Easy-Level Events
Easy-level, ‘prepare in advance’ workshops
There are currently no easy-level events planned for the summer, but these should be returning in the autumn. (Details of past workshops have been left on the website for reference.)
Does this sound like the thing for you? Get in touch to register your interest and be kept informed of future plans (e-mail address at foot of page)…or just check back later in the year.
Starting Notes (Clarinet/Alto Sax)
For those who possess an instrument but are struggling to get properly underway. This 90 minute workshop aims to ensure you are on the right track and inspire you to continue. Find out more
Tentative Tootlers (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon)
An easy-level group music-making opportunity aimed primarily at players with 8 or more notes up to around Grade 3 standard. Find out more
Happy Honkers (Clarinet, Saxophones, Brass)
An easy-level group music-making opportunity aimed primarily at players with 8 or more notes up to around Grade 3 standard. Find out more
Easy Festive Blow (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophones, Brass)
Easy group music-making with a festive flavour. Aimed primarily at players of Grade 1 – Grade 3 standard. Find out more
For all workshops, players will require their own instrument and should bring a music stand if possible. Places are limited, so please book well in advance.
Starting Notes (Clarinet/Alto Saxophone)
When and where?
No date/venue planned for the immediate future, but Starting Notes may well return in the Autumn.
Would it suit me?
Starting Notes is designed for adults who possess an instrument but are either struggling to get properly underway, or would like reassurance that they are on the right track (or both). Perhaps you’ve decided to make use of a clarinet abandoned long ago by a child/grandchild, or you want to re-bond with that saxophone you played at school only to find that you can’t really remember what you are supposed to be doing! Participants should be able to produce a sound and play at least a few notes.
What will we cover?
General playing skills: Reading notes and rhythms, basic theory, aspects of technique, dynamics and articulation.
Ensemble skills: Tuning up, following a conductor, holding an independent musical line, understanding musical jargon, ensemble etiquette.
There will also be the opportunity to share experiences, discuss problems and ask questions – e.g. about tutor books, strength/sources of reeds, instrument care/repair, etc.
We hope that you will leave this workshop inspired to continue! You should feel more confident about moving forward with your playing, knowing that you have a good understanding of the basics.
Do I get music in advance?
Practice parts for some of the pieces/exercises will be e-mailed out in PDF form a couple of weeks beforehand. In some cases, you will be offered easier and more challenging options, so that you can choose whichever suits you best. If you are not sure about some of the notes or rhythms, don’t worry – the point of the workshop is to help with this!
What do I need to bring?
- Yourself
- Your instrument, plus strap/harness (if required) and a spare reed
- Your practice copies – especially if you have covered these in helpful annotations
- Soft pencil and eraser
- Music stand (if possible)
- Reading glasses (if required)
How much does it cost?
The fee for this workshop is £35
How do I book?
Just e-mail info@blowandblast.co.uk putting ‘Starting Notes’ and the venue in the subject line. Please let us know your name and some information about your instrument and standard – e.g. the range of notes with which you are comfortable, particular problem areas, any previous musical experience.
As this workshop is tailored to those taking part, payment will be required to confirm your booking – we will send you out a link (or BACS details) to enable you to do this online.
Closing date for bookings:
Likely to be around a month before the event.
Cancellations
In the event of the workshop being cancelled (with or without notice), any fees paid would be refunded in full. However, Blow & Blast accepts no liability for other costs incurred. Players should be aware that they make their applications on this basis.
Should you be obliged to cancel after making your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. If your place can be filled by someone on a waiting list, we would then refund the fee, less an administration charge of £10
Tentative Tootlers (Flute, Oboe, B-flat Clarinet, Bassoon)
When and where?
No date/venue planned for the immediate future, but Tentative Tootlers should return in the Autumn.
Would it suit me?
This workshop caters for adult learners or ‘returners’ who play flute, oboe, clarinet in B-flat, or bassoon. Tentative Tootlers is aimed primarily at those with a minimum of 8 notes or so, up to about Grade 3 level. Perhaps you’ve never played in any kind of group before, or you’ve tried an amateur band or orchestra, only to find yourself overwhelmed – so are looking for something slower-paced, with easier music and more individual attention and support. Tentative Tootlers is also ideal for those returning to their instrument after a long gap, who would like some easy-level group playing where there is no need to feel embarrassed by occasional squeaks or memory lapses about fingerings.
What will we cover?
General playing skills: Holding an independent musical line, maintaining a steady pulse, rhythmic accuracy, dynamics, articulation, etc.
Ensemble skills: Tuning up, following a conductor, understanding musical jargon, coping with rests, balance, ensemble etiquette.
By the end of the workshop, you should have a better understanding of the skills and terminology involved in playing with others. Group music-making is very motivating, as well as providing excellent reinforcement of individual learning. Participants benefit from the requirement to play at a steady speed, regardless of errors, and from being encouraged to observe details of dynamics and articulation.
Do I get music in advance?
Practice parts for some of the pieces will be e-mailed out in PDF form a couple of weeks beforehand. Please give details of your ‘comfort’ range of notes, plus any previous musical experience when booking, so that we can aim to give you appropriate music. If in doubt, err on the side of caution. Until you are used to it, playing in a group can prove quite distracting. It helps if the notes are relatively straightforward, so that you can give more of your attention to staying in the correct place!
What do I need to bring?
- Yourself
- Your instrument, plus any relevant accessories (e.g. strap/harness, spare reed)
- Your practice copies – especially if you have covered these in helpful annotations
- Soft pencil and eraser
- Music stand (if possible)
- Reading glasses (if required)
What does it cost?
