I have an instrument... What next?
All Instruments
After getting an instrument the first two accessories a musician needs are a tuner, and a metronome are two of the most important accessories every musician should have. A tuner gives you a reference of where your instrument should be set to play in tune. A metronome helps you keep a steady tempo when you are playing at home. The most important thing to make sure you get is a "chromatic" tuner. Do not get one specific to an instrument - (i.e. do not get a "guitar" tuner) Below you will find some that I recommend. This is not a comprehensive list, so feel free to ask if you find something different you like.
Tuning/Metronome Apps:
Tuners:
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Tuning/Metronome Devices:
Combo Tuner/Metronome: (best bang for your buck!)
Metronomes:
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Listed By Each Instrument
Flute
Any Flute cleaning kit will do.
Oboe
Reeds:
- Singin' Dog
- Jones
Clarinet
Reeds:
You will want to buy 2.5 strength for 6th graders, and 3 strength for late 6th grade through 8th grade. A reed should last a student a few weeks to a month. A student should be rotating 3 reeds at all times. Buying a box of 10+ at a time will be the most cost effective way of acquiring reeds.
Teeth Savers:
Mouthpieces:
*** And some more reading that should help you further.
You will want to buy 2.5 strength for 6th graders, and 3 strength for late 6th grade through 8th grade. A reed should last a student a few weeks to a month. A student should be rotating 3 reeds at all times. Buying a box of 10+ at a time will be the most cost effective way of acquiring reeds.
- Vandoren Blue Box
- Vandoren V12
- D'Addario Reserve
Teeth Savers:
- Any brand will do, it is just a small pad that adheres to the top of the mouthpiece to help cushion your teeth from mouthpiece vibrations.
Mouthpieces:
- Vandoren 5RV Lyre Series, M13 Lyre, M15, or M30
- Vandoren B45
- Vandoren B40
- Selmer Soloist
- Vandoren (M/O, Optimum)
- Rovner (Versa, Mark III)
*** And some more reading that should help you further.
Saxophone - Alto/Tenor/Baritone
Reeds:
Teeth Savers:
Mouthpieces:
Ligatures:
**Some reading that should help you further.
- Vandoren Blue Box 2.5 Strength for 6th Graders
- Vandoren Blue Box 3 Strength for 7th/8th Graders
Teeth Savers:
- Any brand will do, it is just a small pad that adheres to the top of the mouthpiece to help cushion your teeth from mouthpiece vibrations.
Mouthpieces:
- Eugene Rousseau New Classic NC4
- Selmer S80 OR S90 C*
- Vandoren V5 Classic - A20
Ligatures:
- Vandoren (M/O, Optimum)
- Francois Louis Ultimate Ligature
- BG L12 Standard
**Some reading that should help you further.
Bassoon
Trumpet
Mouthpieces:
- Bach B5
- Bach B7
- Blue Juice
- Hetman's
- Humes and Berg 101 Straight Mute
- Pro Tec Liberty Trumpet Straight Mute
F Horn
Trombone
Mouthpieces:
- Bach 6 ½ AL
- Trombontine