Brent Music Service

		The Brass Family		Including the Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba. Brass instruments offer a wide range of musical styles and opportunities to play with many types of ensembles, including classical, pop, jazz and folk music. In addition to school tuition services, Brent Music Service also offers the Brent Junior Ensemble and the Brent Youth Concert Band which can be joined by brass players of the appropriate standard (see Brent Music Ensembles section for more information). If you like the idea of learning a brass instrument, please speak direct with your school to find out if Brent Music Service tutors are available for this instrument.

		The Trumpet		Summary: A popular instrument and fairly easy to produce a sound in the early stages,. Opportunities to play in brass ensembles, orchestras, jazz groups, marching bands, pop bands and brass bands (cornet). As with all brass instruments, it is recommended that new learners have their second teeth in place before starting. Trumpets and cornets are similar in playing technique and many more advanced players use both instruments depending on the type of music group they are with. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: From about £175 to £200 for a student instrument with case. More advanced models for those students wishing to take their playing further are in the region of £800-£1,200. Second-hand instruments are easily available from about £100, but check carefully for wear and damage. Seek the teacher's advice before buying. Ongoing Costs: Very little - lubricating oil, mouthpiece and sound accessories (mutes).

		The French Horn		Summary: The horn has a wonderful repertoire and stunning solos in the orchestra. There is a shortage of horn players so you will be in demand! Whilst there are fewer opportunities in different styles of music, there is a wonderful repertoire for the french horn both as a solo instrument and as part of a brass ensemble, an orchestra or concert band. As with all brass instruments, it is recommended that new learners have their second teeth in place before starting. This is quite a tricky brass instrument to master so many students move on to it after having learnt the fundamental techniques from other brass instruments. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: From about £900 for a new student instrument with case. Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. You definitely need advice from your teacher before you buy!. Ongoing Costs: Very little - just lubricating oil and a mouthpiece.

		The Trombone		Summary: A popular instrument and fairly easy to produce a sound in the early stages. However, students are normally a little older when learning this instrument due to the need for arm length in operating the slide. There are plenty of opportunities to play in brass ensembles, marching bands, orchestras, jazz groups, pop bands and brass bands. As with all brass instruments, it is recommended that new learners have their second teeth in place before starting. There are two sorts of trombones, the tenor and bass trombone. The playing techniques are similar in both, and many more advanced players use both instruments depending on the type of music group they are with. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: From about £300 for a new student instrument with case. Second-hand instruments are available - but beware, the condition of the slide is crucial so get your teacher's advice before buying a used instrument. Ongoing Costs: Very little - lubricating oil, mouthpiece and sound accessories (mutes).

		Euphonium		Summary: Euphoniums are part of the Tuba family. Whilst there are fewer opportunities in different styles of music, there is a wonderful repertoire for the euphonium both as a solo instrument and as part of a marching band, an orchestra, concert band or brass band. As with all brass instruments, it is recommended that new learners have their second teeth in place before starting. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: From about £450 for a new student euphonium with case. Second-hand instruments are available, but get your teacher's advice before buying a used instrument. Ongoing Costs: Very little - lubricating oil, mouthpiece and sound accessories (mutes).

		The Tuba		Summary: Tubas are the largest of the Tuba family. There is a wideWhilst there are fewer opportunities in different styles of music, there is a shortage of tuba players so you will always be in demand. There is quite a repertoire of music the tuba both as a solo instrument and as part of a marching band, brass ensemble, orchestra, concert band or brass band. In brass bands there are two types of tuba the Eb and Bb tuba (the Bb tuba being the largest). As with all brass instruments, it is recommended that new learners have their second teeth in place before starting. The main consideration for this instrument is its sheer size, so students tend to be older enabling them to hold the instrument correctly. Many students of the tuba start on euphonium at an earlier age and then transfer across. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: The Tuba costs from £1,000 but it's worth paying more for a good quality instrument. Second-hand instruments are available, but get your teacher's advice before buying a used instrument. Ongoing Costs: Very little - lubricating oil, mouthpiece and sound accessories (mutes).

		A Brent Council Service Making a difference through music