Homepage      Back to Tuition Index Brass Fact Sheet
Trumpet  & Cornet	When to start:	School year 5 or 6. The Brass Teacher for your school will advise, as with all brass instruments it's preferable to have your second teeth. (Trumpets and Cornets are the same to play, the cornet is used in brass bands and the trumpets in Jazz groups and orchestras).
	Costs:	Virtually none - just valve lubricating oil.
	Hire:	Gloucestershire Music hire charge £22.04 per term.
	Buy:	From about £175 to £200 for a student instrument with case.   Second-hand instruments are easily available from about £100, but check carefully for wear and damage. Seek the teacher's  advice before buying.
	Pros/Cons:	Pro:   A popular instrument and fairly easy to play in the early stages,. Opportunities to play in orchestras and jazz groups. Con:   Becomes harder later on.  Orchestral places are limited.  Summary:  There's quite a lot of competition for ensemble places at the advanced level - don't let that put you off starting - but you will need to work at if you're going to compete later on.
French Horn	When to start:	School year 6 or 7. Most horn players start on something else, usually the trumpet, cornet or euphonium.  The Brass Teacher for your school will advise, as with all brass instruments it's preferable to have your second teeth
	Costs:	Virtually none - just valve lubricating oil.
	Hire:	Gloucestershire Music hire charge £22.04 per term.
	Buy:	From about £900 for a new student instrument with case.  Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more.  Don't economise -  the Horn is hard enough to play without having to battle with the deficiencies of a cheap instrument. This is one instrument where you definitely need advice from your teacher before you buy!.
	Pros/Cons:	Pro:  The horn has a wonderful repertoire and stunning solos in the orchestra. You will be in demand!     Con:  No opportunities for Jazz or Folk.   Summary:  One of the most rewarding instruments you can play - but it's not easy.
Trombone	When to start:	From school year 5.  Arm length will determine. As with all brass instruments it's preferable to have your second teeth. The Brass Teacher for your school will advise.
	Costs:	Virtually none - slide lubricating oil.
	Hire:	Gloucestershire Music hire charge £22.04 per term.
	Buy:	From about £300 for a new student instrument with case.   Second-hand instruments are available - but beware, the condition of the slide is crucial so get your teacher's advice before buying a used instrument.
	Pros/Cons:	Pro:  Lots of opportunities for playing in bands, Jazz groups and orchestras.   Con:  By no means easy to play well.   Summary:  You will need dedication and lots of practice - but the rewards are well worth it.
Tuba  Euphonium Eb Horn	When to start:	All these instruments are part of the Tuba family. The Euphonium and Eb Horn are the smaller brass band versions and can be managed from school year 6. The Tuba is best left until secondary school because of its sheer size and weight. However, once you are large enough transferring is not a problem.
	Costs	Virtually none - just valve lubricating oil.
	Hire:	Gloucestershire Music hire charge £22.04 per term.
	Buy:	From about £450 for a new student euphonium with case. Second-hand instruments are available. The Tuba costs from £1,000 but it's worth paying more for a good quality instrument.
	Pros/Cons:	Pro:  Not too difficult to play. Plenty of opportunity to play in wind and brass bands from fairly early on. The Tuba is also a required instrument in the symphony orchestra for larger works.  Con:  Euphonium - none.  Tuba - It's very large and expensive! (but you will never be short of groups to play with).   Summary:  Fairly easy to play and very much in demand.