Couch to Concert FAQs (updated 4 July 2025)

  1. How will participants be selected?
    We will be limiting the number of places to 15 in this first iteration of ‘Couch to Concert’. Places will be allocated on first-come-first-served basis and on the basis of previous musical experience. Those with more advanced musical experience will be ear-marked for more advanced ensembles when they are launched.

  2. Will I have to buy a musical instrument?
    The band will provide instruments to all participants for a small deposit of £25 for the duration of the course.

  3. I would like to buy my own instrument or I already have an instrument
    That’s fine, as long as it’s one of the standard brass band instruments you can source your own instrument

  4. Is there a fee for participation in the course?
    ’Couch to Concert’ costs £24 in total - that’s £2 per week! The fee will be payable, along with the instrument deposit, before the participants start the course.

  5. Will I need to attend every week?
    A key feature of the programme is the weekly, in-person sessions where you will get to play with other musicians and gain first-hand, core musical skills. So the short answer is ‘yes’, though you should be able to catch up if you are absent for any reason.

  6. Can I attend online?
    The programme is designed for in-person delivery. Supplementary materials will be available online to support your 12-week journey.

  7. Will I need to practice or do other work during the week?
    You will make most progress in music through daily practice. This helps build technical and musical skills which will enable you to improve your playing.

  8. What will I have achieved after 12 weeks?
    You will have developed some basic musical skills on a brass band instrument, gained experience of ensemble playing, learnt some basic music theory, and participated in a short concert!

  9. What comes after the 12 week Programme?
    The hope is to create a follow-on programme to allow the participants to develop their skills further, and ultimately, to take part in regular banding activities with other local and regional bands and Downshire Brass.