The fee for this workshop is £35
How do I book?
Just e-mail info@blowandblast.co.uk putting ‘Tentative Tootlers’ and the venue/date in the subject line. Please let us know your name and some information about your instrument and standard – e.g. the range of notes with which you are comfortable, particular problem areas, any previous musical experience.
As this workshop is tailored to those taking part, payment will be required to confirm your booking – we will send you out a link (or BACS details) to enable you to do this online.
Closing date for bookings:
Likely to be around a month before the event.
Cancellations
In the event of the workshop being cancelled (with or without notice), any fees paid would be refunded in full. However, Blow & Blast accepts no liability for other costs incurred. Players should be aware that they make their applications on this basis.
Should you be obliged to cancel after making your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. If your place can be filled by someone on a waiting list, we would then refund the fee, less an administration charge of £10
Happy Honkers (Saxophones & Brass)
When and where?
No date/venue planned for the immediate future, but Happy Honkers should return in the Autumn.
Would it suit me?
This workshop caters for adult learners or ‘returners’ who play clarinet, saxophone or a brass instrument. Happy Honkers is aimed primarily at those with a minimum of 8 notes or so, up to about Grade 3 level. Perhaps you’ve never played in any kind of group before, or you’ve tried an amateur band or orchestra, only to find yourself overwhelmed – so are looking for something slower-paced, with easier music and more individual attention and support. Happy Honkers is also ideal for those returning to an instrument after a long gap, who would like some easy-level group playing where there is no need to feel embarrassed by occasional squeaks or memory lapses about fingerings.
What will we cover?
General playing skills: Holding an independent musical line, maintaining a steady pulse, rhythmic accuracy, dynamics, articulation, etc.
Ensemble skills: Tuning up, following a conductor, understanding musical jargon, coping with rests, balance, ensemble etiquette.
By the end of the workshop, you should have a reasonable understanding of the skills and terminology involved in playing with others. Group music-making is very motivating, as well as providing excellent reinforcement of individual learning. Participants benefit from the requirement to play at a steady speed, regardless of errors, and from being encouraged to observe details of dynamics and articulation.
Do I get music in advance?
Practice parts for some of the pieces will be e-mailed out in PDF form a couple of weeks beforehand. Please give details of your ‘comfort’ range of notes, plus any previous musical experience when booking, so that we can aim to give you appropriate music. If in doubt, err on the side of caution. Until you are used to it, playing in a group can prove quite distracting. It helps if the notes are relatively straightforward, so that you can give more of your attention to staying in the correct place!
What do I need to bring?
- Yourself
- Your instrument, plus any relevant accessories (e.g. strap/harness, spare reed, valve oil)
- Your practice copies – especially if you have covered these in helpful annotations
- Soft pencil and eraser
- Music stand (if possible)
- Reading glasses (if required)
What does it cost?
The fee for this workshop is £35
How do I book?
Just e-mail info@blowandblast.co.uk putting ‘Happy Honkers’ in the subject line. Please let us know your name and some information about your instrument and standard – e.g. the range of notes with which you are comfortable, particular problem areas, any previous musical experience.
As this workshop is tailored to those taking part, payment will be required to confirm your booking – we will send you out a link (or BACS details) to enable you to do this online.
Closing date for bookings:
Likely to be around a month before the event.
Cancellations
In the event of the workshop being cancelled (with or without notice), any fees paid would be refunded in full. However, Blow & Blast accepts no liability for other costs incurred. Players should be aware that they make their applications on this basis.
Should you be obliged to cancel after making your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. If your place can be filled by someone on a waiting list, we would then refund the fee, less an administration charge of £10
Easy Festive Blow (Woodwind, Saxophones, Brass)
When and where?
Probably sometime in early December!! Watch this space for updates.
Would it suit me?
The Easy Festive Blow caters for adult learners or ‘returners’ who play flute, oboe, clarinet in B-flat, bassoon, saxophone (all sizes) or a brass instrument. This workshop is aimed primarily at players from around Grade 1 up to about Grade 3 standard, who would like the opportunity to make some festive music in an easy-level mini-wind band, with parts tailored to their ability level.
What will we cover?
Mostly, the aim is to have some fun playing festive music. However, you will also be acquiring transferrable skills including following a conductor, moving between melody and accompaniment roles and giving consideration to issues for phrasing, balance and style.
Do I get music in advance?
Practice parts for some of the pieces will be e-mailed out in PDF form a couple of weeks beforehand. Please give details of your ‘comfort’ range of notes, plus any previous musical experience when booking, so that we can aim to give you appropriate music.
What do I need to bring?
- Yourself
- Your instrument, plus any relevant accessories (e.g. strap/harness, spare reed, valve oil)
- Your practice copies – especially if you have covered these in helpful annotations
- Soft pencil and eraser
- Music stand (if possible)
- Reading glasses (if required)
What does it cost?
The fee for this workshop is £35
How do I book?
Just e-mail info@blowandblast.co.uk putting ‘Easy Festive Blow’ in the subject line. Please let us know your name and some information about your instrument and standard – e.g. the range of notes with which you are comfortable, particular problem areas, any previous musical experience.
As this workshop is tailored to those taking part, payment will be required to confirm your booking – we will send you out a link (or BACS details) to enable you to do this online.
Closing date for bookings:
Likely to be around a month before the event.
Cancellations
In the event of the workshop being cancelled (with or without notice), any fees paid would be refunded in full. However, Blow & Blast accepts no liability for other costs incurred. Players should be aware that they make their applications on this basis.
Should you be obliged to cancel after making your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. If your place can be filled by someone on a waiting list, we would then refund the fee, less an administration charge of £10