Overview

Buying a musical instrument is like buying a car: you can buy a used clunker or a luxury sports car, and both of them will make you work on time. With so many prices and types, how do you find a good deal? This is the season when elementary and high school students start joining their first bands or orchestras. And choosing a musical instrument for your child is difficult. How do you get a good deal on an instrument if you do not know what you are looking for?

“Talk first to the expert, to someone who really knows what you will need. And often, the professor is The Best expert, “said Kathy Judd, executive director of the Washington Conservatory of Music, a non-profit school for students of all levels.

But there are other useful tips that can save you money in the short and long term. We discussed with experts in the region what to look for when buying instruments. As with cars, you can always find a cheaper car, but finding the one that suits your needs and your budget? It’s harder. Today we are here with a list of 10 Things You Need To Know Before You Buy A Musical Instrument for you.

Things You Need To Know Before You Buy A Musical Instrument – List

1. Finding a teacher

Ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations. You want a teacher who will motivate you and with whom you will feel comfortable. Look at the costs involved too. Some teachers will want the payment to be made every quarter, others are happy to work on a pay-per-view system.

2. You can afford an instrument

Do not let the price deter you from buying an instrument. There are more options than ever before. “You do not have to spend a lot on an instrument,” said Dan Trahey, OrchKids Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, a school music program for 600 elementary school students in Baltimore. Many public schools have instruments through programs such as OrchKids, which provides instruments for students. Before worrying about the costs, check with your child’s school and find out what’s available.

3. Make sure it’s the right instrument for you

Play on your strengths. If your arms are short, do not play the trombone. If your back worries you, do not play the sousaphone. If your ears work properly, do not play on the recorder (cannot resist).

4. Have you considered the noise implications?

Learning an instrument can be a noisy business. Consider investing in a mute, muffler or soundproof bunker in isolated forests.

5. Size matters

If your child is in elementary or middle school, he will grow up. Make sure to buy or rent the right instrument. Remember that children are too big for violins, not for trumpets.

6. Buying an instrument

It is definitely worth buying a good quality instrument within the limits of your budget. You will get a better sound, it will stay in better shape (the strings may not need to be adjusted as well, for example) and, therefore, you will enjoy playing better. Try going to a musical instrument store where you can try some instruments to get the right fit and feel.

7. Try online resources

There are fantastic websites and tutorials online that can really help you and get you started. You can also consider the tools you need to help you – for example, the beginner may not be able to easily tune his guitar, but you can choose a tuner that does it for you, which will save you a lot of frustration. the first days.

8. Think about what music you enjoy listening to

This is crucial because you will listen and learn a lot of sounds, rhythms and patterns – so you have to enjoy it. Do not try the trumpet if you do not know how it sounds and works in other compositions. Start watching and listening to the musical instruments in the songs you love and see how they fit in. Keyboards are featured in many rock songs – but may not be an obvious choice for many. You may want to be interested in the guitar, but think about what kind of guitar, classical guitar, bass or electric offer different options.

9. Unable to buy outright? Try renting

Just be aware that given current market trends, renting is dead money. Putting your foot on the ladder is much more important. Think about resale, think about adding value: consider an extension or a big structural work to improve the layout.