Guernsey music school founder strikes a chord in Jersey

Monday 17 January 2022

The creator of a music school in Guernsey is expanding into Jersey.

Tyler Edmonds - who runs the School of Popular Music in Guernsey - has taken over as Manager Director of Chordz Music School in Jersey from Charlie Northedge, who founded the school in 2012.

Mr Edmonds set up his own guitar teaching business in 2011. He had a vision to make “a music school that would cater for all ages and abilities and incorporate as many instruments as possible”. This was the inspiration which led to the School of Popular Music.

Pictured: Tyler Edmonds (left) took over as Manager Director of Chordz Music School from Charlie Northedge after completing the deal at the turn of the year.

The school gives pupils the opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice - guitar, drums, keyboards, voice, bass, ukulele and many others are on offer - while meeting fellow enthusiasts to develop every element of playing.

In 2019, Tyler won the second edition of the Bailiwick Express Business Academy competition, securing £10,000 of marketing support. At the time, Mr Edmonds was already thinking about expanding into Jersey.  

“Part of my pitch when I won was the expansion to Jersey. It’s nice that it has come to fruition,” he said.

Pictured: Tyler Edmonds making his pitch at the Bailiwick Express Business Academy competition. Credit: Chris George Photography.

“Covid threw a spanner in the works, so it has taken quite a long time to come through.

“I was always really keen on the idea of trying to partner with one of the schools or buying into one of the schools in Jersey and Chordz was the best option.”

Mr Edmonds said he started talking with Mr Northedge at the beginning of 2021. After “a lot of toing and froing” they eventually agreed a deal. 

“I have been over a couple of times to speak to Charlie. I liked the vibe. It was the most similar to what we do in Guernsey. It made the most sense. 

“Taking the concept we have in Guernsey somewhere new was a daunting prospect. By doing this, we have taken out the complexity.”

Pictured: Tyler wants Chordz, which is based at West Centre in Jersey, to offer the same variety as the School of Popular Music, which operates from Delancey in St. Sampson's. 

Mr Edmonds plans to rebrand Chordz as the School of Popular Music. For now, Chordz continues to run under its existing name and any early changes have been “small changes beneath the surface”. 

All of the teachers at Chordz are staying on and there are plans to recruit more. Mr Edmonds has already taken on another piano teacher and is on the lookout for an additional guitar teacher. Ultimately, he plans on having as many teachers in Jersey as he has in Guernsey, where there are 15. 

“The plan is to build on what is there and add the variety we have in Guernsey. We have lots of plans to expand the services.

"We have different group lessons from the youngest - from two year olds, toddler class. We have the academy, which has been really successful for the more advanced students who want to get into bands or start their careers. We have choirs, production groups, recording studio. There are many things we can offer.”