How to Choose An Instrument.

 

 

  1. DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT BEFORE ATTENDING AN INSTRUMENT SHOWCASE SCHEDULED FOR YOUR AREA.  Experienced directors will coach you on every instrument and guide you through the many facets of choosing an instrument. If you are not able to attend please contact MASTER Music Academy for an appointment with an instructor who will be more than happy to help you choose an instrument.

     

  2. After an instructor has walked you through choosing which instrument is best for you,  choose a brand and model that is of high quality. This is one of the most important decisions you will make effecting the success of your child as a musician. The instrument does not need to be new but needs to play very well. There are few things that discourage a new instrumentalist and his/her teacher more than a malfunctioning instrument. Please select a student line instrument from the many high quality and affordable brands that we have listed below.

     

  3. Choose a brand that is serviceable. Instruments WILL need servicing just as automobiles will. Unfortunately, there are quite a few brands that are not supported by a parts inventory. Simple repair needs often render these instruments useless. Please select an instrument from the many high quality and affordable brands that we have listed below.

     

  4. Seek advice from local music instrument stores. There are music stores in the area that sell and rent high quality instruments. MASTER Music Academy has contacted the stores in the area and informed them of what you will need.

 

 

 

WHERE TO FIND AN INSTRUMENT

 

  1. Family and friends. Manyy times people you know will have an instrument for you to borrow or purchase at a great discount.  Chances are a quick trip to a local shop to have it inspected will have you up and going.  Please contact your instructor when you have found an instrument.

     

  2. Ebay and craigslist. Shop carefully for the brands and models listed below under “Recommended Instruments”  and you will often find great deals. Feel free to contact your instructor if you have questions about an instrument you have found.

     

  3. Online music stores. There are a plethora of places on the internet. Shop carefully for the brands and models listed on the “Recommended Instruments” page and you will often find great deals.

     

  4. Retail stores that offer new, used, and rentals. Retail stores are not always the least expensive but are the safest way to purchase an instrument.  Retail stores offer rental/purchase agreements with theft and damage insurance as well as exchange policies for those students who need to switch instruments.  Your instructor will arrange for a retail store to come to your area to make these services available if you need them.

 

 When shopping for an instrument, ask for the student line.

 

Call Washington Music Center to price check – 301-946-8808. I have used them in the past and found they have had great prices and service.

 

 

Instrument

Brand

Model

 

Flutes

Gemeinhardt

2SP (silver)

 

 

Gemeinhardt

2NP (nickel)

 

 

*Yamaha

221

 

 

Emerson

EF1

 

 

*Armstrong

102

 

Clarinets

Jupiter

635n

 

 

Vito

 

 

 

Yamaha

YCL255

 

 

Buffet

 

 

 

Leclanc

7212 PC

 

Alto Saxophone

Selmer

Prelude

 

 

*Yamaha

YAS 26

 

 

Conn

 

 

 

Vito

 

 

French Horn

Conn

 

Look for used

 

Holton

“ “

 

 

King

“”

 

 

Yamaha

“ “

 

 

Eastman (double horn)

EFH 422

 

Trumpet

King

601

 

 

Bach

TR300H2

 

 

Holton

 

 

 

Conn

 

 

 

*Jupiter

600L

 

 

Yamaha

YTR2330

 

 

Getzen

 

 

Trombone

King

606

 

 

Bach

Student model

 

 

Holton

 

 

 

Jupiter

332L

 

 

Yamaha

 

 

 

Getzen

 

 

Snare/bell Kits

Pearl

SK 900C

 

 

Ludwig

 

 

 

Yamaha

Back Pack

 

 

Vic Firth

V6806