Brass
We firmly believe that attaining your potential as a musician is best achieved in a warm and collaborative environment.
Every student arrives with different strengths and develops at a different speed: our busy programme of first study activity is undertaken in an atmosphere of mutual support and encouragement, where there is always an acknowledgment that mistakes are part of the learning process.
We offer a wide range of experiences for our students, as soloists, in orchestras and as chamber musicians. We also devote considerable attention to pedagogy – an essential and extremely rewarding asset for future employment. We take the greatest care to nurture and develop the full range of every student's skills to create individuals with a wealth of knowledge, who are fully prepared for the demands of a profession in which a portfolio of skills is a prerequisite.
Performance classes
Weekly performance classes give students the platform to practise their performance skills in front of fellow department students. Classes are led by brass staff members and visiting international tutors.
We are very fortunate to have a phenomenal faculty collaborative pianist, Joanne Sealey, who plays for all classes and performance assessments.
Learn from top performers
Our instrumental teaching staff are not only performers of the highest calibre, but are also dedicated and inspirational tutors. Our students also benefit from the opportunity to work with our four incredible Visiting Artists.
We also regularly have guest masterclasses and coaching sessions from some of the world’s finest soloists and ensembles.
Chamber music
There are endless opportunities to perform in chamber music groups, competitions and concerts within the Conservatoire. Through our External Engagements department, many paid opportunities also arise.
Instruments for loan
The Conservatoire has several instruments available for loan, including Sackbuts, natural trumpets, BBb, C and F tubas, Wagner Tubas, Bass trumpet etc.
Our courses
Undergraduate
The BMus (Hons) degree at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will help you to realise your potential and prepare you for a career in the music profession.
Apply for undergraduatePostgraduate
Specialist support in principal study areas and career management, designed to provide you with the experience, skills, and knowledge needed for a musical career.
Apply for postgraduateOrchestral brass
We offer extensive orchestral training through our brass repertoire classes, as well as mentoring schemes with four professional ensembles.
Orchestral brassBrass band
Our Brass Band is probably the busiest ensemble in the Conservatoire! It rehearses under the expert baton of Ian Porthouse.
Brass bandTutors
We have a variety of tutors who provide specialist teaching and advice within the Brass department at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Tutor listingStaff spotlight
Ian Porthouse is Director of Brass Band Studies and Cornet Tutor at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Ian is the musical director of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland and in 2020 was the guest conductor of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
He was awarded the Illes Medal in 2020 for his services to brass bands.