Examination figures released by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music have revealed that the future for the tuba and euphonium as popular instruments of choice by young performers may be under considerable threat.

Least popular

It has been revealed in a article to be published in Classic FM Magazine in December that just 379 ABRSM tuba exams were undertaken in 2009 – making it the least popular instrument. The euphonium came second to last with 651.

In contrast there were 124,090 piano examinations in the same period of time.

The article by journalist Iain Rushworth investigates whether or not some instruments such as the tuba and euphonium are now in danger of dying out.

I've taught at Birmingham Conservatoire and the Welsh College now for close on seven years and in that time the number of euphonium and tuba players has grown – and the quality gets better each year tooDavid Childs

Perspective

Speaking to 4BR, euphonium star David Childs sought to place the numbers in perspective: "Given the number of brass bands we have in this country having over 1,000 euphonium and tuba players taking the exams should be seen as an encouraging sign, as many of these players could well be drawn into brass banding."

David’s optimism is based on personal experience too: "I've taught at Birmingham Conservatoire and the Welsh College now for close on seven years and in that time the number of euphonium and tuba players has grown – and the quality gets better each year too."