*
banner

Finishing touches put on Mode for... brass teaching method

New tutor book will be released to coincide Children's Mental Health Week.

  The book will have a new focus

'Mode for...Brass!' has put the finishing touches to its new tutor book will provide essential musical education combined with ways to build an emotional toolkit to enhance flourishing, resilience, happiness and positive mental health.

Focus

As previously announced through 4BR, it is in line with Children's Mental Health Week, with Tabby Kerwin of Mode for… stating that it ensures that the signature brass teaching method has a new in-depth focus on positive wellbeing and mental health.

It also coincides with the 13th anniversary of Mode for… and to celebrate they are sharing a free sample with anyone who would like it.

New tutor book

The new tutor book will be the first comprehensive beginner method for brass and wellbeing education with new lessons, formats, backing tracks and eight dedicated wellbeing lessons to help support the wellbeing and mental health of brass students.

Designed for Bb and Eb pitch instruments, 'Mode for...Brass!', which was originally created by Simon Kerwin, approaches brass education in a different way.

It has a specific focus on musical education combined with ways to build an emotional toolkit to enhance flourishing, resilience, happiness and positive mental health.

It not only aims to help students learn how to play an instrument, but also how to perform and deal with the elements performing requires with the coping skills and strategies that can be carried over into everyday life.

Exciting development

Tabby told 4BR: "This is an exciting development for Mode for... as we invest in helping future generations of brass musicians who prioritise mental health and wellbeing.

I'm committed to developing a mentally healthy culture in bands.

This year felt like a great time to go back to the beginning and enhance and develop the book by updating it with the elements that students really need in life; methods for supporting wellbeing."

Combining elements

Tabby added: "The new version of 'Mode for…Brass!' will be the first ever brass education book to put this focus on developing the skills to lead a flourishing and mentally healthy life through brass music.

It combines elements of science, positive psychology and handy techniques for bringing calm and control to the minds of students and teachers.

It's been a great team project at Mode for… and having the musical and teaching experience of colleague Dave Roberts has been invaluable in the re-writing of the book."

It combines elements of science, positive psychology and handy techniques for bringing calm and control to the minds of students and teachersMode for...

Find out more

She concluded: "This year the focus at Mode for… is on brass education, wellbeing and mental health and 'Mode for…Brass!' is a wonderful way of starting wellbeing education at an early age through music.

We will also be developing ways to bring the wellbeing elements into events and our wider catalogue of music for beginner brass."

Free sample

The new version of Mode for...Brass! will be released in June 2021, priced at £20 and available in digital format with live embedded links to backing tracks.

To receive a free sample of some of the lessons, simply register at: https://forms.gle/QnwbcoFoJ5TJTp3DA

To support Place 2 Be's Children's Mental Health Week, please use the hashtag #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek and visit www.place2be.org.uk/ for further details.

For more details on Mode for... visit www.modefor.co.uk

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Ashley DIXON

Ashley's life affirming donation

September 2 • The Foden's baritone player Ashley Dixon has donated her life giving stem cells to help a father of two children.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd