How Brass Instruments Work
Technology and acoustical principles. How technical developments through history have affected the design of brass instruments.
Changing Key and Pitch
Playing the cornet, trombone and trumpet, experts demonstrate hand stopping and lipping.
Mechanical Innovation : Keys
The keyed bugle and the ophicleide enabled brass instruments to have a distinct voice in the band music of the 19th century.
How Valves Work
A revolution in brass. Mechanical means for extending the length of an instrument; valves in the french horn, flugelhorn, trombone, tuba and cornet.
Compensating Systems
Instruments used in bands today like the sax, horn, tuba, trombone and euphonium, all have numerous valves.
Survival of the fittest
What caused some instruments to survive right through the 20th century and others to fall by the wayside?
Development of the Trumpet
How different sizes of trumpet are best suited to different styles of music.
The Performer's Perspective
The demands of modern music making. Differences between being an orchestral or a brass band musician
Physics of Brass Instruments
How much of the sound is down to the player, and how much of it is down to the instrument they are blowing through.