Learn to play

"Only children can learn to play a musical instrument. The wonderful about a brass instrument is that it makes children of us all"


If you've found this page, then your life is about to change. Playing a musical instrument is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.

The top 5 reasons for learning to play a musical instrument.


  • 01 It will make you smarter. Learning to play an instrument stimulates the brain, improving functions like memory and abstract reasoning skills, which are essential for maths and science.
  • 02 Your social life will improve. Playing an instrument isn’t only good for your brain, it’s also great for expanding your social circle (sorry, pianists and organists). Joining a brass band at any age encourages you to develop relationships with new kinds of people.
  • 03 You will have lower stress and anxiety. Music keeps you calm. It has a unique effect on our emotions, and has even been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure
  • 04 You will become more disciplined and learn time management. Learning music takes time and effort, and helps children understand that if they want to be good at something, they’ll need to put in the hours and organise their time effectively.
  • 05 You will have fun ! We can harp on about all the scientifically accurate benefits to learning a musical instrument – but what matters most is that it’s enjoyable for the player.
kids in band

Does learning a brass instrument make you clever?

Read a magazine article from one of our members about their experience of learning to play a brass instrument

Our Training Program

Our training band has been running for many years and is now under Sarah Leeves’s wing - who better to make this a great experience for all but our inspirational and endlessly enthusiastic musical director. Sarah is a professional musician and brass instructor at schools across the county, which means she is extremely experienced, an expert is dealing with children and, of course, has the appropriate DBS checks in place. All our rehearsals take place in our dedicated bandroom in Alexandra Road, Heathfield TN21 8EA

17:45 - 18:30 - The Lesson Group
In the lesson group you will learn the basics of holding and blowing your chosen instrument, as well as the fundamentals of reading music, working alongside similarly placed learners of all ages. It's a relaxed, fun environment with no pressure, and The Lesson Group is open to anyone of any age who is curious about learning a brass instrument, or just fancies having a go on one !

18.30 - 19.15 - The Training Band
The Training Band comprises learners who have progressed from The Lesson Band and are learning to play ensemble pieces. They meet on Tuesday nights from 18.30 to 19.15. Now you can start to hear yourself sounding like a player as part of a larger group. You'll learn how to make your music fit in with that of others, how to blend with other musicians, and work as a team. This is when people often fall in love with the sound of brass music.

19:30 - 21:30 - The Main Band
The main band is the group that performs at all events, and takes in members who have developed from the training band. We are also open to players of all abilities who are visiting the area, or have taken a break from playing music and want to come back to it. Just come along a litte earlier and meet our Musical Director.

So if you know anybody – young or not so young – who would like to take up a new hobby, take on a challenge, or who just enjoys good company then contact the Band Secretary, or indeed anyone in the band. Ring 01435 817201 for a chat to introduce yourself and find out more about us, drop us an email or if you'd prefer to see how we do things just pop along.