Brent Music Service

		The String Family		Including the Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Guitar. Stringed 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 Youth String Orchestra, Brent Junior Ensemble and Brent Guitar Ensemble which can be joined by string players of the appropriate standard (see Brent Music Ensembles section for more information). If you like the idea of learning a string instrument, please speak direct with your school to find out if Brent Music Service tutors are available for this instrument.

		The Violin		Summary: Violins make up 60% of the players in a symphony orchestra - so you will never be short of opportunities to play. Jazz and folk groups also often use violins. Second only to the Piano for range of music written for the instrument. Because you have total command of the sound it's very rewarding when mastered. Whilst it can be difficult to play in the early stages, with a bit of dedication and patience the rewards are well worth it. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. (Instruments are available in several sizes so we recommend that you hire until a full-size instrument is required). Costs to Buy: From about £65 for a new student outfit. (violin, case & bow). Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. Second-hand instruments are plentiful - and old instruments are usually preferable to new, but prices can vary between forty pounds and several thousand pounds depending on quality. Buying second-hand can be a minefield, so always seek your teacher's advice before you buy. Ongoing Costs: Strings will need replacement - cost between £1 - £5. Bows are easily broken - cost about £20.

		The Viola		Summary: Viola players are in very short supply - you will be in demand! Because viola parts in orchestras are generally easier than the violin parts you will be able to join an orchestra sooner. Whilst there is less music written for the viola than the violin, this is still an excellent choice. Many students start on the Violin and then transfer to the viola. The technique is the same for both, but sometimes the larger size of the viola is not as appropriate for younger students as the violin. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. (Instruments are available in several sizes so we recommend that you hire until a full-size instrument is required). Costs to Buy: From about £200 for a new student outfit. (viola, case & bow). Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. Second-hand instruments are plentiful - and old instruments are usually preferable to new, but prices can vary between £100 and several thousand pounds depending on quality. Buying second-hand can be a minefield, so always seek your teacher's advice before you buy. Ongoing Costs: Strings will need replacement - cost between £1 - £5. Bows are easily broken - cost about £20.

		The Cello		Summary: Cellists are in great demand so you will never be short of opportunities to play! Because you have total command of the sound it's very rewarding when mastered. There is a huge amount of music for the cello and whilst it requires dedication and patience to learn, it's very rewarding in the long-term. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. (Instruments are available in several sizes so we recommend that you hire until a full-size instrument is required). Costs to Buy: From about £400 for a new student outfit. (cello, case & bow). Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. Second-hand instruments can be hard to find, and buying second-hand can be a minefield. Old instruments are usually preferable to new. Prices can vary between £300 and several thousand pounds depending on quality, so never buy second-hand without seeking your teacher's advice. Ongoing Costs: Strings will need replacement - cost between £4 - £10.

		Double Bass		Summary: An easier member of the string family to play as it does not regularly take the main tune. There is a shortage of bass players which means you will be very much in demand - not just for orchestras but also for folk and jazz groups. (Double Bass and Bass Guitar have the same fingering - you might like to double). A main consideration for learning this instrument is its size - you will need suitable transport! Whilst there are mini-basses, this instrument tends to be learnt by older students because of its large size. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. (Instruments are available in several sizes so we recommend that you hire until a three-quarter or full-size instrument is required). Costs to Buy: From about £900 for a new student outfit. (bass, case & bow). Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. Second-hand instruments can be hard to find, and buying second-hand can be a minefield. Old instruments are usually preferable to new, but much less so than with cellos. Prices can vary between £500 and several thousand pounds depending on quality, so never buy second-hand without seeking your teacher's advice. Ongoing Costs: Strings may need replacement, but it's very rare for bass strings to break - cost between £10 - £15.

		The Guitar		Summary: There are three types of guitar, including Acoustic (steel strung guitar), Classical (nylon strung guitar which is most appropriate for new learners) and Electric (steel strung guitar played with a a plectrum or 'pick', requires an amplifier and speaker). As the guitar can be a solo or group instrument with opportunities to play in folk, rock and jazz groups, or as a member of a guitar ensemble it can be a great deal of fun either on your own or with others. Brent Music Service focuses on teaching the Classical guitar and runs guitar ensembles at each of their evening centres. However, the skills developed on the classical guitar can be easily transferred to the acoustic and electric guitars if required. Costs to Buy: From about £50 but ask your teacher for advice before buying. Cheap guitars are often of poor quality and hard to keep in tune so avoid the lower end of the market. Guitars are not expensive, so it's often better to buy new rather than second-hand. Ongoing Costs: Replacement strings - from £6 a set.

		A Brent Council Service Making a difference through music