Open resource

After looking at Barbershop, Wind Bands and Brass Bands, we are now focusing on Samba. What makes this music from Brazil so exciting and popular? How do you successfully navigate amongst the dozens of music styles? And how do you get involved? 

This guidance explores how to go about starting a new group. It is a collection of ideas and tips structured in a way that we hope will help you to move forwards with your plan from the beginnings of an idea to your first rehearsal and beyond. This is the last of four sections and focusses on looking to the future to ensure your group is sustainable in the long term.

This guidance explores how to go about starting a new group. It is a collection of ideas and tips structured in a way that we hope will help you to move forwards with your plan from the beginnings of an idea to your first rehearsal and beyond. This is the third of four sections and focusses on finding members and fostering a group culture.

This guidance explores how to go about starting a new group. It is a collection of ideas and tips structured in a way that we hope will help you to move forwards with your plan from the beginnings of an idea to your first rehearsal and beyond. This is the second of four sections and focusses on the practicalities of setting up a group.

If you’re thinking of starting a new leisure-time choir, band, orchestra, or music group of any genre, our tips and guidance will help you move from the beginnings of an idea to your first rehearsal and beyond. This is first of four sections and outlines the process for deciding upon a clear vision for any amateur music group.

Following on from our look at barbershop singing and wind bands, in this article we take a look at the ins and outs of brass banding in the UK. What is a brass band and where did they come from? What is it like to be part of a brass band today? And how can you get involved?

Following our look at Barbershop, we're moving on to Wind Bands. What's included in the 'wind' bit? Why has the repertoire grown so much in the last century? And what do they offer musicians that orchestral music often doesn't?

Performance anxiety or ‘stage fright’ is a feeling of fear accompanied by increased bodily arousal which can affect a performer when they are practising on their own, rehearsing with others, before and/or during a performance – in fact any time.This resource from The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) offers some useful advice on recognising and managing performance anxiety.

All skilled physical activity, including music, should be preceded by a warm-up. This resource from The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) offers some useful exercises to help instrumentalists prepapre physically.

All skilled physical activity, including music, should be preceded by a warm-up. This resource from The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) offers some useful vocal exercises to help you prepare physically.