How to play the euphonium

1. The buzz

As with all brass, sound starts at the lips. Buzz on the mouthpiece daily: relaxed, steady, sustained. The euphonium's large mouthpiece makes this easier than on trumpet, which is one reason it suits beginners.

2. First fingerings

Three valves (sometimes four), played with the right hand. Open gives B flat, valve 2 drops a semitone, valve 1 a tone, and combinations fill in the rest: open, 2, 1, 1+2, 2+3 and 1+3 cover a beginner's first octave. Unlike trombone there is nothing to measure. Press the right valves and the note is where it should be.

3. First tunes and reading

Brass band euphonium parts read treble clef, which makes life easy for anyone from a recorder or piano background. Start with stepwise tunes, then hymn-style melodies; the euphonium was built for singing lines.

4. Practice that works

Two minutes of buzzing, five of long tones, five of valve changes between two notes, five on a tune. The instrument rewards air and patience. Children from about age 8 manage a euphonium comfortably with a stand or strap; lighter baritones suit younger starters.

Why euphonium is a smart choice

Every brass band needs euphoniums and most are short of them. Learn it even moderately well and you will never lack somewhere to play. That community is half the reason to pick the instrument.