Brent Music Service

		The Woodwind Family		Including Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon and Saxophone. Woodwind instruments offer a wide range of opportunities to perform as solo instruments, in ensembles, orchestras and concert/wind bands and with the saxophone jazz groups too. In addition to school tuition services, Brent Music Service also offers the Brent Youth Concert Band and Brent Junior Ensemble which can be joined by woodwind players of the appropriate standard (see Brent Music Ensembles section for more information). If you like the idea of learning a woodwind instrument, please speak direct with your school to find out if Brent Music Service tutors are available for this instrument.

		The Flute		Summary: Relatively easy to play in the early stages and initial playing development is quite fast once the blowing technique has been mastered correctly. There is a wide range of music written for the instrument and opportunities to play as a soloist and in woodwind ensembles, orchestras, concert bands and sometimes in folk and jazz groups. There is no real restriction on when this instrument can be learnt, except for the physical arm length requirements to reach all the keys. Students of the flute also regularly take up the piccolo as an additional similar instrument. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: From about £350 for a new 'student' quality outfit. (flute & case). Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. Secondhand instruments easily available. Always seek the teacher's advice before buying. Ongoing Costs: Very little - occasional adjustments and pad replacement.

		The Oboe		Summary: Wide range of music written for the instrument as a soloist and with woodwind ensembles, orchestras and concert bands, although no real opportunities in folk, jazz or pop groups. Whilst this is one of the hardest woodwind instruments to master, the many beautiful solos for oboe in the orchestral repertoire make the effort very worthwhile. There is no real restriction on when this instrument can be learnt, except for the physical arm length requirements to reach all the keys. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: From about £800 for a new 'student' quality outfit. (oboe & case). Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. Secondhand instruments are available but not always easy to find. Never buy second-hand without expert advice. Ongoing Costs: Reeds need replacing quite often - about £5. Otherwise very little - apart from occasional adjustments and pad replacement.

		The Clarinet		Summary: Relatively easy to play in the early stages and initial playing development is quite fast once the blowing technique has been mastered correctly. There is a wide range of music written for the instrument both as a soloist and with woodwind ensembles, marching bands, orchestras and concert/wind bands. There is no real restriction on when this instrument can be learnt, except for the physical arm length requirements to reach all the keys. Students of the clarinet also regularly take up the saxophone as an additional similar instrument which enables them to also play in folk, jazz and pop groups. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: From about £350 for a new 'student' quality outfit. (clarinet & case). Advanced students should be prepared to spend more. Secondhand instruments are readily available but don't buy second-hand without seeking your teacher's advice. For those students developing their playing to advanced levels with orchestras, there is a requirement to have two clarinets - in Bb and A. Ongoing Costs: Reeds need replacing often - about £2. Otherwise very little - apart from occasional adjustments and pad replacement.

		The Bassoon		Summary: Relatively easy to play in the early stages and initial playing development is quite fast once the blowing technique has been mastered correctly. There is no real restriction on when this instrument can be learnt, except for the physical arm length requirements to reach all the keys. However, 'mini-bassoons' are available for younger/smaller students Whilst there are few opportunities in jazz, folk and pop groups, there is a wide range of music written for the instrument both as a soloist and with woodwind ensembles, orchestras and concert/wind bands. There is a shortage of bassoonists, so you will be very much in demand! Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: From about £2,500. Second-hand instruments are available from about £1000, but take expert advice from your teacher before purchasing. Ongoing Costs: Reeds need replacing quite often - about £7. Otherwise very little - apart from occasional adjustments and pad replacement.

		The Saxophone		Summary: Relatively easy to play in the early stages and initial playing development is quite fast once the blowing technique has been mastered correctly. There is no real restriction on when this instrument can be learnt, except for the physical arm length requirements to reach all the keys. This is particularly relevant when selecting whether you learn Alto, Tenor or Baritone saxophone (ranging from small to large in size). The Saxophone has a wide repertoire especially in Jazz and concert/wind bands. Playing opportunities also exist in orchestras occasionally, together with saxophone ensembles and wind ensembles. Costs to Hire: Brent Music Service hire charge £25.00 per term. Costs to Buy: There are number of types of saxophone all ranging in size - Alto saxophones are from about £500, whilst tenor and baritone saxophones are considerably more expensive. It's better to avoid the cheaper end of the market. Secondhand instruments are easily available but rather variable in quality so always seek the teacher's advice before buying. Ongoing Costs: Reeds need replacing often - about £2. Otherwise very little - apart from occasional adjustments and pad replacement.

		A Brent Council Service Making a difference through music