Winds class accepts beginners on flute, saxophone and clarinet and students who have already been learning brass instruments such as trumpet, trombone, horns or tuba.

Instrument / Lesson  information - Lessons

It is obligatory that students take individual or group lessons on their instrument in addition to their normal classroom music & orchestra rehearsals. This will allow them to progress to their best ability. All current students in the program take lessons.

Lesson options:  ( + pros.   – cons)

1.  Local music academy = + usually cheapest and offers group lessons  - sometimes requires solfege classes in addition. (You will need to check your local commune example Berchem)

2. Lessons with APEE @ EEB4 + more flexible, individual lessons often faster progress.  – more expensive than academy.  see APEE website or contact APEE

3. Individual teacher  = + more flexible, individual lessons often faster progress.  – more expensive. Teachers can be found using this site – Apprentus or superprof

Buying / Renting instruments

Due to covid hygiene concerns the school will not be lending/renting instruments for students, thus you will need to buy or rent your own instruments individually.

Generally we recommend buying your own instrument, students become proud and take care of their own instruments better than rentals. They usually continue for longer, improve quicker and are more motivated. Even so sometimes rentals are necessary depending on budget or instrument size.

 ** note saxophone and clarinet students will need to buy a box of sax reeds / clarinet reeds to go with their instrument. (Reed 1.5 strength for beginners)

Buy / Rental shops - Winds

Antwerp – Lemca - https://www.lemca.com/

Gent - Blazers and Blazers - https://blazersenblazers.be/en/our-store

Lemmen – Adams music https://www.adams-music.com/en/contact#a_info (new and 2nd hand)

Brussels – unfortunately I don’t know of any rental shops in BXL. There is one second hand shop Le 47 but it has a very limited range. https://www.le-47.com/

ArtNwinds – only for secondhand clarinets really - http://artnwindsrepair.be/en/

BUYING ONLINE - @Thomann

Medium Budget: Very good quality and resell value, easier to play and learn on and last longer.

Yamaha or Jupiter brands

Flute Yamaha YFL272  €620

Clarinet Yamaha YCL255  €500

Saxophone Yamaha YAS280  €980

The online shop above Thomann is very reputable but if you prefer to try go in store.

Cheapest (good for beginners but not as good quality as medium budget instruments)

FL-200 Thomann flute

Alto Sax Thomann TAS180

Clarinet startone SCL 25

Other necessary materials:1.Music books

(choose the correct book for your childs instrument) easier and cheaper online

Abracadbra Saxophone or  Abracadbra Flute or Abracadbra Clarinet or Abracadabra Trumpet or Abracadabra French horn

2. Saxophone and clarinet students will need to buy a box of sax reeds / clarinet reeds to go with their instrument. (Reed 1.5 strength for beginners)

3. Tuner-Metronome

4. Music stand- Large stand / folding stand

Also see school booklist here
https://eeb4.be/fr/sec-livres-fournitures/

It's possible to buy string instruments of basically all budgets starting from very cheap instruments. The first step is knowing the instrument size needed (we will help with that). Instruments should come with a bow + case included.

Thomann is a reliable provider if you are considering buying online. We recommend the brand Roth & Junius for excellent relation quality-prize. Other possibilities also available on the site:

Full size violins: https://www.thomann.de/be/violins_and_violas.html

3/4 size violins: https://www.thomann.de/be/3_4_violins.html

1/2 size violins: https://www.thomann.de/be/1_2_violins.html

Some violin sets don't include a shoulder rest and it needs to be purchased apart: https://www.thomann.de/be/shoulder_rests_for_violins.html

Violas (different sizes): https://www.thomann.de/be/acoustic_violas.html

Full size cellos: https://www.thomann.de/be/cellos.html

3/4 size cellos: https://www.thomann.de/be/3_4_cellos.html

1/2 size cellos: https://www.thomann.de/be/1_2_cellos.html

Double basses (different sizes): https://www.thomann.de/be/double_basses_for_children.html

All students will need a music stand to practise at home:

https://www.thomann.de/be/music_stands.html

Renting and leasing is also a good option for beginners. Here you can find as well a couple of addresses for rental instruments in Brussels.

AZZATO: http://www.azzato.eu/en/location.html

Atelier La Cigale: https://lutherielacigale.be/

The Music Project is an inclusive program in which students with different musical levels and backgrounds learn together side by side. In order to achieve the desired level of performance and development in our classes homogeneous commitment and motivation are expected from all students participating.  

These are the mandatory requirements for the Strings and Winds classes: 

• All students have their own instrument and necessary equipment at home (music stand, reeds, bow rosin, etc.) to ensure regular practice 

• All students bring their instrument to every class and performance (unless otherwise indicated by teachers in case of bigger size instruments such as cellos and double basses) 

• All students follow weekly individual lessons (in a music academy or with a private tutor). These lessons are fundamental for the technical and musical development of students and complementary to the ensemble work that takes place within the Music Project 

• All students are responsible for the good maintenance of their instrument and are financially responsible for any repairs required 

• All students are motivated and committed to regular home practice to ensure progress during the group lessons. All students contribute to group discussions and ensemble practice with a positive and engaged attitude   

My enrolling in the music program I agree that I will fulfill these requirements stated above. I understand that not participating as stated above may endanger my place in the music project.