Mike Searby: Brass/Theory/Composition Teacher

Email searbymike@gmail.com

https://brassteachinguk.blogspot.com/

Do email or phone me if you have any queries. I can now teach online via Zoom.

Area: Kingston upon Thames

Cost: 30 mins £20; 60 mins £40

DBS checked May 2025

See below advice on beginner instruments and common problems.

Profile

I have extensive experience of teaching and coaching brass instruments from beginner to degree level, I teach brass for Richmond Music Trust, Kingston Music Services, Marymount International School, and have several private pupils in the Surrey area. I studied the trombone at the Royal Northern College of Music with Terry Nagle (Halle) and Roger Harvey (RPO), and privately with Denis Wick. I continue to perform as an orchestral trombonist and I am first trombone for the Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra, the Kingston Chamber Orchestra and have played first trombone for the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra. I have a good knowledge of all the brass instruments and teach the trombone, the french horn, the trumpet and baritone horn.

I am also a composer and have written many works for brass, saxophone quartet, orchestra and voice, and have taught composition for many years at both Salford and Kingston Universities.

Throughout my time as a lecturer at Kingston University I have taught the trombone, conducted and coached the Kingston University Brass Ensemble including performances at the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall and the Guildhall on several occasions. In December 2017 I took up a part-time post to continue coaching the brass ensemble and teaching trombone at Kingston University. 

I have experience of teaching younger brass pupils (from year 4) for Richmond Music Trust, Kingston Music Services, Newcastle under Lyme School and privately in Manchester and Surrey – this involved liaising with parents regarding the progress of their children. I have also successfully put pupils in for Associated Board and Trinity Practical Examinations and can provide aural and theory tuition if required.

My Approach

I think it is important to make lessons fun and varied - it is not just about playing the instrument but also developing as an all-round musician. It is also essential for pupils to play with others in ensembles/bands as this is when music-making is the most enjoyable and rewarding.

Qualifications:

G.R.N.C.M. (Upper), (Trombone performance) Royal Northern College of Music

A.R.C.M. (Trombone Performer's), Royal College of Music

F.T.C.L. (Trombone Performer's), Trinity College of Music

L.T.C.L. (Trombone Performer's), 

PhD. (London University: Goldsmiths College),

M.Phil. (York) (composition)

Mus.M. (Manchester)

Mus.B. (Hons.) (Manchester),

Brass instruments taught:

Trombone; Trumpet; French Horn; Baritone;  Euphonium; Tuba

Subjects:

Composition

Music Theory

Aural

A level and GCSE music

Genre/Style(s):

Classical

Jazz

Ability Levels:

Beginners to Advanced

See below selected brass teaching resources including warm-up exercises.

Other website that might be of interest:

My Academic Website

Common Brass Playing Faults and solutions (best to deal with these with a good teacher)

1. Breathing through the nose.

Many pupils breathe through the nose which means that the player does not have enough breath to get a good sound. Always breathe through the sides of the mouth  - you can do this with having the lips attached to the mouthpiece. This means you will get a good full lung's worth of breath which is essential for good wind playing.

2. Not using the tongue to start notes

To get a good start to the notes you need to place the tongue behind the top teeth to create a seal and release the tongue to start the note - practice saying Tah but with the tongue more forward. 

3. Using the tongue to stop the note.

Often pupils can use the tongue to stop the note (tut) which makes the note have an overall poor tone quality. Always just let the tongue stay low in the mouth after tonguing.

4. Pear-shaped notes.

Note shape should be solid throughout like bricks - avoid playing notes that are 'pear-shaped' - getting louder and then softer. This gets in the way of smooth legato.

5. Problems with high notes

As you go higher the bottom lip should move slightly inwards and the air stream should get faster (push the air through fast). Sides of the lips should be tight. High notes need regular practice to improve. Avoid having the lips too tightly closed as they have to vibrate - so try to keep them open.

6. Problems with low notes

Low notes can sound nasal unless the lips are as open as they can be. Imagine that you have a hot potato in your mouth and use the vowel 'Taw'. Jaw should move outwards slightly.

7. Practice

You won't improve much without good practice. Play the harder parts of the music in slow motion but really accurately -  slowly increase the speed.

