Get Started

Find out more about the different instruments you can learn, how to book a lesson and how to hire an instrument through our low-cost loan scheme.

If you are not sure which instrument you would like to learn, have a look at the pictures and information below.

Strings

There are many different string instruments you can learn. All produce sound from vibrating strings but in a variety of ways.

Violins, Violas, Cellos and Double Basses

These instruments are played by drawing a bow across the string. They are the most important family of instruments in an orchestra but they are very versatile and can be played in many different musical styles and genres.

Violin

This is the smallest of the string family. It is played with a bow held in the right hand; the body of the violin is supported by the shoulder and held firm by the chin.

Viola

The viola is a bit larger than the violin but played in the same way. Its four strings are tuned a fifth below the violin’s and it has a deeper, warmer tone.

Cello

The cello is about twice as large as the violin with strings tuned an octave (8 notes) lower. It is played between the knees because of its size.

Double Bass

This is instrument is so large that you have to stand up to play it but don’t worry because you can always start with a mini version! Many double bass players also play the electric bass guitar.

Guitars, Bass Guitars and Ukuleles

You do not use a bow to play these instruments. Instead, the strings are plucked or strummed to make their sound.

Guitar

This very popular six-stringed instrument comes in acoustic and electric versions. It appears in many styles of music, including rock, pop, folk and classical.

Bass guitar

The electric bass only has four strings and these are longer and thicker than the guitar producing a much deeper sound. This instrument is used mainly in rock, pop and jazz.

Ukulele

The ukulele is an excellent starter instrument as it is much easier to play than the guitar or bass.

Woodwind

Woodwind instruments produce sound when air is blown inside. They are wonderful instruments full of character and most are relatively small and easy to carry around!

Clarinet

The clarinet is a popular single-reed instrument. Skills developed on the clarinet can easily be transferred to the saxophone and many clarinettists play the saxophone as well.

Oboe

This double reed instrument produces a beautiful, sweet, haunting sound.

Flute

The flute does not need a reed to produce its sound. Instead, sound is produced by blowing across an opening.

Bassoon

The bassoon is a large instrument that uses a double reed. Because of its size it plays very low notes giving it a lower sound than the other woodwind instruments.

Saxophone

This is often associated with Jazz but it is also a popular instrument in some pop bands. There are different sizes of saxophone from the small soprano sax to the much larger bass saxophone. Most students start on the alto saxophone or even the simplified and smaller ‘Alpha’ instrument.

Brass

Brass players vibrate their lips into a mouthpiece attached to the instrument to make a sound. Everyone loves the sound of a brass band and these have held an important place in communities over the years – carols at Christmas and military parades to name but a few. The brass family are also a very important section of the orchestra.

Trumpet

This is the highest member of the brass family and very versatile. It is often used in jazz and classical music but can also make an appearance in rock and pop groups.

Trombone

The trombone is larger than the trumpet and uses a slide rather than valves to play different notes. Like the trumpet, it can be played in a range of styles.

French Horn

Perhaps the most beautiful-sounding of the brass instruments, this is made of 18 feet of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell.

Tuba

The tuba is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the brass family. Many children start on a smaller instrument and progress onto the tuba.

Piano/Keyboard

Percussion

Voice

DJ’ing

How to book a lesson in school

Bedford Music Cooperative are the main providers of individual and small group lessons in schools. However, some lessons in schools are provided by private tutors. If you complete and submit the form below we will connect you with the right people to arrange lessons.

How to book a lesson out of school

Bedford Music Cooperative

Bedford Music Cooperative offer lessons during twilight hours on a range of instruments at the Bedford Music Hub in Castle Newnham.

Twilight Lesson Prices

Individual lesson from £11.80 (20 minute lesson)
Paired lesson from £7.25 (subject to availability)
Group lessons from £4.70 (subject to availability)

Beginner Learn to Play groups are offered at Saturday Morning Music Centre on a range of instruments. The lessons take place from 09:00 – 09:30 and cost £3.50 per lesson.

All lessons are billed monthly by Direct Debit.

Modern Drum Tuition

Chris Purser offers drum lessons during twilight hours and on Saturday mornings at the Bedford Music Hub in Castle Newnham.

Lesson Prices

individual 30 minute lesson £16
Individual 60 minute lesson £32

Visit Chris’ website for more information and to book a lesson chrispurser.uk

The Sound Garage

Ben offers drum and guitar lessons during twilight hours at his studio in Bedford.

Lesson Prices

Individual 30 minute lesson £15
Individual 40 minute lesson £20
Individual 60 minute lesson £30

Visit Ben’s website for more information and to book a lesson thesoundgarage.co.uk

Vocal Works

Nicola offers online singing lessons during twilight hours. She also offers daytime online lessons for home-schooled children on Monday Mornings.

Lesson Prices

30 minute lessons from £8.50

Visit Nicola’s website for more information and to book a lesson https://vocalworks.org.uk/online-classes

How to hire an instrument

Instruments can be hired from Music for Bedford Borough subject to availability.

Please complete and submit the form below. We will then contact you to confirm availability and to arrange the collection and signature of a formal hire agreement. (Submission of this form does not commit you to anything).

Current Charges and Conditions:

Instruments are available to hire for anyone up until the age of 18, at which point the instrument would need to be returned.
Standard parental hire – £10 for the first term and £15.38 a term thereafter (per instrument).
Pupil Premium – £5 for 1 year (per instrument). After this point the hire can be renewed or the instrument must be returned. Please note that we check eligibility for PP.
Looked After Children (LAC) – Free for 1 year (per instrument). After this point the hire can be renewed or the instrument must be returned. Please note that we check eligibility for LAC.
Students transitioning from Greys Education Centre to a mainstream school – £5 for 1 year (per instrument). This will only cover one year of hire, after which the instrument can be rehired at one of the hire types above. Make sure to write both school names in the ‘School’ box when completing the form.
The first term’s payment is made online via our website. Subsequent payments are made by invoice or direct debit. Click here to make a payment. (Please do not pay until you have had confirmation from us that an instrument is available).
You can start the hire at any point in the year. No pro rata charge is offered. If you no longer need the instrument you will need to return it to our office before the end of a hire term (see below), otherwise you will be charged for the following term.
The instrument will need to be collected from and returned to the Music for Bedford Borough office at Castle Newnham School, Polhill Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9DT. We are open Monday to Friday during office hours but the times do vary so an appointment will need to be made.
Music for Bedford Borough will provide the instrument and case. Any additional items required, such as reeds, rosin, strings, valve oil, etc. will be the responsibility of the customer.
Hire Terms
- Autumn : 1st September – 31st December
- Spring : 1st January – 30th April
- Summer : 1st May – 31st August
It can take up to 10 working days to process your application. You will be informed via email when your instrument is ready for collection.

Music Helps you connect

Participation in musical activities helps develop team and organisation skills as well as qualities such as empathy, resilience and reliability.

Find out more

Get Started

Strings

Violins, Violas, Cellos and Double Basses

Violin

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Guitars, Bass Guitars and Ukuleles

Guitar

Bass guitar

Ukulele

Woodwind

Clarinet

Oboe

Flute

Bassoon

Saxophone

Brass

Trumpet

Trombone

French Horn

Tuba

Piano/Keyboard

Percussion

Voice

DJ’ing

How to book a lesson in school

How to book a lesson out of school

Bedford Music Cooperative

Twilight Lesson Prices

Modern Drum Tuition

Lesson Prices

The Sound Garage

Lesson Prices

Vocal Works

Lesson Prices

How to hire an instrument

Hirer details

Pupil details

Music Helps you connect