Why learn an instrument? Most obviously, perhaps for the sheer joy that can be had from making music. But the pleasure gained from being able to play music is complemented by other benefits.

Teachers are often struck by the difference between students at their first lesson and the same person a year later. The change can be remarkable. Exposure to music and the learning of an instrument changes someone and makes them grow, both as a musician and as a person.

We hope that learning with Black Dyke will help build your confidence, develop your self-expression, improve reading, comprehension and maths skills and create a sense of responsibility, both to yourself and to others.

In this video, our Director of Music and Conductor, Professor Nick Childs, himself a virtuoso musician, introduces and describes our lesson series, giving you a good overview of the courses available across the five key instruments of a brass band.