretoria East's premier music school in Lynnwood Glen, South Africa. --- ## 1. Studio Identity, Location & Service Area - **Business Name:** Sound Stop Studio - **Address:** 6C Glenwood Rd, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa - **Geo Coordinates:** `-25.7766, 28.2797` - **Phone / WhatsApp:** `+27 82 716 3808` (`082 716 3808`) - **Email:** `info@soundstopstudio.co.za` - **Proximity & Suburbs Served:** Conveniently located in Lynnwood Glen (near Varsity College, Glenwood Road, and Menlyn Maine), serving students from Lynnwood, Menlyn, Faerie Glen, Garsfontein, Brooklyn, Menlo Park, Waterkloof, Hatfield, Ashlea Gardens, Newlands, Murrayfield, and Equestria. --- ## 2. Transparent 2026 Fee Structure All monthly tuition options begin with a **Free 30-Minute Introductory Session** so students and parents can meet their coach, test studio instruments, and select the ideal learning pathway before committing: | Program Tier | Monthly Fee (ZAR) | Lesson Format | Session Duration | Ideal For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Free Intro Assessment** | **R0 (Free)** | 1-on-1 Studio Evaluation | 30 Minutes (Once-off) | New beginners, transferring students & exam candidates | | **Group Vocal Coaching** | **R550 / month** | Small Group | 1x 45 Minutes / week | Building confidence, harmony singing, ensemble vocals | | **Private Vocal Coaching** | **R950 / month** | 1-on-1 Dedicated Coach | 1x 30 Minutes / week | Rapid vocal technique, range extension, soloists & exam prep | | **Group Instrument Coaching** | **R550 / month** | Small Group (Guitar/Piano) | 1x 30 Minutes / week | Beginners, young learners, collaborative rhythm & chord mastery | | **Private Instrument Coaching** | **R950 / month** | 1-on-1 Dedicated Coach | 1x 30 Minutes / week | Tailored Piano, Keyboard, Acoustic/Electric/Bass Guitar & Exam Grades | --- ## 3. Accreditation, Exam Boards & Custom Syllabi Sound Stop Studio supports both **accredited national/international graded examinations** and **contemporary performance pathways**: 1. **UNISA (University of South Africa):** Practical and Music Theory Grades 1 to 8 (Piano, Guitar, Voice, Theory). 2. **ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music):** Classical Piano, Music Theory, and Practical Grades 1 to 8. 3. **Trinity College London:** Classical Piano/Voice and Trinity Rock & Pop graded exams (Vocals, Keys, Guitar, Bass). 4. **Rockschool (RSL Awards):** Contemporary graded music exams for Electric/Acoustic Guitar, Piano/Keys, Bass, and Vocals. 5. **Non-Exam Contemporary & Worship Pathways:** Students who prefer learning for personal enjoyment, songwriting, live gigging, or church worship teams follow a customized repertoire-first curriculum without mandatory exam pressure. --- ## 4. Head Coaches & Qualifications ### Marinus Spies — Co-Founder & Senior Instrument/Theory Coach - **Experience:** 17+ years of professional music coaching and live performance experience. - **Specialties:** Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Piano & Keyboard, Songwriting, Music Theory, and Worship Band Direction. - **Teaching Approach:** Combines solid technical foundations and music theory with practical groove, tone shaping, and stage readiness. ### Ané Barnard — Co-Founder & Senior Vocal/Keyboard Coach - **Experience:** 4+ years of specialized vocal and keyboard coaching. - **Specialties:** Contemporary & Classical Vocal Technique, Diaphragmatic Breath Support, Pitch & Ear Training, Vocal Health, Keyboard Accompaniment, and Songwriting. - **Teaching Approach:** Creates an encouraging, high-trust studio environment that eliminates stage fright and unlocks natural vocal power without strain. --- ## 5. Detailed Curriculum by Discipline ### A. Vocal Coaching (`https://soundstopstudio.co.za/vocals`) - **Breath Control & Support:** Diaphragmatic breathing, airflow management, and