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

Piano

Lessons will be delivered using the school’s piano, or your child can bring their own keyboard from home if they prefer. 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 SA-46 Mini Keys Keyboard costing £41 (or similar) is ideal for beginners, particularly younger pupils who have smaller fingers / hands
• a Casio CTK-240AD 49 Full-Size Keys Keyboard with AC Adapter costing £72 (or similar) is more suitable for older pupils who have larger fingers / hands, or those with more playing experience

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

• “Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course (Part 1)” book from £5.39 (if starting as a beginner) or “Get Set! Piano Tutor Book 1” from £7.99 – 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 I can write lesson / practice notes

Recorder

• Set-up cost: from £9.98 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 £5.99 (or similar – there are other instruments to choose from, please feel free to shop around).  A case is recommended.
  • “Recorder Magic” book from £3.39 (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

Trombone / pBuzz

Depending on your child’s size and your budget you may wish to consider choosing between learning trombone or pBuzz if your child is interested in learning a lower brass instrument.

• pBuzz – a fairly new concept for a plastic ‘brass’ instrument which is smaller, lighter and less expensive than a trombone: set-up cost: from £19.99 depending upon which instrument you choose, and whether or not you purchase a carry case (recommended).  You will need to purchase:
  • a pBuzz costing £19.99 (or choose a bundle which includes carry case costing £25.00, or buy a case separately costing £14.84 [if the bundle option is out of stock])
  • Since pBuzz is a relatively new concept, at this stage there are no suitable commercial books to buy; as such, resources shall be provided in the short term, and a music book may need to be purchased at a later stage.
• Trombone – a traditional brass instrument which is larger, heavier and more expensive than a pBuzz, although plastic / hybrid instruments are now available. Instruments are available for hire or purchase so do take some time to look around at all the options.

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

• Team Brass: Trombone/Euphonium (Bass Clef) (With Free Audio CD) (£9.99) tutor book
• a pencil for making notes in music books or for completing worksheets
• a small notebook in which I can write lesson / practice notes

Trumpet / Cornet

Trumpets and cornets are essentially very similar; the trumpet is longer in the body so can be more physically tiring to hold and may be less suitable for very small children. Otherwise the way that you play the instrument and the sound they make is the same (at beginner level at least). Trumpets are more traditionally used in orchestras and big bands whilst the cornet is the traditional upper brass instrument used in brass bands.

There are lots of options available for traditional brass trumpets and cornets, or modern plastic / hybrid instruments which tend to be lighter and less expensive, so depending on the age and size of your child, and your budget, we are sure you will find an instrument to suit. Instruments are available for hire or purchase so do take some time to look around at all the options.

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

• a copy of the Team Brass: Trumpet / Cornet tutor book (£9.29)
• a pencil for making notes in music books or for completing worksheets
• a small notebook in which I can write lesson / practice notes

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!