Music Education

Most Band/Strings parents rent or lease instruments from local music stores. In most cases, you can build store credit through a store’s rental program. All repairs are typically covered by the store when your rental plan includes insurance. In addition, renting can help you obtain a better quality beginning level instrument and the correct size for Strings instruments. There is more information below regarding instrument quality and acquisition.

Most instruments cost approximately $20 to $25 per month to rent. The advertised price should include tax and insurance. Be careful of stores that advertise a low price, then add tax and insurance later. The instruments that rent for approximately $20 to $25 per month are Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion Kit, Violin, and Viola. Other instruments, including Saxophone, French Horn, Baritone, Tuba, Cello, and Bass can be considerably more expensive. Compare what each store covers with their insurance. Ask questions like: What if the instrument is lost or stolen? Are strings covered on string instruments? What repairs are covered? Are there loaner instruments while my instrument is being repaired? Will my rental plan build store credit over time?

Both new and used name brand instruments can be rented from local music stores. Rates from one store to the next should be within a few dollars of each other. “Like New” and “Used” instruments will typically be $5 to $10 less per month than the rental cost of a “New” instrument. Used instruments are usually very good if it is a good quality brand. Be wary of stores that don’t offer name brand instruments or don’t advertise a price that already includes tax and insurance. An instrument that is “New” isn’t always better. Your school’s teachers can provide you with a list of local music stores. (Continue reading below for information regarding name brand instruments.)

This is a difficult question to answer since every student and situation is unique. If you choose to buy an instrument, please remember not all instruments are created equal. Look for name brand instruments. The quality of the instrument is a very important factor in your child’s success. You will also be responsible for all repairs if you own the instrument. When you rent, repairs should be covered by the store if your rental plan includes Loss/Damage/Repair insurance. (Continue reading below for information regarding name brand instruments.)

You can find many good quality new and used instruments online if you know what you’re looking for. However, there are many off-brand instruments for sale online. A phrase like “Band Director Approved” does not mean it’s a good instrument. In addition, a surprisingly low price is a major red flag. Again, please look for name brand instruments. The old saying, “You get what you pay for” is very true for musical instruments.

It has been our experience that instruments purchased in this manner are often of lower quality. Students often struggle to produce a good sound and the instruments tend to have frequent mechanical problems. They are usually instruments of lesser known brands. This does not mean that you have to spend a fortune for a beginner level instrument. There are many high quality beginning level instruments on the market, many of which can be purchased for $300-$400, even less if it’s a used instrument. Quality name brand instruments are brand names that have proven themselves over time. They tend to provide a better learning experience for your child. (Continue reading below for information regarding name brand instruments.)

Not all instruments are created equal. Look for name brand instruments, which are brands that have proven their quality over time. The quality of the instrument is a very important factor in your child’s success. The following are commonly considered name brands for Brass and Woodwinds: Bach, Besson, Blessing, Buffet, Bundy, Cannonball, Conn, Eastman, Evette, Gemeinhardt, Getzen, Holton, Jupiter, King, Reynolds, Selmer, Vito, and Yamaha. For Percussion: CB700, Ludwig, Mapex, Pearl, and Vic Firth. For String instruments: Eastman, Glaesel, Klaus-Mueller, Knilling, Meisel, and Scherl and Roth.

Yes, of course. The instrument choice is yours as a family, but keep in mind that beginners tend to be more successful on an instrument that they really want to play. It is recommended that you discuss instrument choice concerns with your child’s teacher.

Yes. In addition to the instrument, there are other low cost materials/supplies that need to be purchased. Most of the supplies are a one-time purchase. These include:

Band - book(s), cleaning cloth or swab, oil or grease, reeds for Clarinet and Saxophone, and a pencil.
Strings - book(s), rosin, Violin/Viola shoulder pad, Cello/Bass strap, cleaning cloth, and a pencil.

Your instructor will provide you with a specific list based on the instrument your child chooses. Financial help may be available if needed.

Yes! We want all students to have the opportunity to learn an instrument. Each school has an inventory of instruments. The instruments available vary from school to school. You must apply to be considered for a loan of a school-owned instrument. Eligibility is determined by a variety of factors including financial need. Applications are available from each school’s Band and Strings teachers. Please be sure to adhere to application deadlines. Those chosen to receive loan of a school-owned instrument are under contractual obligation to take proper care of the instrument and to maintain a certain level of performance and responsibility throughout the year.

The Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass tend to be the best for beginners. However, all students require regular dedicated practice to be successful, no matter what instrument is being learned.

Yes. All students K-6 grades attend a music class. In grades 5 and 6, students are asked to choose which music class they would like to take. Band/Strings students attend Band/Strings instead of General Music.

Yes. All students receive standards-based grades specific to each class.

Band/Strings is scheduled as part of the Special Area schedule. Music classes rotate with PE and Art on different days of the week. Band/Strings students will not attend a Library “class,” but will have a weekly Library access time scheduled. Those students who are not in Band/Strings will attend General Music and will also have a Library “class.”

Band/Strings classes meet an average of two and a half times per week for 40 minutes each time. Some weeks the students meet twice, other weeks they meet three times.

No. Private lessons outside of school are not required, but are highly recommended if you’re financially able. If a student joins late or switches instruments at a later date, private lessons may be necessary in order for the student to make proper progress. The Band/Strings teachers at your school can provide you with names of private instructors.

Band/Strings classes meet during the school day. However, students are expected to practice at home to be successful. The expectation varies slightly from teacher to teacher, but averages approximately 10-15 minutes of at-home practice per school day. There are also two or three evening concerts each year that students are expected to attend.

No. 5th Grade Band and Strings are true beginning level courses. (Your child is even taught how to open the case.) Prior experience is not necessary, but can be beneficial. Prior experience is highly recommended for Percussion students.

Students are able to change to a closely related instrument between 5th and 6th grades, if agreed by all involved parties (student, parent, teacher). The most common transfers are Clarinet to Saxophone; Trumpet to any other brass instrument; any Band instrument to Percussion; and Cello to Bass. The decision to change instruments is based on each individual student, including factors such as physical characteristics, student effort and responsibility throughout 5th Grade, and overall music knowledge and skill. Summer classes or lessons before the 6th Grade year are often recommended. Ultimately our goal is to do what’s in the best interest of every student.

In most cases, it can be very difficult for a student to join as a true beginner in 6th Grade. Since they will attend class with other students who are in their second year of playing, it is recommended that new students gain some experience through Summer School, summer music camps, and/or private lessons. The final decision is made at the campus level.