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For complete beginners
Your child’s first steps into band music
The BAS Foundation Programme is for children without any wind band or band instrument experience. We help your child find the instrument that suits them, then guide them through their first lessons with an experienced teacher.
Free trial lesson for every new student.

Quick answers
What parents usually ask first
Short answers to the questions we hear most from families who are new to band music.
Can my child join with no music experience?
Yes. The Foundation Programme is made for children who have never played a band instrument.
What age can they start?
We recommend the Foundation Programme for children aged 7 and above.
Which instruments can they try?
Your child tries a few band instruments, such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium or tuba.
How do you help us choose?
After the try out, we recommend the best choices for your child, so that the instrument and your child fit each other.
Is an instrument provided?
Once we have recommended an instrument, we will let you know how to buy or rent it before lessons begin.
Can they attend a trial lesson?
Yes, and it is free. Send us an enquiry or a WhatsApp message to arrange one.
The programme
BAS Foundation Programme
A gentle, well guided start, so your child’s first instrument is the right one.

The problem it solvesMany children want to join a band but have no idea which instrument to pick. Starting on one that does not suit them can put them off early. We match child and instrument first.
- Who it is for
- Children without any wind band or band instrument experience
- Age and experience
- Recommended for ages 7 and above. No experience needed.
- How it works
- Your child tries out a few instruments
- We recommend the best choices for your child
- You buy or rent the instrument
- Lessons begin with Ms Dorean Tan
- What your child will learn
- Good playing habits on their new instrument and the confidence to play with others.
- Schedule
- Saturdays, 10 to 11.30am. 20 sessions per semester.
- Location
- BAS studio, 261 Waterloo Centre, #02-10, Singapore 180261. Near Bras Basah MRT.
- What is included
- Instrument try out and recommendation, and 20 lessons per semester with Ms Dorean Tan
- Fees
- Ask us on WhatsApp. We do not list fees online.
Your child’s teacher
Ms Dorean Tan
Foundation Programme Faculty
Ms Dorean Tan is the Founding Music Director and Conductor Emeritus of the New Gen Wind Symphony. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from Middle Tennessee State University in the United States, and has a strong passion for music education, aiming to inspire and instil confidence in future generations. At BAS she leads the Foundation Programme, where children pick up a wind instrument for the very first time.
New to percussion?
Percussion Foundation Class
For students who are new to percussion or just starting out, taught by Ms Angeline Wee.
- Who it is for
- Students who are new to percussion or just starting out
- How it works
- Students train as an ensemble and work on music together
- What they learn
- Pitched instruments such as xylophone, marimba and bells, and non pitched instruments such as snare drum, drum set, bass drum and cymbals
- Schedule
- Saturdays, 11.45am to 1.15pm. 20 sessions per semester.
- Instruments
- Percussion instruments are available at the studio
- Location
- BAS studio, 261 Waterloo Centre, #02-10, Singapore 180261. Near Bras Basah MRT.
- Fees
- Ask us on WhatsApp. We do not list fees online.

Ms Angeline Wee
Percussion Faculty
First Class Honours in Percussion from NAFA and the University of Wales, LRSM diploma holder, and a percussion teacher from primary to tertiary level.
What comes next?
When your child is ready, our music directors can assess them for the Junior Ensemble.
Parent questions
Common questions
Does my child need to own an instrument before starting?
What if my child misses a lesson?
How much does it cost?
Can my child also join the Musicianship and Aural Class?
Get started
Ready to find your child’s instrument?
Tell us a little about your child and we will arrange a free trial lesson. We usually reply within one working day.
- Where we are261 Waterloo Centre, #02-10, Singapore 180261. Near Bras Basah MRT.
- Emailinfo@bandacademysingapore.com
- WhatsApp+65 8034 1310
- Opening hoursOpen 24 hours, every day. Visit or hire the studio any time it is free. WhatsApp us to arrange a time.
