Do I need a new instrument?
Shopping for a new instrument is one of the great joy’s in any musician’s life. It is also a very complicated process if you do not know what to look for. The information below should help you in the process.
When is it time for a new instrument?
A quality instrument is essential to a student’s musical growth and maturity. In many cases, students enter high school still playing on the same instrument they started on as beginners. Beginning instruments are designed for young students to make learning easier. Although these instruments easily produce sounds, they are quite limiting to the more advanced player.
Range, tone quality, and key action are the most noticeable differences. Beginning instruments do not have an easy, wide playing range, which is required of high school music students. The material of which the instrument is made influences the tone of an instrument. For better tone, as an example, look for flutes with more silver, or clarinets made of wood. Key action is generally slower on beginning instruments, whereas better quality instruments have better quality keys and mechanisms.
A good quality instrument will provide the high school music student continued improvement and enjoyment. A good instrument is fun to play and may add to practice time. Not only will there be a noticeable difference in the individual sound, but it can also affect the total sound of the band. For a high school student to make adequate progress, a better quality instrument should be a very real and serious consideration. If a new instrument is not a reality, then a good place to start is with a new mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is where the sound is initially started, and a good mouthpiece can make a huge difference.
Know what is in store
In today’s market, consumers have a full slate of retailers to choose from. You can find online stores, auction sites, large chain stores and local merchants. There are pros and cons to each of these options. The larger stores deal in greater quantities, thus saving you money, but the local merchant often has years of expertise and an on-site repair tech to help you later on. There are also instrument specific stores that may provide the best of both worlds. The key is to speak with someone you trust for guidance…often a music director or private instructor.
Do your homework
Between catalogs, your private instructor, your music director, the Internet, and your friends and colleagues, you can learn a lot in a little bit of time. Knowledge is power, but can also be too much information. This knowledge not only helps when you are comparing different makes/models, but will also allow you to speak with the salesperson with some degree of background. The key is to speak with someone you trust for guidance…often a music director or private instructor.
Play…LISTEN!
The most important aspect of this process is to get a feel for each instrument and how they sound. Play on several different instruments and/or mouthpieces. If possible, have your Music Director/private lesson teacher go with you to play the instruments or to offer some guidance in the selection of an instrument. It is a good idea to look into the Return Policy. Some stores will allow you a 1-2 week period of trial. Some will not take returns once they have left the store. Know the policy.
Here are some suggestions to help you with the discerning process…
NOTE: It is important to talk with your Music Director or private instructor if you have any questions before making a purchase. To this end, we can enhance your child's musical experience to make high school as rewarding and enjoyable.
Shopping for a new instrument is one of the great joy’s in any musician’s life. It is also a very complicated process if you do not know what to look for. The information below should help you in the process.
When is it time for a new instrument?
A quality instrument is essential to a student’s musical growth and maturity. In many cases, students enter high school still playing on the same instrument they started on as beginners. Beginning instruments are designed for young students to make learning easier. Although these instruments easily produce sounds, they are quite limiting to the more advanced player.
Range, tone quality, and key action are the most noticeable differences. Beginning instruments do not have an easy, wide playing range, which is required of high school music students. The material of which the instrument is made influences the tone of an instrument. For better tone, as an example, look for flutes with more silver, or clarinets made of wood. Key action is generally slower on beginning instruments, whereas better quality instruments have better quality keys and mechanisms.
A good quality instrument will provide the high school music student continued improvement and enjoyment. A good instrument is fun to play and may add to practice time. Not only will there be a noticeable difference in the individual sound, but it can also affect the total sound of the band. For a high school student to make adequate progress, a better quality instrument should be a very real and serious consideration. If a new instrument is not a reality, then a good place to start is with a new mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is where the sound is initially started, and a good mouthpiece can make a huge difference.
Know what is in store
In today’s market, consumers have a full slate of retailers to choose from. You can find online stores, auction sites, large chain stores and local merchants. There are pros and cons to each of these options. The larger stores deal in greater quantities, thus saving you money, but the local merchant often has years of expertise and an on-site repair tech to help you later on. There are also instrument specific stores that may provide the best of both worlds. The key is to speak with someone you trust for guidance…often a music director or private instructor.
Do your homework
Between catalogs, your private instructor, your music director, the Internet, and your friends and colleagues, you can learn a lot in a little bit of time. Knowledge is power, but can also be too much information. This knowledge not only helps when you are comparing different makes/models, but will also allow you to speak with the salesperson with some degree of background. The key is to speak with someone you trust for guidance…often a music director or private instructor.
Play…LISTEN!
The most important aspect of this process is to get a feel for each instrument and how they sound. Play on several different instruments and/or mouthpieces. If possible, have your Music Director/private lesson teacher go with you to play the instruments or to offer some guidance in the selection of an instrument. It is a good idea to look into the Return Policy. Some stores will allow you a 1-2 week period of trial. Some will not take returns once they have left the store. Know the policy.
Here are some suggestions to help you with the discerning process…
- QUIET - Find a quiet space where you are away from noise and distractions.
- LIMITATIONS - This is the main point of play testing an instrument. What can the instrument do? Does the instrument make things harder or easier? Do not change how you play…try to make the horn work for you.
- CONSISTENCY - If you are trying to find a new instrument, play the same set-up (mouthpiece, mouthpiece/reed/ligature) on each instrument you try.
- YOUR FUTURE - You won’t get to know your instrument well in only a few short sittings, but look to the future. Are the notes centered? How is the uniformity of response and sound in all registers? How is the intonation in all registers? How does the instrument project? How is the mechanical function? In general, think about how the instrument will be in the many different settings you will use it.
- BLINDFOLD TEST - The final test should be having some trusted colleagues listen to you play the different instruments you are considering. Tune all of the instruments uniformly and then play the same exercises/music on each of the instruments. Have your jury decide what that they like and consider that in your final decision.
NOTE: It is important to talk with your Music Director or private instructor if you have any questions before making a purchase. To this end, we can enhance your child's musical experience to make high school as rewarding and enjoyable.
