Thomas Walker
Thomas grew up on the folk and roots music of the North East, where the tradition of Northumbrian tunes runs deep, and has been playing and writing about acoustic music for most of his life. He's drawn to instruments with history and craft. He covers folk, acoustic and traditional music.
Flute Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The flute is a transverse woodwind instrument played by directing air across an embouchure hole. Understanding its variants, materials, and mechanism helps players and buyers choose the right instrume...
Recorder: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying a recorder is simpler than many expect, but a few key decisions matter enormously. Thomas Walker maps out the choices so you get it right first time.
Bassoon: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Prices are substantially higher than most woodwinds and the quality differences between tiers are real. Here's what to consider before spending.
Nose Flute for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The nose flute is one of the most accessible wind instruments to start on — this beginner's guide takes you from your very first tone to playing simple tunes, with no prior experience needed.
Tin Whistle: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A tin whistle is the most affordable instrument you can start with — here is how to choose the right model from student to professional.
Essential Folk Rock Albums Explained
The genre's whole story, told through six records — here's what to play, and in what order.
How to Set Up and Use Didgeridoo
Getting started on the didgeridoo is about relaxing, not tensing. Here's how to set up the instrument and produce your first sustained drone.
Clarinet Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The clarinet's cylindrical bore, single reed and Boehm key system give it one of the broadest ranges and most distinctive voices of any woodwind instrument.
How to Set Up and Use Accordion
Correct strap fitting, even bellows movement and clean key placement are the three foundations of good technique — this guide walks through each from the beginning.
Melodica Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The melodica looks like a toy, but there's more going on inside it than most people realise. Here's what it is, how it works, and how its types differ.
Soprano Ukulele: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Budget entry points, solid wood construction, koa premiums and what to check before you buy — a practical guide to choosing the right soprano ukulele.
Oud Instrument Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A deep, pear-shaped body, a fretless neck and not a fret in sight, the instrument at the heart of Arabic, Turkish and Persian music, explained properly.
Common Bassoon Mistakes to Avoid
Most early problems come from a handful of identifiable causes. Here's what to look for and how to correct each one before it becomes a habit.
Common Ukulele Case Mistakes to Avoid
Most ukulele damage is preventable. These are the case-related mistakes that cause it most often, and how to avoid each one.
Common Nose Flute Mistakes to Avoid
Most nose flute problems come down to a handful of common mistakes — here are the ones to know about and how to correct them before they become entrenched habits.
The Best Melodicas for the Money
There's no single best melodica — only the best one for your category. Here's how the field breaks down by classroom, studio, tone and skill level.
How to Set Up and Use Chromatic Harmonica
Get the slide moving freely and the embouchure right before anything else. Here is how to prepare and play your instrument from the very first session.
Common Recorder Mistakes to Avoid
Most recorder problems stem from a handful of recurring mistakes. Thomas Walker identifies the most common errors — and the straightforward fixes that make an immediate difference.
Cor Anglais Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The cor anglais is one of the orchestra's most instantly recognisable voices, and one of its most misunderstood names. Here is what it actually is, and how it works.
The Ultimate Guide to Cor Anglais Instrument
You've heard it a hundred times without knowing its name — here's what the cor anglais actually is, and where that unmistakable sound comes from.
Tabla Drumming for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Nobody's first year on tabla sounds like music, and that's meant kindly. Here's where the tradition actually wants you to start.
Piccolo Instrument for Beginners: A Complete Guide
An honest account of what starting this small, unforgiving instrument actually feels like, and how to stick with it.
Bass Ukulele Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A compact instrument with a big musical role — this guide covers everything you need to know about the bass ukulele, from its origins and types to strings, amplification and whether it suits your play...
Common Ukulele Lessons Mistakes to Avoid
Most ukulele students make at least two or three of the same mistakes. Identifying them early makes a significant difference to the speed and enjoyment of progress.
What Thomas Walker covers
Bassoon
Expressive and distinctive, the bassoon is a vital orchestral double-reed instrument with depth, agility and character.
2 topics
Clarinet
The clarinet is a versatile woodwind, widely used in UK orchestras, bands, jazz and chamber music.
3 topics
Fiddle
Choose a fiddle for folk, traditional and acoustic playing, with lively response and comfortable handling.
3 topics
Flute
Browse flutes for orchestral, chamber and folk playing, with clear tone, quick response and reliable playability for UK...
3 topics
Folk & World Instruments
Reviews, guides and buying advice for folk and world instruments including banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, sitar, djembe and...
62 topics
Kalimba
Kalimba instruments are compact thumb pianos with a soft, melodic tone, ideal for beginners and atmospheric playing.
2 topics
Piccolo Instrument
Choose a piccolo instrument for a bright, agile sound that works well in orchestral, band and solo settings.
Woodwind Instruments
Woodwind instruments span flutes, clarinets, saxophones and more, serving players from beginner to professional.
