Saxophone trials at Blackpool Music School may help asthma sufferers

The Blackpool Music School (BMS) in Waterloo Road, Marton, has been awarded £10,000 from the National Lottery to help people with breathing difficulties.

BMS chairman and founder John Shaw said the trials are a chance for asthma sufferers to help themselves but also potentially many others.

John said: “We are looking for four adults and four young people to take part in the 12-month trials, and we are hoping to prove that with regular use of a wind instrument this can assist with controlled breathing.

“If someone is a diagnosed asthmatic we believe we can help them, and we will be able to show them how to control their breathing, which may help reduce any asthma attacks in the future.

“We are hoping all the monitoring information and data we gain from the trial will be recorded by a research team or doctor.

“This can then be passed onto the health teams and researchers and the results should show that musical instruments may be able to help with medical conditions such as asthma.”

The eight people chosen will each be using an electronic Roland Aerophone, which cost more than £400.

BMS saxophone tutor Ray Jones said: “They really are a fantastic bit of kit and, for the people taking part in the trial the instruments, will really help them along the way.”

The trials are free, but John said there is a £24 monthly cost for insurance on the saxophones.

Email [email protected] if you want to take part in the saxophone trials.