Why Play the Serpent

Explore the benefits of music for your health through the sounds of forgotten instruments.
The serpent is an unusual musical instrument with history going back to the 16th century. It’s one of many historic musical instruments in the collection at St Cecilia’s Hall at the University of Edinburgh. This event will bring back some of these forgotten instruments with a live online performance together with stories about their development. Jumping back to the modern day, you will hear how scientists are discovering some of the non-musical benefits of playing an instrument including potential links between musical training and our physical abilities, listening skills, and thinking skills.

[@gregmonks]

The bass horn, serpent, and ophicleide, are great-sounding instruments . . . in the right hands.

[@StCeciliasHall]

How true! I guess that can be said about all instruments in the end.

[@jpendleton4331]

One of the only times I've seen serpent played seriously.

[@instrumentalheadquarters7062]

I would listen to Wilbart Patrick, or Michel Godard. They are brilliant serpent players.

[@isaiahxp9185]

Tony is charming.

[@Alberad08]

Thank you for sharing this! I'm a composer and would love to get into contact with Tony about the serpent. Would you mind to get me some contact link?

[@StCeciliasHall]

Can you please email [e-mail] with this request?

[@stephenselby4252]

I want to be a professor of ophicleide and serpent. I can play the saw quite well. Where can I sign up?

[@StCeciliasHall]

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland!