*
banner

Packed agenda for online Scottish Brass Learning Conference

There is a full schedule of free conference topics to be presented by leading figures in the inaugural Scottish Brass Learning Conference.

Learning festival
  The free conference will be held online

The inaugural Scottish Brass Learning Conference will take place virtually on Sunday 5th December with an array of world class presenters delivering inspiring on-line sessions on a wide range of topics.

Free conference

The free conference is aimed at all brass players including teachers, performers, students and graduates from all genres.

Internationally renowned trumpet soloist and former Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland John Wallace CBE will deliver the key note speech.

It was recently announced that he was to be awarded Her Majesty's Medal for Music, presented to musicians who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation.

Sessions

Sessions to include:
Pillars of Truth in Brass Playing
Tom Hooten (Principal Trumpet Los Angeles Philharmonic)

Breathing Gym
Patrick Sheridan (Tuba Soloist)

Introducing Improvisation to Our Skill Set
Andy Scott (Saxophonist/Composer)

Beginner Brass Strategies
Helen Minshall (Education Ambassador at Warwick Music)

Introduction to Performance Psychology
Lee Holland (Director of Mental Note)

Unlocking the Mystery of the French Horn
Christine McGinley (Orchestra of the Scottish Ballet)

A student's musical journey in Highland
Mark Reynolds (Brass Instructor at High Life Highland)

Update: Digital Exams, What's New for Brass and CPD Opportunities
Jenna Main (ABRSM Regional Development Executive, Scotland)

The free conference is aimed at all brass players including teachers, performers, students and graduates from all genres4BR

Musical learning

The conference is supported by ABRSM, through the Elevate programme, created to better understand how to sustain young people's musical learning in areas where they face significant barriers.

Elevate was launched in response to The Music Commission report published in March 2019, which set out key themes and recommendations for improving how governments, music organisations, schools, teachers, parents and learners, assess progress and progression in learning music.

Showcase

As part of the conference, the organisers want to showcase talent from all over the country via virtual and recorded performances. If you have solo, ensemble, band, school or community performances you would like to share virtually with delegates, please send videos or wetransfer files to scottishbrasslearning@gmail.com

Register now

Attendees can plan the day to suit their schedule for what will be a fantastic day of learning and professional development for brass musicians everywhere.

Register now for free via this short online form: https://forms.gle/nZBcbHNynLiVtuXK8

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brett Baker

4BR Monday interview with Brett Baker

January 4 • In the first of a new series of weekly audio interviews, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox catches up with Brett Baker.


Quiz

4BR Christmas Quiz: The answers and winner

January 4 • There was a great response to the annual 4BR Christmas Quiz — but it did catch quite a lot of people out too...


Regionals

AoBBA to lead Area test-piece workshop

January 4 • The Association of Brass Band Adjudicators will join up with Newstead Brass to present a free Regionals Test Piece workshop for Sections 2, 3 & 4.


thecooperationband

Ramsay takes principal cooperation role

January 4 • Alex Ramsay has become the principal cornet of the cooperation band.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd