Cambridge Woodwind Makers

29/05/2026

Following our recent and very encouraging professional development course in instrument key making with Peter Worrell he has now passed the baton to Guy Cowley and we have set the date for the course in 2027.

If you don't believe the blowing of our own trumpet (woodwind instrument!), here's what this year's participants had to say:

"Honestly one of the best investments I’ve made in a long time.

The amount of knowledge shared over the 3 days was incredible, and so many questions I had built up over years of self teaching suddenly started making sense.

Peter, Guy and Daniel were brilliant teachers throughout, very generous with their knowledge and always happy to answer questions.

Meeting fellow makers was also a big part of the experience and the fun, exchanging knowledge, ideas, tips and different ways of approaching problems.

I came back with a huge amount to process, experiment with and improve in my own workshop.

Really glad I took the step to join the course."

"The course was amazing and Peter and Guy are some of the best professionals and teachers I ever met in my 25 years as a professional luthier. Also Daniel, all the chats with us were plenty of wisdom and generosity."

You can find out more and book for next year here:

Key Making Course overview | During this course you will make an 'apprentice piece' as per the examples pictured below. Through making the piece, you will explore and learn about the process of making keys, enabling you to be able to offer keywork adjustments, repair and alterations to your customer...

29/04/2026

Always a pleasure to see instruments of our own making in performance!

If you're in Cambridge there's a lovely concert coming up:

Bloomsbury Players: Schubert Octet and Songs of Inspiration in Cambridge
🎶Franz Schubert - Octet in F major, D. 803 and new arrangements of Schubert’s songs that inspired his instrumental chamber music, alongside excerpts from his string quartets _Rosamunde_ and _Death and the Maiden_
📅 Friday, 8 May 2026
🕒 7pm (doors 6:30pm)
📍 *The Parish Church of St Clement* , Bridge St, Cambridge CB2 1UF
💷 £20 (standard), £10 (under 30s)
🎟️ https://www.tickettailor.com/events/vermeerchamberconcerts/2171561
💥 *All pieces will be introduced by the players*

Schubert Octet in St. Clement’s Church, Cambridge – Parish Church of St. Clement, Cambridge, Fri 8 May 2026 - Schubert Octet and Songs of Inspiration - a programme by Vermeer Chamber Concerts, presented by the Bloomsbury Players Join us for an evening of glorious music in St. Clement’s Churc...

25/04/2026

Those on the September Baroque Oboe Making course will be making instruments based on the J.M.Anciuti (italian 1730) model. Plays at 415hz

One place left if you want to join them!

Baroque Oboe Making Course overview | During this intense six day course you will take part in the entire process of creating your own Baroque oboe. With a maximum of three participants on each course you will have plenty of one-to-one time with the tutor, Paul van der Linden. Instrument

17/04/2026

We've got spaces to make Recorders, Clarinets, Baroque Oboes and Chalumeau before the year is out.
Plus our autumn Repair & Care courses.....
https://www.cambridgemakers.org/i-would-like-to/view-cambridge-woodwind-makers-calendar-of-events/

05/03/2026

Just one space left on Classical Clarinet Making this July with Cowley:

Classical Clarinet Making Course overview | During these 2 weeks you will make your own professional classical clarinet with expert clarinet makers Guy Cowley and Daniel Bangham. Guy and Daniel will teach participants to make their own classical clarinet based on the 5 keyed Simiot of Lyon, French c...

03/03/2026

We have our second ever annual Cor Anglais day coming up on Monday 30th March.

Cor Anglais Course overview | Get comfortable with your Cor Anglais; playing, reeds, emergency repairs and more. Join Adam for a special one-day workshop devoted to the Cor Anglais. The course will cover techniques for playing Cor Anglais, how it differs from modern oboe, reed styles and adjustments...

03/03/2026

We've unexpectedly got a place available on our Clarinet Repair & Care day on Saturday 14th March.
Find out more and book via the following page of our website:
https://www.cambridgemakers.org/i-would-like-to/i-would-like-to-repair-and-maintain-my-instrument/clarinet-repair-care/

01/03/2026

Just two places left on our spring Flute Repair & Care course at Woodwind & Reeds Direct on Monday 9th March.

Flute Repair & Care Course overview | Learn about your flute; how it works, how to identify problems, see what can go wrong and how to fix it. Offering an opportunity to learn how your flute works and how to clean, care for and fix problems. With expert guidance you

26/02/2026

Only one place left on our Cornetto Making course with Sam Goble
Join us this April!

Cornetto Making Course overview | Make your own wooden Cornetto with Sam Goble. During this four day course you will make a cornetto from a blank piece of wood, carving the bore, shaping the outside, cutting the diamonds, drilling holes and finally covering your instrument in leather. You will use

26/02/2026

There's only 1 place left on our Baroque & Modern Oboe Reed Making & Adjustment course with Shapiro coming up at the end of March:

Oboe Reed Making or Adjustment Course overview | Adam offers three types of course with Cambridge Woodwind Makers: Oboe Reed Making, Oboe Reed Adjustment and a combination of the two; all are offered separately for modern, baroque and cor-anglais reeds. Making | Participants will learn the steps and...