Dan Prest

Feel tuned into the low end of music? Whether it's providing the driving, rhythmic force that powers today's rock and pop classics, the irresistable, get-up-and-dance groove in funk, or the soaring melodic virtuosity in prog rock, the bass guitar has a compelling presence. It's easy to see its appeal to so many.

Pick up the bass and there are countless creative paths to take. Whether you join a band or choose to play solo, elevating performance to its highest art form - bass for bass' sake - either option provides satisfaction in equal measure. And for the academically motivated, Rockschool (does for rock musicians what ABRSM does for classical) grades 6, 7 and 8 can contribute to UCAS points.

The desire to create music is a natural urge and for many the piano is an obvious choice of instrument. Capable of producing beautiful sounds, it fits across virtually all genres. Producing delicate, single-note melody lines or rich, polyphonic textures, it can be enjoyed alone as a solo instrument, or socially in a group.

Playing the piano also develops good posture and manual dexterity - and combined with the theraputic, stress-relieving effects of producing music, this can lead to a general feeling of well-being. Some researchers believe that children who learn piano excel generally in academic performance. And, certainly, for more advanced students, ABSRM grades 6, 7 and 8 can contribute to UCAS points.