Wind instruments

Wind instruments can be found in symphony orchestras, adding a wide range of colours thanks to their distinct timbres. They also allow young musicians to play in brass bands and marching bands.

In addition, many wind instruments are available in child-friendly sizes and can be hired from the Conservatoire or music schools, making it possible to learn to play them from a very young age.

Brass instruments produce their sound as lips vibrate inside a mouthpiece. They are descendants of historical horns, trumpets and sackbuts, and are characterised by their proud, brilliant, powerful and exuberant sound.

• Individual tuition
• The trumpet is the queen of brass instruments, adding dazzling and captivating effects thanks to its compact size. Its vast repertoire covers all musical periods and styles: classical, jazz and harmony.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

• Einzelunterricht
• Das Horn, dessen kreisförmig geschwungenes Rohr eine Länge von 5 Metern aufweist, zeichnet sich durch einen weichen, warmen und sehr obertonreichen Klang aus. Es kommt sowohl in Symphonie- und Blasorchestern als auch in der Kammermusik zum Einsatz.
• Aufnahme ab 7 Jahren (Zyklus 2.2 der Grundschule), Möglichkeit einer früheren Aufnahme nach Ablegung einer Prüfung.

• Individual tuition
• Trombones, with their ‘S’ shape and telescopic slide, enable playing without the use of the fingers. The slide replaces valves and allows the musician to pass from one note to another, adding a solemn sound.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.
• Admission to the bass trombone class requires knowledge of the trombone and is subject to audition.

• Individual tuition
• The tuba brings deep bass notes to symphony and wind orchestras. A number of original works have also been dedicated to it. It has a round, majestic sound.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

• Individual tuition
• The sackbut is the ancestor of the trombone and took its final form in the 14th century and is available in four ranges (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). With its gentle sound, it can accompany the human voice or be combined with other ancient instruments for festive events.
• Admission requires some ability on the trombone, as evidenced by a certificate of completion of stage two or by audition.

Introductory workshop to brass instruments:

• workshop for children aged 6 and over
• This workshop runs several times a year
• You can obtain information from the school office

Instruments in the woodwind family produce their sound by means of a vibrating reed or directing a stream of air over a bevel, like a whistle. Historically made of wood, they are now made of various materials.

Each instrument in this family has its own elegance, charm and unique timbre. The musical tale ‘Peter and the Wolf’ features a flute playing the bird, an oboe the duck, a clarinet the cat and a bassoon the grandfather.

• Individual tuition
• Recorders come in various sizes and can be played in various ranges (sopranino, soprano, alto, tenor, bass) and can be played in independent ensembles. The soprano recorder is particularly popular for beginners.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

• Individual tuition
• A flute is an instrument with a light sound and is held horizontally to the right. The sound is produced by blowing a stream of air over the bevel of the mouthpiece.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.
• Admission to piccolo tuition requires knowledge of the flute, as evidenced by a stage one diploma or an audition.

• Individual tuition
• These are double-reed instruments that produce a clear, celebratory sound with a powerful timbre. The sound comes from the vibration of two thin strips of reed.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.
• Admission to the cor anglais requires knowledge of the oboe.

• Individual tuition
• With its broad range, the clarinet has a warm timbre in the low register and a brilliant timbre in the high register. The sound is produced by a single reed made of cane mounted on the mouthpiece.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.
• Admission to the E flat clarinet class requires knowledge of the clarinet, as evidenced by a certificate of completion of stage two or by audition.
• Admission to the bass clarinet class requires knowledge of the clarinet.

• Individual tuition
• Although a metal instrument, the saxophone is classified as a woodwind and comes in several sizes, offering a wide range of sounds. It is a rarity in a symphony orchestra, but excels as a solo instrument and in chamber music ensembles.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

• Individual tuition
• The bassoon, with its balanced and serene sound, blends easily in with other instruments. Its range goes beyond bass. Its sound is produced by a double reed.
• Accessible from the age of 7 (stage 2.2 of primary education) with the possibility of earlier admission after audition.

The Conservatoire is home to numerous ensembles, enabling students of all levels to develop their musical skills. All group enrolments are free of charge:

• Recorder ensemble
• Flute ensemble
• Clarinet ensemble
• Brass ensemble
• Full brass ensemble
• Youth symphony orchestra: for experienced string players accompanied by wind and percussion instruments, exploring the great symphonic musical repertoire.

The particular demands of chamber music (the different voices are not doubled) encourage the development of specific skills in students, such as flexibility, pitch accuracy and the ability to adapt in order to broaden their musical personality.

Prior tuition is a requirement. Please contact the school office or the teacher for further information.

The aim of this course is of great practical importance, as it focuses on developing the ability of instrumentalists to read music instantly, to develop reflexes that enable rapid comprehension and reading.

Prior tuition is a requirement. Please contact the school office or the teacher for further information.