Band (In addition to the instrument itself)
You can usually buy these as a "care kit" from the local music stores
Flute - Soft, link-free cloth for cleaning inside (1/3 of man's hankerchief works great) and polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
Clarinet/Saxophone - Beginner reeds (you don't need the most expensive to start). Get two #2 Rico and three #2 1/2 Rico to start and you can upgrade to Mitchell Laurie after they run out of the first batch. Swab, cork grease, mouthpiece brush, ReedGuard to fit a few reeds in, polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
Trumpet/Baritone/Euphonium - Valve Oil (Blue Juice works great), slide grease, mouthpiece brush and polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
French Horn - Rotor Oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush and polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
Trombone - Slide Oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush and polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
Percussion/Drums - They will need a bell kit which includes bells and either a practice pad or a snare drum with a dampening cover (to reduce volume), drum sticks and bell mallets.
Flute - Soft, link-free cloth for cleaning inside (1/3 of man's hankerchief works great) and polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
Clarinet/Saxophone - Beginner reeds (you don't need the most expensive to start). Get two #2 Rico and three #2 1/2 Rico to start and you can upgrade to Mitchell Laurie after they run out of the first batch. Swab, cork grease, mouthpiece brush, ReedGuard to fit a few reeds in, polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
Trumpet/Baritone/Euphonium - Valve Oil (Blue Juice works great), slide grease, mouthpiece brush and polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
French Horn - Rotor Oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush and polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
Trombone - Slide Oil, slide grease, mouthpiece brush and polishing cloth. Collapsable music stand.
Percussion/Drums - They will need a bell kit which includes bells and either a practice pad or a snare drum with a dampening cover (to reduce volume), drum sticks and bell mallets.
Guitar
In addition to a guitar (see below for recommendations), they will need several thin or medium guitar picks (no less than 6). Picks will be provided for the PTA programs. Personally I prefer Dunlop Tortex picks (the orange ones) as they have a little texture to them and don't slip around as much. A guitar tuner (Snark is a popular and reasonably priced brand) will be needed after about the first year.
Young Guitarists (7-9)
Teen/Adult Guitarists (10+)
Local stores sell the guitars but they do not offer rental programs as a new guitars can be purchased a low cost.
Young Guitarists (7-9)
- What type of guitar? If they are purchasing a 1/2 or 3/4 size guitar, we recommend classical (nylon strings with a wider neck so these are easier on the fingers) or acoustic guitar (steel strings so are a little tougher on the fingers but the neck is narrower for their small hands). Most teachers like classical for the smaller guitars/students to go easier on the finger but we have instructors that prefer acoustic as well. It really is a preference. You can also expect them to grow out of that size guitar and as they get closer to full size guitar, they will be able to determine which type of guitar based on the style of guitar they are interested in (see teen/adult guitar recommendations). Electric guitars are ok but will require them to bring an amp, power cord and guitar cable. Often times the rooms don't have outlets in correct places to plug in so acoustic or classical are preferred but any are accepted.
- What size? If you go to a local music store they should be able to correctly size them for a guitar. Without meeting the students, we cannot determine which size would be best as it depends a lot on their height/arm length and the guitar itself.
- What price? This depends on many factors but do NOT buy any plastic or toy guitars from local Walmarts/Targets/Amazon. They often don't hold the pitch due to the poor quality and will not allow your child to practice correctly through the week. Expect to pay around $120-150 for an entry level guitar at a local guitar shop that will be quality enough to get them started. Some come with gig bags to carry the guitar.
- What brand? This is up to you, but some of the makes that are very popular, decent price and good quality include Yamaha, Takamine and Ibanez. Stay away from toy, plastic guitars and First Act as they don't hold pitch.
Teen/Adult Guitarists (10+)
- What type of guitar? If they are not yet in a full size guitar, see the Young Guitarists suggestions above. If they ARE at a full size guitar, it really depends on the style of music they want to pursue.
- Classical Guitar - Nylon strings, wider neck - Used primarily for classical style playing. Easier on fingers but wider neck and therefore sometimes more challenging for reaching chords for smaller hands.
- Acoustic Guitar - Steel strings - Used primarily for strumming folk/pop/rock styles. This is the most popular and can be purchased with or without electronic pickups (if they will be plugging into a amp or sound system to be heard in a larger venue). Tougher on the fingers initially than nylon strings but more conducive for strumming chords.
- Electric Guitar - Steel strings and solid body - Used primarily for rock styles. This is a little tougher in class settings as it requires an amp to be plugged into an outlet.
Local stores sell the guitars but they do not offer rental programs as a new guitars can be purchased a low cost.
Strings
All string instruments can be rented from a local music store. They will also size the student for which instrument fits them best. Please come to class with your instrument, rosin, a chin rest and a polishing cloth.
Piano
You will just need a keyboard or piano at home for your student to practice on. Nothing is needed for class.
Ukulele
You will need to purchase a ukulele. Please purchase a soprano (smallest), concert (mid) or tenor (larger) ukulele. Most students have soprano or concert size. They have baritone ukulele's that are large but the strings are different pitches than the others. Do NOT purchase a baritone ukulele for class. Remember these are not toys but are actual instruments. The toy ones will not stay in tune and are not conducive to practicing and learning on them.