8. Get a good quality mouthpiece that isn't too small - this is the most important part of the instrument and keep it clean.

9. Play with other people - this is motivational and fun - that's what music is about.

Where to hire or buy a brass instrument in Greater London area.

Hillsound

Instruments to hire (but not baritones) and to buy (also brass repairs).

Hampton Hill

020 8977 7788

www.hillsound.co.uk

Dawkes Music

Good for Brass: https://www.dawkes.co.uk/instrument-rental

Prozone Music

Brass instruments to hire and buy

www.prozonemusic.com

https://www.prozonemusic.com/help-centre/instrument-hire

Phil Parker

(Excellent source of brass to buy only)

https://philparker.co.uk/

Below is a list of recommended makes for beginners (prices May 2025).  It is possible to hire instruments in order to make the cost manageable. Second hand instruments are also a good option if they are in good condition (not over-worn)– it is safest to buy from a reputable brass shop rather than off Ebay (it might look good in the photo but not actually be playable due to unseen wear to the valves).

Trumpet
Phil Parker London S1 Student Trumpet £249.00

Bach Elkhart £249

Cornet
Phil Parker S1 Cornet-Lacquer £274.99

Bach Elkhart £279

Trombone
Bach Elkhart TB100 Trombone £349

Phil Parker Trombone £349

Baritone
Bach Elkhart Baritone Horn £489.00

Or else buy a euphonium which is similar and a good option.

Bach Elkhart Euphonium £599

French Horn

J. Michael 3/4 French Horn in Bb £495 (sold by Paxman)

Bach Elkhart French Horn in Bb £495

Avoid the cheaper John Packer horns - the valves seize up very easily.

Buying a new trombone at Phil Parker's London: reflections

Trombones seemed to have changed a lot since I last bought one (about 20 years ago!) and I had a fun morning trying out Phil Parker's large stock (probably the biggest in UK) in London. My Conn 88H needed a replacement (dodgy slide) hence my trip. Choosing a trombone (or any instrument) is tough and pretty subjective - so what follows are only my personal observations mostly based on the sound they made (the most important aspect for any instrument).

   It struck me that the trombone make landscape has changed quite a lot and that the more modern instruments (Shires, Greenhoe and Rath) seem to be much better (more solid) built than say the new Conns. Prices also seem to have gone up. Below are my reflections on some of  the trombones I tried in order of personal preference (focusing on the sound) after a lot of agonising:

1. Greenhoe GB4-1G. Solid instrument with rich tone in all registers - light and good slide. (the version with the in slide tuner seemed to have quite a heavy slide and I couldn't hear any tonal difference) - excellent F side.

2. Shires Alessi Custom - Rich and warm sound - very well made  - similar in quality to the Greenhoe. I did try another of Shires' trombones which was also impressive).

3. Rath R4 - felt a little lighter than the above two but also had an attractive tone and excellent slide. I was keen on this instrument (excellent value for money) but for me the valve lever seemed to be too close to the left hand. It seemed too far forward. Parker's said it could be fixed in the workshop. This also has the option of being turned into a straight trombone with a goose neck - another plus.

4. Yamaha 8820 - This was good value but somehow not as tonally attractive as the others - especially in the louder dynamics - well-made though.

5. Conn88HT-0 - I tried a couple of Conns and they both seemed a bit flimsy and lacking in tonal depth - certainly inferior to my aging Elkhart

6. Yamaha 448G - I tried this as I have a couple of pupils who are reaching the stage were they need a better instrument. I thought this was well-made with a good sound. Excellent value for an intermediate instrument.

  If you are trying out instruments to buy - my advice would be to give yourself plenty of time - ignore the brands and any hype, and just listen to the sound. I suggest playing the same music with all the instruments. I used Mahler 3, Mozart Requiem and Bolero. Parker's were really helpful and at one point I had 9 instruments on stands and kept trying them against each other. It was a most enjoyable and educational morning. 

  I have found that the Bach Artisan 5G mouthpiece works well with the Greenhoe for me and is worth trying. The top notes seem to be more secure and it seems to have a richer sound.

In terms of beginner trombones the Yamaha 354E is a good buy  (especially second hand which is a good option) - you can get cheaper ones (like John Packer which is good value) but this will last longer.