Resources – Balfour Junior School

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Please review the resources your child will require for each instrument before you decide which one(s) to apply for.

Please note that we also teach mixed ensembles at school so if your child is interested in joining please email Mr Farmer (the Music Lead): SFarmer@balfourjuniors.org.uk

Piano

Lessons will be delivered using the school’s pianos or keyboards. You will need to purchase a copy of the music book below, and your child will need to have access to a piano or keyboard at home to practice on – here are some example instruments which we consider suitable for home practice if space and budget will not allow for a piano at home:

  • a Casio CTK-240AD 49 Full-Size Keys Keyboard with AC Adapter costing £89.99 (or something similar to this) provides the basic essentials which will enable your child to practise the skills we learn during our lessons in school.
  • our preferred choice is a Casio CT-S1 Portable Piano Keyboard costing £179.00; it has fully weighted keys and an excellent sound, so it feels and sounds very much like a piano, but with the benefits of a keyboard (i.e. compact in size and a lower in price).

Your child will also need to bring the following to each lesson:

  • “Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course (Part 1)” book from £6.43 (if starting as a beginner) or “Get Set! Piano Tutor Book 1” from £9.99 – please wait until after your child’s first lesson when you will be emailed to confirm which book to purchase.
  • a pencil for making notes in music books or for completing worksheets
  • a small notebook in which we can write lesson / practice notes

Recorder

  • Set-up cost: from £15.69 depending upon which instrument and book you choose.  You will need to purchase the following for your child to bring to each lesson:
    • a soprano / descant recorder (8 holes) costing £6.49 (or similar – there are other instruments to choose from, please feel free to shop around).  A case is recommended.
    • “Recorder Magic” book from £9.20 (or a book with CD is also available costing £6.99)
    • a pencil for making notes in music books or for completing worksheets
    • a small notebook in which I can write lesson / practice notes

Brass Instruments

We offer tuition on a range of brass instruments; which one you choose is likely to depend on your child’s size and their musical goals:

  • Trumpet
    Small, straight brass instrument with 3 valves.
    Bright, piercing sound — often the “lead voice” in a band or orchestra.
    Light and easy to hold, but needs strong lips (“embouchure”) to control the high notes.
    Very popular — lots of music written for it.
  • Cornet
    Looks similar to a trumpet but more compact and slightly curved.
    Softer, rounder sound than trumpet, though still bright.
    Easier for small hands and younger players because it’s shorter and easier to balance.
    Common starting point for children in brass bands.
  • Tenor Horn
    Shaped like a small baritone/tuba, with 3 valves.
    Produces a gentle, mellow, middle-range sound that blends well in brass bands.
    Sits between cornet/trumpet (higher) and baritone/trombone (lower).
    Manageable size for children, middle voice in ensembles.
  • Baritone
    Looks like a mini-tuba, bigger than a tenor horn, with 3 valves.
    Warm, rich, deeper sound than tenor horn.
    Comfortable to play, but bulkier to hold than cornet/trumpet.
    Often a good choice for children who want a lower voice but aren’t ready for the size of a euphonium or trombone.
  • Trombone
    Long, straight brass instrument with a slide instead of valves.
    Bold, brassy sound — very noticeable in bands and jazz.
    Physically longer and needs longer arms to reach all slide positions, so not ideal for smaller children.
    Visually exciting to play (the slide movement is very obvious).

    Quick parent summary
    Cornet → Easiest starter for younger children, compact, friendly sound.
    Trumpet → Similar to cornet but brighter sound, longer instrument.
    Tenor Horn → Mellow, middle voice, good size.
    Baritone → Warm, deeper sound, easy valves, bigger to hold, but good for bigger embouchures (lips).
    Trombone → Flashy slide, strong brassy sound, needs longer arms, good for bigger embouchures (lips).

Your child will also need to bring the following to each lesson:

Please note that these prices are correct at the time of updating this page, but obviously things can change so do check the latest prices in stores / online before you make your decision. Many thanks!

Sound Roots