!!!!! WHY LEARN A INSTRUMENT? a skill for life... a skill for life... a skill for life... a skill for life... a better place to learn Musical

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1 a better place to learn REDBRIDGE MUSIC SERVICE, JOHN SAVAGE CENTRE, FENCEPIECE ROAD, HAINAULT, ILFORD, ESSEX IG6 2NB

2 T here are many reasons why children should be encouraged to learn a musical instrument. Research has shown that playing an instrument improves performance in all areas of the curriculum and there is no doubt that learning provides a skill for life. Learning helps pupils develop the following qualities: self-confidence self-discipline imagination and creativity communication skills team and social skills self-respect listening skills self-reliance co-operation loyalty commitment memory skills concentration skills co-ordination skills Life changing experience Music can uplift us when we are down and bring calm into our lives at the end of the day. To engage in music-making can be a life-changing experience and it enables us to discover our creative powers and inner emotions. Teachers employed at Redbridge Music Service are very experienced and can advise on the choice of instrument. It helps if children have some musical awareness and can clap simple rhythms and sing a simple song or two before taking up an instrument. Redbridge Music Service provides opportunities for children from birth to 18 years. It is generally acknowledged that it takes a long time to learn a string instrument. This is why string instruments come in a variety of sizes and children can move up to the next size instrument as they grow. Adults With adults the main driving force for learning an instrument is a strong desire to learn and an interest in music. Adults can often make up for lost time if they have the motivation and discipline to engage in regular practice. 2

3 CHOICE OF INSTRUMENT - STRING Violin The violin is a very versatile instrument, capable of playing beautiful melodies one moment and fast dazzling passages the next. The violin is used as a solo instrument, in orchestras, chamber groups, pop groups and in folk music bands. Viola The viola is often a very under-rated instrument. Slightly larger than the violin, its appeal is in its lush, deep resonant tone, especially on its lower strings. It has an important part to play in orchestras and chamber groups but can also be used to good effect as a solo instrument. Double Bass The double bass is the largest instrument in the string family and makes a deep resonant sound. The double bass is used in orchestras and jazz groups. Cello The cello has a wide register ranging from deep, low notes in the lower register to high, singing notes in the upper register. The cello has an enormous solo repertoire and is played in orchestras and in chamber music. 3

4 CHOICE OF INSTRUMENT - WOODWIND Recorder The recorder is an ideal instrument for children to start on and is also very inexpensive to purchase. Saxophone The saxophone has a very silky sound and is played by jazz, classical, pop and soul musicians. It is a very popular instrument and features in jazz bands, wind bands and saxophone ensembles. Flute The flute has a beautiful tone and can be heard clearly over an orchestra or wind band because it is capable of playing very high notes. It is a refined instrument and flute choirs are very popular. Oboe The oboe is probably one of the most difficult and rewarding instruments to play. It has a beautiful tone in the hands of an experienced player and is played in wind bands and orchestras. The oboe is a double reed instrument and has a very reedy tone when played by beginners. Clarinet The clarinet has a very mellow tone and is played in wind bands, orchestras and jazz groups. Many clarinettists learn the saxophone when they have reached a good standard. Bassoon The bassoon is the largest and deepest sounding woodwind instrument. It is often considered to be the comedian of the orchestra because of its distinctive sound. The bassoon is played in wind bands, orchestras and wind ensembles. 4

5 CHOICE OF INSTRUMENT - BRASS Trumpet The trumpet can have a very penetrating sound but can also sound very lyrical. It is a very versatile instrument and can be used in wind bands, orchestras, jazz bands and brass ensembles. The trumpet is an excellent choice for fanfares and playing at ceremonial occasions. Cornet The cornet appears to be shorter than the trumpet, however the tube length is the same. It has a more mellow tone quality and is preferred by brass bands. French Horn The French horn is a very heroic instrument and has a very beautiful sound quality. It is used in orchestras, wind bands and chamber groups. Tenor Horn The tenor horn has a different shape to the French horn and is used in brass bands. It has a mellow sound quality and is easier to play than the French horn. Trombone The trombone has a slide rather than valves and is capable of producing special effects such as glissandi (sliding from one note to another). It is the most versatile brass instrument as it can be played in orchestras, wind bands, brass bands, jazz orchestras and reggae groups. Baritone/Euphonium The baritone and euphonium are brass band instruments and are also used in wind bands and military bands. The euphonium has a particularly sonorous tone. Tuba The tuba is the largest brass instrument and is used in orchestras, wind bands and brass bands. It can be a comical instrument at times and has a wide range of notes in the hands of a good player. 5

6 CHOICE OF INSTRUMENT Guitar The guitar is an extremely versatile instrument and is suitable for almost every genre of music including classical, jazz, rock, folk, country and various music from around the world. As well as being very portable it can be practised quietly and can be inexpensive to purchase. Ukulele The ukulele is a small guitar-like instrument. As well as being very portable it can be practised quietly and is inexpensive to purchase. Percussion Drum kit and tuned percussion instruments provide rhythmic excitement in any music group. The drum kit is used in rock and pop bands, jazz bands, brass bands and wind bands. Tuned percussion (glockenspiel and xylophone) is used in orchestras, brass bands and wind bands. African drumming and samba are popular areas of study especially for those who have little experience of music. Piano / Keyboard / Harmonium Learning the piano can be very rewarding because it is an instrument that is complete in itself and can play all styles of music ranging from simple melodies to complex pieces with powerful harmonies. The piano is used as a solo instrument to accompany other instruments, or as part of an instrumental group. Electronic keyboards are often more easily accommodated within the home and learning in groups is great fun from the earliest stages because of the automatic rhythms and sounds built into them. The harmonium is a Western instrument that has been adapted for Indian music. It has 42 black and white keys and the player uses the left hand to activate the bellow of the instrument and plays it with the fingers of the right hand. Voice The voice is the most versatile instrument and encompasses all musical styles. 6

7 CHOICE OF INSTRUMENT Sitar The sitar is probably the most well known Indian instrument. It is used in a variety of genre including north Indian classical music, film music and western fusion music. Dhol The dhol is a large two headed barrelshaped wooden drum played with two sticks: a dagga, which is played on the bass side, and a tilli, which is played on the treble side. Tabla The tabla is another Indian instrument that is played with the fingers. African drum The African drum is an instrument played with two hands. African music relies heavily on fastpaced, upbeat rhythmic drum playing found all over that continent. PRACTICE Regular practice is essential if progress is to be made. A little and often is better than hours at a time followed by several days off. Daily practice as recommended by the instrumental teacher will enable pupils to achieve their best. For further information about learning a musical instrument, please enquire at your child s school or visit the RMS website at: 7

8 GENERAL ENQUIRIES ACCOUNTS - MAIN OFFICE Tel: Tel: Weekdays 9am - 5pm (term-time) Tel: Weekdays 1pm - 5pm, Wednesday 1pm pm (term-time) The above times apply to school term-times. The Centre is open 52 weeks per year, however callers are advised to check by telephone that the person they require will be available during school holidays. Designed and produced at Redbridge Music Service by David Underwood. Photographs by Nick Calver. Published by Redbridge Music Service, September 2015