Prelude Education isn’t your typical tutoring agency. Founded by Miles Contreras-Brown, it’s the UK’s only curated music tutoring and scholarship advisory service – a far cry from the impersonal directory-style platforms many parents are used to.
What began with a handful of private piano and violin lessons has grown into a high-trust, relationship-led service supporting families with instrumental learning, music scholarship admissions, and conservatoire applications. We spoke to Miles about Prelude’s evolution, why relationships matter more than ever, and what most parents really want from music education.
From Private Lessons to Family Advisor
Like many founders, Miles began with one-to-one teaching. But an early experience with a long-standing family changed the trajectory of his work.
“One family I’d worked with for years had trialled four piano teachers in three months – and none of them felt right. That’s when it clicked: they didn’t just need a piano teacher. They needed someone who understood them – someone who could step seamlessly into their family’s life.’
That moment shaped what Prelude would become: not just a teaching service, but a long-term partner for families navigating the world of music education.
“This isn’t a transaction. You’re placing someone in a child’s life who will shape their confidence, identity and relationship with music. That’s a big decision – and it needs to be made with care.”
Rather than focus on growth for growth’s sake, Prelude was built around trust, fit, and thoughtful connection – values that now set it apart.
Moving Beyond Directories
One of the most distinctive aspects of Prelude is how it rejects the typical ‘platform’ model.
“Directories are designed for scale – not for care. Parents scroll through hundreds of tutor profiles with little to go on beyond a short blurb and a price. There’s no real quality control. No meaningful safeguarding. And no sense of who that person really is.”
At Prelude, every family begins with a personal conversation with Miles. He listens closely to what the family is looking for – not just in terms of skills and availability, but in energy, personality and approach – before recommending a tutor he believes will truly fit.
“In subjects like Maths or English, you can track progress reasonably frequently with a test score. But music is different. Of course there are grades, but sometimes the most important progress happens quietly – a child becoming more confident or more expressive. That’s where the real value is – and it’s why the relationship has to be right”
This hands-on approach means that most new Clients now come through referrals. Many families return when younger siblings are ready to begin lessons – a strong sign that the trust runs deep.
Helping Students Grow Through Music
Tutor quality is key, but for Miles, it goes beyond musical credentials.
“I’m looking for people who connect. Some of our students start out incredibly shy and unsure of themselves. But over time, they open up. Not just musically, but personally. That transformation comes from being seen – by a teacher who believes in them and creates the safety to grow.”
By prioritising empathy and mentorship alongside teaching ability, Prelude helps children grow in confidence as well as musicality - something that’s especially valuable in a results-driven world where performance anxiety is common.
What Miles Would Do Differently
In the early days, Miles explored different ways to grow the business. Like many founders, he invested time in social media, especially Instagram Reels.
“I spent hours making Instagram Reels – five to seven hours for each Reel, easily. They looked great, got over 100k views… but they didn’t translate into long-term value. I’d do it differently now.”
The real shift came when he began focusing on operations – refining workflows and improving how families were onboarded.
“If I could go back, I’d build out our knowledge bank from day one. Proper file structures. Clear naming conventions. Repeatable templates. Those things seem minor – until you’re bringing on a new team member or trying to scale fast. For instance, I am a big fan of Google Drive, but I’m finding it increasingly less user-friendly the more we grow. So I am transitioning the bulk of our knowledge base to Notion”
It’s a common lesson: growth is great, but without the right structure, it quickly becomes overwhelming.
How Systems Power the Business
Today, Prelude runs efficiently thanks to smart systems and software. HighLevel handles lead capture and follow-ups, making sure no enquiry gets lost.
“Parents are busy. They might send an enquiry and then get pulled into a dozen other things. HighLevel keeps us present – WhatsApp messages, email reminders, a link to book straight into my calendar. It’s thoughtful, but not intrusive.”
On the back end, Miles uses TutorCruncher for finances, scheduling, Tutor management, and reporting.
“Before TutorCruncher, we used to spend hours each week chasing payments and managing logistics. Now, it’s all automated. I can see exactly where each family is in their journey at a glance. It’s freed up so much headspace.”
With the admin taken care of, he’s able to spend more time where it counts: building relationships, supporting families, and onboarding brilliant music Tutors.
What’s Next: Supporting the UK’s Most Talented Young Musicians
Prelude is now expanding its work in music scholarships into a new, specialist area: guiding students into the UK’s top Junior Departments at institutions like the Royal Academy of Music and Royal College of Music. Leading this initiative at Prelude is a former Director of the Junior Royal Academy.
“There’s nothing else like this in the UK. These departments are incredibly competitive, and incredibly nurturing. If your child is musically gifted, and you want to give them every chance to thrive, this is where we can help.”
Prelude is also preparing to add some more talent to their team – a shift from founder-led delivery to a more scalable model. For Miles, the focus remains the same: delivering care and quality while widening access to top-tier music education.
Final Thoughts: Music as a Force for Confidence
Amid the systems, planning, and strategy, the most meaningful outcomes aren’t always the most obvious.
“Sometimes a parent calls and says, ‘My child’s happier. They’ve started singing again around the house.’ That’s what stays with me. That’s the power of music – it reaches into places nothing else quite does.”
In a sector often focused on outcomes and metrics, Prelude offers a reminder that real progress is personal – and that music education, done right, can shape a child’s self-belief as much as their skill.
Advice for Founders: Start with Structure, Lead with Care
For those starting their own education business, Miles keeps his advice simple.
“Get your systems in place early – even if it’s just you. Build a knowledge base. Create repeatable processes. It’ll make growth so much less chaotic.”
And just as importantly:
“Lead with care. Families want someone they can trust. You’re not just offering a service – you’re being invited to send an adult role model into a child’s life. That’s a privilege.”
