Valves and slides are used to help to find different notes and play them in tune. Like Horns, Euphoniums, Baritones and Tubas, the length of tubing is varied using valves. Many pupils start learning brass from the age of eight, though some begin earlier. It depends partly on the development of your four front teeth - it is difficult to start on milk teeth, especially when you lose them.
Lessons take place in schools during school time.
If brass teaching is not offered in your school, lessons may be available at our Music Centre. Lip muscles, tummy muscles, finger and hand co-ordination have to be developed, alongside a growing awareness of pitch and rhythm, as an ongoing process. As long as parents support short but frequent practice periods, however, five notes can be learnt quite quickly, and a number of well-known tunes will soon be within reach. Group lessons, especially in the early stages, can be more fun than lessons by yourself, and the natural process of learning from your mistakes less intimidating. Children learn from each other, seeing their own strengths and weaknesses in context.