Questors Young Musicians Club
Instrumental Tuition
For Children of six years and older we offer the following lessons:
For older children we offer following lessons which may be started as the child reaches an appropriate age:
| Violin | Flute | Trumpet/Cornet | Guitar |
| Viola | Oboe | Trombone | Recorder |
| Cello | Clarinet | French Horn | Bassoon |
| Double Bass | Saxophone | Percussion | Keyboard |
Instruments taught at QYMC
This is a list (not quite complete yet) of the instruments that are taught at QYMC, with a brief description of each one. We've tried to pick out any special requirements that should be taken into consideration if you are thinking of learning the instrument.
Violin
The violin is the smallest of the stringed instruments offered at QYMC. Although one of the slower instruments to get started on, it is equally suitable for the youngest beginners at QYMC (age six and upwards) and the oldest. Once the basics have been mastered it is a very rewarding instrument to play and we run a junior string ensemble for violin and cello pupils of approximately grade 1 - 3.
The violin is one of the instruments offered in the ITM II class.
Violins suitable for beginners start at about £50, and we have a some violins which can be hired for a modest fee. If we do not have a suitable instrument we can give details of commercial hire schemes.
'Cello
The 'cello is a large stringed instrument, played in a sitting position with the instrument between the legs. It is tuned several octaves lower than the violin, and there are many similarities between the two. The cello is a very mellow instrument and is suitable for beginners of all ages at QYMC.
The 'cello is one of the instruments offered in our ITM II class.
'Cellos suitable for beginners start at about £100, (second hand) and we have a some 'cellos which can be hired for a modest fee. If we do not have a suitable instrument we can give details of commercial hire schemes.
Piano/Keyboard
Piano is one of the most versatile and useful instruments to be able to play, however we do NOT recommend it as a first instrument as it is not suited to playing with others. The piano is a member of the percussion family, and combines melody, harmony and accompaniment on one instrument, making it equally suited to solo or ensemble playing. We no longer offer piano lessons. We do however offer keyboard lessons and you will need to bring your keyboard to the class.
Keyboards are available from around £100. Yes, you can buy them cheaper, but in order for it to be suitable for lessons it should have 5 octaves and weighted keys.
Trumpet
This is one of the most popular instruments of the brass family. Usually used as a melody instrument, it is equally well suited to playing jazz, pop or classical music. It is not appropriate for children who do not yet have their adult front teeth.
A starter level trumpet will cost about £120. There are good value instrument hire schemes offered by music shops, which are excellent for beginners.
Cornet
This is a brass instrument, very similar to the trumpet, but slightly smaller and more often used in jazz or band playing. As with all brass instruments, children must have their front teeth before they start learning this instrument.
A starter level cornet will cost about £120. There are good value instrument hire schemes offered by music shops, which are excellent for beginners.
The cornet is one of the instruments offered in the Woodwind and Brass Taster course.
Fife
The fife is a member of the woodwind family and is a miniature version of the flute. It is a great starter instrument as it is ideal for younger children (age 6-7). It does have a limited range of keys but this isn't really an issue as once children are a little bigger they move up the the flute. Fifes are melody instruments.
Fifes are very reasonably priced at under £10 and are virtually unbreakable!
Percussion
Percussion is ideal for younger beginners. Untuned percussion instruments (for example drums) are fun to play, and allow children to develop a good sense of rhythm and group awareness when playing: these are two of the most important skills in music. Tuned percussion (for example the xylophone) is also excellent for developing skills in melody and harmony.
Percussion is offered in our ITM II class.
Percussion covers many instruments, and it is unnecessary for pupils to buy or hire all the instruments they encounter. More usually we would suggest that pupils buy a rubber practice pad and set of sticks, which should cost under £20.
Recorder
The recorder is a member of the woodwind family, and is one of the most popular instruments for beginners. The recorder groups at QYMC are always popular classes, and it is a good instrument for ensemble playing (our beginner ensemble recently won first prize in the Ealing Music Festival). QYMC encourages pupils to play the full family of recorders and we also have an advanced ensemble.
The recorder is one of the instruments offered in our ITM II class.
Recorders are popular instruments and descant recorders are available very cheaply. Although you often find recorders for sale in toy departments, etc. you should go to a music shop and pay about £8 - £15 for a plastic descant as there is an enormous difference in quality in these intruments. A more advanced recorder student should look at paying £100 upwards for a handmade wooden recorder.
Any information given regarding prices of instruments is offered as a guide only. In order to learn an instrument you will from time to time need to buy for example tutor books, sheet music and consumables. Your child's teacher will advise you of what you need to purchase or make the purchases on your behalf if this is more appropriate.