Finding the right music school for your child in Singapore is no small task — there are dozens of options, varying price points, and a wide range of teaching philosophies to sift through. If Aureus Academy has come up in your research, chances are you’ve seen their name at a nearby mall or heard about them through other parents. They are, by most measures, one of the most recognisable music school chains in Singapore. But does the reputation hold up on closer inspection?

In this review, we break down everything Singapore parents need to know about Aureus Academy in 2026 — from the instruments and programmes on offer to their current lesson fee structure, the 25 locations spread across the island, and what the learning experience actually looks like day to day. Whether you’re enrolling a toddler or a teenager (or even yourself), this guide will help you decide if Aureus is the right fit for your family.

What Is Aureus Academy?

Aureus Academy is Singapore’s leading private music school, founded in September 2013 by brothers Lawrence and Julius Holmefjord-Sarabi when they opened their first branch at Delfi Orchard. What began as a small, passion-driven venture has grown into one of the most recognisable enrichment brands in the country. Today, the school employs over 750 people and serves more than 18,000 active students across its 25 centres in Singapore and the UAE. The growth has been recognised publicly, including a fourth-place ranking in Singapore’s Fastest Growing Companies survey and features in Forbes, the Business Times, and Channel News Asia.

The school’s founding philosophy was simple but differentiating: let students learn what they want to. Rather than imposing a rigid syllabus, Aureus was built around personalised, one-to-one lessons tailored to each individual’s goals — whether that’s ABRSM exam preparation, casual recreational playing, or building the confidence to perform on stage. That learner-led ethos has remained central to the academy’s identity even as it scaled significantly. As CEO Lawrence Sarabi has said, the key to Aureus’s success has been differentiation through experience rather than competing on price.

Aureus is part of the broader Aureus Group, which also operates Aureus Conservatory, a sister institution that offers Professional Certificate and Diploma in Music courses. Talented students from Aureus Academy may even qualify for the Aureus Scholarship, which provides full tuition coverage at the Conservatory — a meaningful pathway for families who hope to nurture serious musical talent.

Instruments & Programmes Offered

One of Aureus Academy’s biggest draws is the breadth of what it teaches. All lessons are delivered one-to-one, which the academy believes is the most effective environment for musical development. Parents and students can choose from a wide range of instruments and programmes, each with recommended starting ages:

• Piano Lessons – Recommended from age 4 and up; regarded as the most beginner-friendly instrument for young learners and a solid foundation for music theory.
• Guitar Lessons – Suitable from age 6 and above; covers both acoustic and electric styles, with lessons customised to the student’s musical taste.
• Violin Lessons – Recommended from age 5 and above; an ideal instrument for children who enjoy classical and orchestral music.
• Drum Lessons – From age 5 and up; great for children who are naturally drawn to rhythm and physical movement.
• Voice / Singing Lessons – For ages 4 and above; lessons focus on pitch, breath control, performance confidence, and vocal expression.
• Cello Lessons – Available for children and beginners who want to explore a richer orchestral string instrument.
• Ukulele Lessons – Recommended from age 5 and above; a relaxed, accessible choice for music lovers who enjoy a chill vibe.
• Musical Adventure (Music Exploration) – Designed specifically for children aged 2.5 to 4 years old; an early childhood programme that introduces toddlers to basic musical concepts through interactive play and movement.

This range means families rarely need to look elsewhere, regardless of a child’s age or interest. Lesson durations typically run in 30, 45, or 60-minute slots, giving parents the flexibility to choose what fits their child’s schedule and attention span best. Teachers hold outstanding qualifications ranging from professional diplomas to Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music, and a notable aspect of the enrolment process is that students can choose their own teacher — a feature that sets Aureus apart from many competitors. If the fit isn’t right, switching is straightforward.

If you’re looking for more enrichment options for your child across Singapore, the Skoolopedia enrichment directory near MRT stations is a handy resource for comparing music schools and other activities by location.

The Aureus Interactive™ Experience

Aureus Academy’s biggest recent innovation is Aureus Interactive™, a proprietary learning system that the school describes as turning music lessons into adventures. It is built around the CORE VI™ Method, which distils music education into six essential skill pillars: music notation and reading, ear training, physical technique, expression and dynamics, performance, and creativity through composition and improvisation. The idea is that a student who masters all six pillars achieves true musical literacy, not just the ability to reproduce a few songs mechanically.

The Aureus Interactive universe is designed to be immersive and narrative-driven, particularly for younger learners. Students progress through 5 Grades, completing 25 expansive adventure-themed storylines and encountering more than 35 characters along the way. Each Grade involves 10 interactive storybooks and 20 songs. The music library itself is impressive — over 100 original and re-imagined pieces spanning classical, pop, jazz, musical theatre, rock, and electronic genres, with studio-quality backing tracks recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra and Grammy award-winning conductor Andrew Litton at Abbey Road Studios.

Progress is tracked through the Aureus Progress Portal (Adventure A.P.P.), and students who complete each Grade are recognised with a Trophy, Certificate, and Letter of Recommendation. Crucially, these grades are endorsed and internationally accredited by the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, giving the achievements genuine external credibility. Aureus calls this the only certification programme with a 100% Achievement Guarantee. The physical learning environment has also been upgraded: Aureus Interactive Studios are powered by vibrant displays, cinematic sound design, performance capture technology, and interactive technology, designed to make the adventure literally come to life in the lesson room.