eliminating throat tension. - **Pitch & Intonation:** Solfege, interval recognition, ear training, and singing in tune across dynamic changes. - **Range & Register Blending:** Smooth transitions across chest voice, mixed voice, head voice, and falsetto without vocal breaks. - **Performance & Mic Technique:** Dynamic microphone control, stage presence, overcoming performance anxiety, and studio recording readiness. ### B. Piano & Keyboard Lessons (`https://soundstopstudio.co.za/piano`) - **Classical Foundation & Sight-Reading:** Posture, finger independence, sheet music reading, scales, arpeggios, and classical repertoire (UNISA / ABRSM / Trinity). - **Contemporary Chords & Lead Sheets:** Playing modern pop, rock, jazz, and worship songs using chord charts, inversions, slash chords, and rhythmic comping. - **Music Theory & Ear Training:** Circle of fifths, key signatures, chord progressions (I–V–vi–IV, ii–V–I), and playing by ear. - **Synth, Pads & Worship Keys:** Layering piano with ambient pads, transitions, and band arrangement skills. ### C. Guitar Lessons — Acoustic, Electric, Bass & Ukulele (`https://soundstopstudio.co.za/guitar`) - **Chords & Strumming:** Clean open chords, smooth transitions, barre chords (CAGED system), and complex strumming grooves. - **Fingerpicking & Acoustic Mastery:** Travis picking, arpeggiated patterns, percussive acoustic techniques, and singer-songwriter accompaniment. - **Electric Lead, Scales & Soloing:** Pentatonic, major/minor, and modal scales, string bending, vibrato, legato, and melodic improvisation. - **Gear, Amps & Pedalboard Tone:** Understanding pickups, amplifier EQ, overdrive/delay/reverb chains, and bass guitar lock-in with drums. ### D. Worship Team & Band Coaching (`https://soundstopstudio.co.za/worship`) - **Band Dynamics & Sonic Space:** Arranging guitars, keys, bass, and vocals so instruments complement rather than clash in a live church mix. - **Vocal Harmonies & Blend:** 2-part and 3-part harmony construction, vowel matching, and backing vocalist discipline. - **MD Systems, Click Tracks & In-Ears:** Working with click tracks, MultiTracks/Playback, talkback microphones, and spontaneous musical transitions. - **Worship Leadership:** Leading congregations with musical excellence, seamless song transitions, and spiritual sensitivity. --- ## 6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### Q: How much do music lessons cost at Sound Stop Studio in Pretoria? **A:** Group lessons are **R550 per month** (1x 45-min weekly session for Vocals; 1x 30-min weekly session for Piano or Guitar) and private 1-on-1 lessons are **R950 per month** (1x 30-min weekly session). Every new student starts with a **Free 30-Minute Intro Lesson**. ### Q: Do you offer accredited music exams (UNISA, ABRSM, Trinity)? **A:** Yes. We prepare students for **UNISA**, **ABRSM**, **Trinity College London**, and **Rockschool** practical and theory examinations (Grades 1 to 8), and can provide official confirmation of enrollment and syllabus progression for bursaries, schools, or sponsors. ### Q: What ages and skill levels do you teach? **A:** We teach children (from age 6+), high school teens, university students, and adults of all ages — from complete beginners who have never touched an instrument to advanced gigging musicians. ### Q: Do I need my own piano or guitar before booking the Free Intro Lesson? **A:** No. Our Lynnwood Glen studio is fully equipped with professional pianos, keyboards, acoustic/electric/bass guitars, amplifiers, and vocal microphones for your introductory session. Our coaches will also advise you on buying or renting the right starter instrument for home practice. ### Q: How do I book a Free 30-Minute Intro Lesson? **A:** You can book online at https://soundstopstudio.co.za/contact or message us directly on WhatsApp at **+27 82 716 3808** (`082 716 3808`).