Learning & Playing a Woodwind Instrument with MMF
FLUTE / OBOE / CLARINET / SAXOPHONE / BASSOON
Not learning yet?
If your child would like to learn a woodwind instrument, we offer lessons in many of Merton’s schools and at our South Wimbledon Music Centre. If you would like your child to learn in school, please click here first to see if their chosen instrument is currently taught there.
Already having woodwind lessons?
Young people who are already having lessons (even if not with an MMF tutor) are encouraged to join our Music Centre bands and ensembles which can have a huge impact on their musical development as well as their enjoyment of learning an instrument.
Playing in a band is fun, motivating and rewarding and offers performance opportunities that they wouldn’t usually get playing on their own. Woodwind intruments are really versatile and our jazz and concert bands both welcome them. There are lots of concerts throughout the year but highlights include the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, for our advanced concert and jazz bands, and we’re currently planning our return to the Royal Albert Hall in March 24, with all of our choirs, bands and enembles so now is a great time to join!
Which groups your child can join will be determined by their instrument, ability and age.
By becoming a Music Centre member, your child gains access to multiple ensembles/choirs, as well as online Music Theory classes – all covered by the termly membership fee.
If their timetable allows, members are also encouraged to join one of our choirs – Young Voices (7-12yrs) or VoiceBox (11-18yrs). Singing in a choir helps develop general musicianship skills and builds on ensemble experience.
Music Centre Ensembles for Woodwind Players
Beginner
Junior Concert Band (pre-Grade 1 – Grade 1/2)
Jazz Jumpers (Grade 1-3)
Junior Percussion Ensemble (Grade 1-3 in any instrument)
Merton Young Voices Choir (ages 7-12)
VoiceBox Senior Choir (ages 11-18)
Intermediate
Intermediate Concert Band (Grade 2 – 4)
Jazz Works (Grade 4+)
Merton Young Voices Choir (ages 7-12)
VoiceBox Senior Choir (ages 11-18)
Advanced
Merton Youth Concert Band (Grade 5+)
Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra (Grade 7+)
Merton Messengers (membership by invitation only)
VoiceBox Senior Choir (ages 11-18)
Free ‘Come & Play’ ensemble trials
Throughout the year, we run free ‘Come & Play’ trial sessions for our choirs and many of our bands and ensembles. Keep an eye on our website and social media pages (Twitter / Instagram / Facebook) to find out when the next one is planned. It’s usually at the beginning of term.
We’re currently planning our next Royal Albert Hall concert in spring 2024 so if you sign your child up with our bands now, they could be joining us for a performance they’ll never forget.
Click here to find out more about our bands and ensembles.
