Welcome
Blow and Blast workshops offer a variety of group music-making opportunities for adult learner and ‘returner’ wind players, from entry-level upwards. (String players aren’t completely excluded…there is also the All at C Mini-Orchestra !)
Most workshops take place in and around Perthshire, but there are also occasional events further afield.
Standard (sight-reading) Workshops
Develop ensemble awareness, strengthen your sight-reading skills and build your confidence in a small group setting where music is carefully tailored to ability. Enjoy making music with others in a ‘practice only’ scenario, with no need to commit to regular attendance, no requirement to perform and no pressure to be perfect!
Use the appropriate link below to find out more:
‘Prepare in Advance’ Events
These workshops or short courses give participants the opportunity to practice pieces in advance. This can be immensely reassuring if you lack confidence or are still very new to your instrument. In some cases, the object of the event may be to polish repertoire to a level that isn’t possible in the sight-reading workshops.
Why Choose Blow and Blast?
Many amateur bands and orchestras expect a high ‘minimum playing standard’, putting these out of reach for most adult learners.
Other groups welcome relative beginners, promising easy parts and support from other players. In reality, however, the ‘easy’ parts are often not easy enough – or the notes themselves may be straightforward, but knowing quite when to play them is not! Endlessly receiving ‘guidance’ from a long-suffering neighbour can leave enthusiastic learners feeling inadequate and disheartened.
Blow & Blast workshops offer
- Music tailored to ability and confidence levels
- Input from award-winning tutor who specialises in working with adult learners
- Small group sizes with plenty of encouragement and individual attention
- Relaxed, friendly atmosphere
Each workshop is a free-standing event, so there’s no pressure to commit to regular attendance. This means that Blow & Blast is also popular with those whose playing opportunities are limited by work, caring or family commitments.
Interested in coming along? Check out our Information, Dates and Venues page to find a workshop to suit you!