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Welcome to the website of Sian Buss FISM ATCL ARSM, who tutors children and adults, under the name of 'Teach Brass'. She can provide instruction on how to pass theory & brass instrumental practical exams. Instruments can be hired, or bought using her extensive network of suppliers, retired players, and peers who she has a good long term working relationship with.
She spends most of her time teaching others how to play the wide range of brass instruments that can be found in orchestras, brass bands and marching bands. For over 30 years she played in a local brass band where she started her musical career. This is not only a profession, but a hobby as well. Sian now plays in a music ensemble 'Brass Fusion' performing with other 'ex bandsmen' and friends on a casual, non-contesting, fun (but hard work!) basis.
Although Sian primarily gives brass instrumental lessons, she does regularly run theory classes for all instrumentalists at home or schools. She also tries to cover basic theory points within her instrumental lessons as many players, not just brass, do not realise that once they obtain Grade Five practical they cannot move on until they have passed the Grade Five Theory exam. This can take quite a while if players have not covered any theory at all during their lessons. At present Sian has a 100% pass rate on all practical and theory exams that her current students have taken.
Another string to her bow (!) is that she has run several recorder groups at one school as well as temporarily taking Year One music appreciation classes for a term. She also currently runs two brass ensembles locally. Sian strives to help students obtain their graded examinations but at the same time keeping the playing fun and non pressured. The most important thing to her is that her pupils continue to enjoy playing and for it not to become a chore. To assist with the enjoyment of playing Sian runs a training band for anyone wishing to gain experience in group playing. All the terminology, harmony, sounds etc which are not experienced with individual lessons. The playing of 'non tune' parts where counting and listening are essential. Three times a year, at the end of each school term, Sian holds a student party/concert. A chance to perform, with no pressure, to friends and family. A lovely relaxed afternoon and great fun to perform when maybe you wouldn't normally get the opportunity to play in front of an audience.
Sian is also Musical Director of one of the southern England's brass bands, where she regularly appears with them at local fetes, concerts, and garden parties. She is also a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.
Please have a look round her site, and if you have any queries or wish to speak to her then please get in touch with her via the Contacts page.
Brass Instruments in General
The term for blowing air into an instrument is AEROPHONE. The tone is produced by buzzing the lips into a metal cup shaped mouthpiece.
Note alteration is obtained by two methods:
- Altering the length of the tubing either by introducing valves or the use of the slide on a trombone.
- Altering the embrochure/lip muscles to raise or lower the notes.
Brass is one of the quickest progressing group of instruments to learn.
With the exception of trombone and french horn, the fingering is exactly the same for all the 3 valves on the other instruments. This makes it possible to alternate or change to another brass instrument with only the mouthpiece sizes to adjust to. Many trumpet players swap to cornet, french horns to tenor horns and vice versa.
