Tuition         

David holds several teaching positions around the UK, as well as regularly holding private consultation sessions with students from all over the world. Click on the links below to learn more about how to study with David:

Chetham's School of Music:

With 290 students, aged 8 - 18, Chetham's is the largest specialist Music School in the UK and the only Music School based in the North of England.

Euphonium students at the school not only benefit from 90 minutes specialist tuition from David every week, but also have an integral part in the school's chamber music programme, weekly performance classes (taken by some of the foremost tutors of brass in the UK) and weekly band rehearsals.

A third of the timetable is devoted to music and two thirds to academic study – you can find out more about these areas here, along with details of how to apply and entry requirements.

Chetham's is first choice for many of the world's most talented young musicians - if you're aged 8 – 18, and passionate about playing any musical instrument, not just the euphonum, then you might find it's yours too! Click on the green logo above to download a prospectus...

Royal Northern College of Music:

The RNCM, formed in 1973 from the merger of the Royal Manchester College of Music with the Northern School of Music, has, for many years, been the first choice institution for a large number of aspiring professional musicians from the UK and overseas.

Students’ education and training is supported by an international teaching faculty of the highest calibre and facilities unparalleled among conservatoires in the UK. Four public venues host a performance programme that is unique in its range and quality, featuring a rolling programme of student performances alongside visiting artists and ensembles.

David has taught at the RNCM since 2001, alongside fellow euphoniumist Steven Mead, providing students with one of most learned, experienced and star-studded teaching teams in the world.

Both Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes are offered, with students on both pathways receiving a one hour individual lesson and an amazing four hours of group euphonium classes every week. The group times include performance masterclasses with RNCM resident accompanists, sessions on technique and repertoire, as well as ensemble rehearsals.

To learn more about studying at the RNCM, click here to visit the website or click on the logo above to download a prospectus...

Private Consultation Lessons and Residential/Day courses:

David has worked with brass players of all standards and ages, and from all over the world in one to one consultation sessions. Players often have specific requirements during these sessions, improvement of a particular area of technique, to prepare a certain solo work or simply a general session aimed at providing new goals and inspirations.

These sessions can be given at David's home in Manchester, or at the Black Dyke bandroom in Queensbury, West Yorkshire. It is also possible for players to organise sessions 'on the road': if you know David is visiting your city or band (in the UK or abroad) as a soloist or with the Black Dyke Band, then don't hesitate to get in touch by email to discuss possibilities (thorntoneuph@googlemail.com).

There are also a number of opportunities to work with David on various courses throughout the year. These are often given in conjunction with other Black Dyke soloists and details will appear on both the Welcome and News pages of this website, so don't forget to check www.davethornton.co.uk on a regular basis!

David also teaches at Universities in Huddersfield, Leeds and Manchester as well as holding visiting tutor roles at Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Yorkshire Youth Band:

Would you, your children or members of your band like the opportunity to work with Dr Nicholas Childs, Professor Philip Wilby and David Thornton? Then the Yorkshire Youth Band is just what you're looking for......

As part of its new initiative to sponsor the work of young people, Black Dyke Band, under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Childs, has formed the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band.

The purpose of the creation of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band is to inspire and motivate young people aged 11 – 18 years to achieve their full potential as musicians, composers and citizens. Members will not be 'full-time' but will retain their position with their own community band and simply attend sessions with the YYBB with the aim of taking newly learned skills back with them. Also, members do not have to live within Yorkshire - opportunities are open to anyone who would like to apply. There will be three workshops per year held to engage those who have already achieved Grade 4, full band rehearsals and sectionals will be given by key members of the Black Dyke Band, including David, but also Richard Marshall, Cornet and Brett Baker, Trombone. The day’s events always include seating auditions for new members and action planning in preparation for concerts.

In addition to its work with players, the band also includes opportunities for young composers, and holds regular seminars for those who would like to expand their knowledge and experience of writing for brass. ‘Composers Collective’, under the guidance of Professor Philip Wilby, meets during the year, and consists of a class for 4 - 8 young composers. Band members and instrumental staff work with the collective as soloists and members of smaller groups, and access to the full ensemble will be encouraged as projects develop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find out more about being part of the Yorkshire Youth Band and learning from the principal players of the Black Dyke Band by visiting www.yybb.co.uk.