Aureus Academy Music Lesson Fees

Aureus Academy structures its fees on a monthly billing cycle rather than requiring families to commit to 3 or 4-month terms upfront — a notable advantage for busy Singapore families who want flexibility. There are also no hidden fees, and lesson fees do not increase as a student progresses through levels. Instead, the fee you pay is based entirely on your preferred lesson duration.

While Aureus Academy does not publicly list a full fee schedule on its website (pricing is confirmed after a free trial lesson and consultation), third-party sources indicate the following indicative rates for 4 lessons per month:

Note: The above figures are indicative and sourced from third-party reviews. Always confirm current pricing directly with Aureus Academy, as fees may vary by instrument, teacher, or ongoing promotions.

Aureus also offers an Aureus Loyalty Programme that gives enrolled students savings on lesson fees — worth asking about at the point of enrolment. There is also an Aureus Interactive Grades certification fee of S$199 per Grade for students who wish to receive their accredited certificate, trophy, and Letter of Recommendation upon completing each milestone. If you’re not yet ready to commit, all new students are entitled to a free trial lesson before signing up, which is a great way to assess teaching style and studio environment with no financial risk.

Aureus Academy Locations in Singapore

One of Aureus Academy’s most practical advantages is its geographic spread. With centres located in popular shopping malls across every region of Singapore, there is likely to be a branch close to your home, your child’s school, or a convenient MRT station. This makes it easy to fit lessons into the family’s weekly routine without adding significant travel time. The school currently operates across all five regions of the island.

Below is an overview of known Aureus Academy locations in Singapore:

Note: Aureus Academy continues to expand. Visit the official Aureus Academy Locations page for the most current and complete list of branches, including any newly opened centres.

Five of these locations feature dedicated in-house Recital Halls where students can perform for family and friends. For parents who prioritise location when selecting enrichment activities, the Skoolopedia enrichment-near-MRT directory makes it easy to filter music schools and other enrichment centres by your nearest station.

What to Expect: Trial Lessons, App & Recitals

New families typically start with a free trial lesson, which gives both parent and child a chance to experience the studio environment, meet a potential teacher, and ask questions about the programme. Parents are welcome to sit in during lessons, and after the trial, the teacher provides a professional assessment while the front desk team walks you through enrolment policies and introduces the Aureus App.

The Aureus App is a central part of the post-enrolment experience. It allows families to reschedule lessons at the push of a button, anytime and anywhere — a feature that is particularly useful for Singapore’s busy dual-income households. Parents also receive regular weekly progress updates from the child’s teacher after each session, which keeps them informed without needing to be in the room for every lesson. These updates often include video clips of in-lesson highlights, giving parents genuine visibility into their child’s development.

Beyond weekly lessons, Aureus Academy places considerable emphasis on performance. Students have the opportunity to perform in up to two in-house recitals per year at Aureus’s dedicated recital halls. These events are designed to build stage confidence in a supportive environment — family members attend, students receive certificates, and the experience mirrors what a real recital feels like without the pressure of a formal examination. Select students are also featured in professionally produced monthly performance videos, adding another motivating milestone to work towards.

Pros and Cons of Aureus Academy

Based on publicly available parent reviews, student testimonials, and the academy’s own programme details, here is an honest overview of what families typically highlight:

What Parents Tend to Love

• Wide island-wide coverage – With 25 centres spread across Singapore’s malls, it is one of the most accessible music school networks in the country.
• Flexible monthly billing – No long-term commitment required upfront, and fees don’t increase as students advance.
• Choose-your-own-teacher – Students are matched with teachers based on learning style and preferences, and can request a change if needed.
• Innovative Aureus Interactive™ programme – The gamified, adventure-based learning system with internationally accredited grades keeps younger students genuinely engaged.
• Transparent progress updates – Weekly post-lesson updates and video feedback keep parents in the loop.
• Free trial lesson – Families can try before committing, which lowers the barrier to exploring music education.
• Performance opportunities – In-house recitals help students build confidence in a real but low-pressure setting.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Premium pricing – Aureus Academy positions itself as a premium school, so lesson fees are higher than budget alternatives in Singapore.
• Aureus Interactive is mandatory for new enrolments – Some parents who prefer a traditional syllabus (e.g., pure ABRSM) may find the proprietary programme takes some getting used to.
• Teacher turnover – As with most large music school chains, some parents have noted occasional changes in assigned teachers, though the school does facilitate smooth transitions.
• Availability varies by branch – Popular time slots at busy centres can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

Is Aureus Academy Worth It?

For most Singapore families seeking a structured, engaging, and conveniently located music school, Aureus Academy is a strong contender. The combination of one-to-one personalised lessons, an internationally accredited grading system, a vast network of island-wide branches, and the innovative Aureus Interactive™ platform gives it a genuine edge over many competitors. The free trial lesson policy makes it easy to try without any commitment, and the monthly billing structure means you’re never locked into a long-term financial obligation.

That said, it is worth being clear-eyed: Aureus is a premium product and priced accordingly. If your budget is limited, it may be worth comparing options. But if you’re looking for a school with a strong track record, proven infrastructure, and a teaching environment designed to keep children genuinely motivated, Aureus Academy is very much worth a trial visit.

If you’re still exploring music and enrichment options for your child, Skoolopedia’s enrichment centre directory by MRT station lets you compare programmes, read parent reviews, and find the best options near you — all in one place. You can also discover top-rated preschools via the preschool near MRT finder and student-care options through the student care centre directory.