The increase in demanding high level orchestral, ensemble and brass band repertoire has been one of the reasons why highly respected professional trumpet player Paul Cosh has had to make time to increase his teaching commitments around the country.

30 years of teaching

After 30 years of developing talented student performers at the Guild Hall in London, Paul revealed to 4BR he is now finding professional and semi professional players returning to him to seek help on how to manage and improve their playing techniques.

Highest level

"It’s such a busy and demanding career as a brass player, so more and more players are making sure they gain professional help and advice to ensure they can perform at the highest level for as long as possible," he said when 4BR met him at the Royal Albert Hall recently.

"The same applies to those who play in brass bands too — the music has become much more complicated and difficult, so sorting out problems before they affect long term careers is essential.

I now have to set aside one day a month to help players as they look to safeguard against possible troubles and to keep themselves fit to perform."

Start right

However, he feels the key is to get things right from the very start — and recently he took part in a workshop day organised by the Cambridge City Band targeted at Grade 1 — 5 youngsters.

"It was a wonderful event, brilliantly organised by the band. It took me right back to my playing roots, with an emphasis on getting the basics right.

There was some great raw talent on show — and if you can nurture it correctly those young players can go on to enjoy a life time of brass playing."

I now have to set aside one day a month to help players as they look to safeguard against possible troubles and to keep themselves fit to performPaul Cosh

Next generation

For the moment though, he is enjoying hearing as well as teaching the next generation of top class brass players — from trumpet to trombone.

"The basics are the same, and I’m more than happy to help anyone I can. It’s all about making sure everything works properly — right from the first note you play.

I love teaching, although I am also enjoying my adjudicating too. The music making at the National Finals was superb and I’m now looking forward to hearing the bands in action at the Brass in Concert Championship in Gateshead next month."

For further information about Paul and his teaching, please go to: www.paulcosh.com