INSTRUMENTLESSONS

AT BirkenHeAd SCHooL

Need Advice?PLeASe TALk To US.

Alan DaviesT : 0151 651 3028 | e : asd@birkenheadschool.co.uk

Sue KeatingT : 0151 651 3133 | e : sjk@birkenheadschool.co.uk

Philip Robinson | director of MusicBirkenhead School | 58 Beresford road | oxton CH43 2JdT : 0151 651 3032 | e : pfr@birkenheadschool.co.uk

Mastering a musical instrumentimproves the way the human brain

processes parts of spoken language.STAMford UniverSiTy 2004.

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Which one to choose?

Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the most rewarding activities that any pupil can ever undertake. Those whosucceed usually continue to play for much of their life – often well into old age.

The key to success is regular practice – every day – even if

only for a short time. The discipline, time and effort to learn

can be odds with the expectation of ‘instant gratification’

desired by today’s society. String instruments and the Piano

probably require the greatest commitment, but also give the

greatest rewards. Pupils often start these while they are young.

Flute players can also start young. Brass and woodwind

players need their adult front teeth before beginning

Rent or Buy?› Always ask the instrumental teacher for advice.

› Most rental schemes allow you to offset a subsequent purchase cost by any rental paid.

› A good, well maintained second hand instrument may beeasier to learn than a new, cheap, poor quality instrument.

› The School has some instruments that it can rent out.

› Large, expensive and often less popular instruments may be rented or loaned from the School for a nominal charge.

Application forms are available from Mrs Askew | Prep Secretary | Tel: 0151 652 4114

Choose a second!

Many pupils also learn a second instrument. Itcan be a good idea to choose a contrastinginstrument such as one from a different familyand/or a bass instrument rather than a treblepitched one. It is generally best to avoid twowind instruments especially while youngembouchures develop.

If in doubt, think BIG

Large instruments are often the least popular but those who play them are nearly always in demand. Don’t be put off by their size or cost. If in doubt, think “Bass Guitar” rather than Guitar; think Trombone or Tuba rather than Trumpet. Don’t forget about less popularinstruments such as the Oboe or the Bassoon

Strings

String players are always in great demand and players arewidely sought after by youth orchestras. The Violin canultimately be one of the most rewarding instruments to play.Pupils often start young with ½ or ¾ size instruments. TheCello is an attractive alternative. Double Bass players can beginon “Mini Bass” instruments.

Free Violin ’taster’ group lessons are available throughout theyear for pupils who would like to try out the instrument first.Pupils who study the violin may choose to study a secondinstrument as well.

Woodwind

Flutes, Clarinets and Saxophones are popular instruments.Despite its lovely sound, the Oboe is less popular, as it isgenerally regarded as being harder to learn. The Bassoonrequires large hands so the recent availability of a “miniBassoon” designed for youngsters should make this excitinginstrument more accessible. Bass Clarinets, Tenor and BaritoneSaxes are stocked by the School and pupils who make goodprogress on the basic instruments may be invited to borrowthese instruments to play in various ensembles.

Percussion

Percussion is often a good choice as a second instrument,although some choose to make it their speciality. Typically,pupils get to play a wide range of orchestral percussionincluding Xylophone, Glockenspiel and Timpani, as well as the more ubiquitous Drum Kit.

Piano & Organ

The Piano is perhaps the most rewarding of all instruments to play well. Even elementary keyboard skills can be useful. Pianistsshould seriously consider learning a second orchestral instrument.Those who make good progress could also consider learning thePipe Organ. The School has a well maintained instrument in Chapeland is keen to promote pupils to accompany the services.

Guitar

The Guitar is often a popular choice, although few pupils seem to progress past playing a few chords. To play well is not as easy as it looks. The Guitar can make a good choice as asecond instrument. The Bass Guitar may be a better choiceeither as a first or second instrument.

Brass

The School has a strong tradition of successful Brass teaching and many players reach the highest grades before leaving school.The Cornet is excellent to start on even if pupils intend to progressto the Trumpet later. Pupils should be encouraged to think aboutplaying larger instruments such as the Euphonium or Tuba and canusefully start on the Eb Horn which is a much more manageablesize. The Trombone (an endangered species according to the RoyalAcademy) has a reputation for being harder to learn – but greatfun. Modern instruments allow youngsters with short arms toreach all of the notes. The French horn can be a sensible choice for those who have a good sense of pitch.

Children who received keyboardinstruction for two years scored higher onspatial-temporal and arithmetic tasksrAUSCHer, 2002

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