Yamaha Venova in the Classroom: A Woodwind Teacher’s Experience

September 2nd, 2024 | 3 min read

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Emma Eames, a whole class ensemble tutor for Inspiring Music in Central Bedfordshire, recently trialled the Yamaha Venova Soprano YVS-100 with her year 3 and 4 students. With extensive experience in teaching various woodwind instruments such as the ocarina, recorder, Clarineo, and jSax, Emma’s insights provide an in-depth evaluation of the Venova’s suitability for young learners.

Children from Eversholt Lower School and Emma Eames hold the Yamaha Venova YVS-100 above their heads in a fun pose.

First Impressions of the Yamaha Venova YVS-100: Unique and Promising

When Emma first received the Venova, she noted several promising features:

• Versatility in Key: Being in C, the Venova can easily blend with other instruments and use existing resources.

• Unique Design: Its distinctive look sparked curiosity among her students, which drove early engagement in the Venova and the classes in general.

• Portability: Lightweight and equipped with a sturdy case, it’s easy for young learners to handle.

However, there were also some challenges:

• Mouthpiece and Reed: The larger, more authentic single-reed mouthpiece required more diaphragm support to produce the desired tone.

• Finger Stretch: The large holes and uneven spacing presented difficulties for smaller hands, but could aid progression for older, more advanced students.

• Tuning Issues: Maintaining tuning over octaves required adapting the embouchure, a skill that very young beginners might struggle with.

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In the Classroom with the Yamaha Venova: Hands-On Experience

Emma trialled the Venova with two different classes: Oak Class at St. Andrew’s Lower School and Sun Class at Eversholt Lower School.

St. Andrew’s Lower School

Initial Reactions: The pupils were excited about the Venova’s unusual shape, and most were able to produce a sound quickly. However, covering the large holes was a challenge for year 3 fingers.
Sound and Volume: The Venova was much louder than other whole-class instruments like the recorder or jSax, and some pupils struggled with the timbre, especially those with sensory issues.
Progress: Despite some initial enthusiasm, progress was slower compared to the other classes learning the recorder. Emma noted that the gap between those who could play the Venova and those who struggled widened over time.

Eversholt Lower School

Initial Reactions: Similar to St. Andrew’s, the pupils were intrigued by the Venova and managed to produce sounds quickly.
Challenges with Reeds: The Venova reeds required warming up, causing some frustration. Some pupils found the reeds slippery and the edges sharp, which affected their comfort and playing consistency.
Mixed Results: Over several sessions, it became clear that while some pupils adapted well and transferred skills from the jSax, others continued to struggle.

Children from Eversholt Lower School and Emma Eames play the Yamaha Venova YVS-100.

Observations and Conclusions from the Venova Trial Programme

Progression Instrument: Emma concluded that the Venova might be better suited as a follow-on instrument rather than a beginner’s instrument. Older pupils, particularly those in upper KS2, might handle the challenges better due to their more developed dexterity and control. Our Progressive Pathways for Woodwind instruments position Venova as a follow-on from recorder, ideally for children aged Year 4 and up!

Classroom Management: The Venova proved to be sturdy, with minimal damage over the trial period. However, the higher cost of reeds and the need for careful handling of the mouthpiece might pose challenges in a busy classroom setting, although all English HLO purchases with the capital grant will be backed by Yamaha and pBone Music's unbeatable five-year warranty, plus access to spare parts.

SEND Considerations: The Venova was found to be less accessible for SEND pupils due to the physical and sensory demands of the instrument. Manual dexterity and embouchure control were significant barriers.

Teaching Tips for the Yamaha Venova YVS-100

Best Uses: The Venova could be an excellent progression instrument for older pupils or as a mixed-instrument group where some pupils play Venova alongside others playing jSax or recorders.

Teaching Tips:

1. Pre-fit Reeds: Pre-assemble the reeds to save time and reduce frustration.

2. Introduce Gradually: Consider introducing the Venova after pupils have developed basic skills on easier instruments.

3. Focus on Diaphragm Support: Teach proper breathing techniques early to help pupils produce a good tone.

4. Dexterity Exercises: Incorporate finger dexterity exercises to help pupils adapt to the larger holes and wider spacing.

Educators interested in exploring the Venova further can book a meeting with Jonty Hines, our Director of Education Partnerships to discuss trial opportunities and tailor a progressive pathway that fits their classroom needs.
You can also find out more about this innovative wind instrument on the Venova YVS-100 product page.
Looking for an alto model? Check out the YVS-120.

Adam McCulloch

Adam is the Content Manager at pBone Music. This should mean that he’s the ideal person to write about himself, but he finds boasting in the third person a little awkward. He honed his word wizardry with a degree in English Language and Literature at the University of Leeds. He has since written copy for clients and businesses across the land, from awards to something beginning with “z”. He also spent a number of years as a musician. He has written pop songs and even jingles for kids, performed more first dances at weddings than you could shake a pBuzz at, and once played a gig for a pie company at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester. When he’s not reminiscing about those good old days, you might find Adam enjoying the football (although as an Everton fan, that can be difficult). He also loves spending time with his partner, Jen, and his family and friends, and sincerely hopes they feel the same way.

Topics:

Educator

Yamaha

Woodwind

Venova