Support the future of double reed playing in the UK

The British Double Reed Society (BDRS) is a registered charity dedicated to supporting double reed players of all ages and abilities across the UK. Through your generosity, we are able to carry out our vital work promoting education, access, and excellence in oboe and bassoon playing.

Why donate?

Your donation enables us to continue and expand our charitable remit. In recent years, the generous support of donors has allowed the BDRS to make a tangible difference in the lives of double reed players through the launch and growth of several key initiatives:

• The BDRS Instrument Bank: Providing access to quality instruments for aspiring players who might otherwise be unable to afford them.

• In Harmony Liverpool Partnership: A groundbreaking collaboration with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s In Harmony programme. This initiative supports over 1,700 children in some of Liverpool’s most disadvantaged communities, delivering targeted double reed education and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

• Double Reed North East Initiative: BDRS has been working with organisations in the North East of England such as Durham Music Service and The Glasshouse International Centre of Music to support and increase their provision for double reed students in their area. This project is in early stages but is likely to have started at least twenty more double reed players on their journey to learn oboe or bassoon before the end of 2025.

• Double Reed Rescue Project: In partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, this initiative includes:

• Practical workshops for Woodwind Instructors

• Online Double Reed SOS Clinics

• Digital Teaching Resources

• "Come and Play" sessions for young double reed players

• Double Reed Day: A hands-on event offering coaching, masterclasses, and performance opportunities alongside top artists

These projects are only possible thanks to the generosity of individual donors who have enabled BDRS to develop new partnerships for music education and double reed playing across the UK.

How you can help

Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular gift, your support helps us provide access to music education, develop teaching resources, and inspire communities through performance and collaboration. If you are a registered tax payer in the UK, BDRS is also able to claim gift aid on all donations which adds a further 25p for every £1 received.

To find out more about how you can help enable us to reach more double reed students please contact the BDRS chair using chair@bdrs.org.uk or complete a donation form below.