Let's get started! Choose the instrument that interests YOU. There is no such thing as an instrument "just for boys" or "just for girls." They all have their unique challenges - none are easy without practice, but all can be mastered through hard work and dedication.
Lessons are offered on the following instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. Please contact me regarding any other instrument.
Students will need to rent or acquire their own instrument, lesson book, and any necessary accessories. The book is "Standard of Excellence, Book 1" for your respective instrument, and is widely available. Rent-to-own programs like those recommended below offer reasonable pricing and many benefits, such as service, repair, and quality. In your order, you can usually include the lesson book, reeds, music stands (which you should have for home practice), and other accessories.
Scroll down for demonstration videos, instrument specifics, and rental information.
Lessons are offered on the following instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion. Please contact me regarding any other instrument.
Students will need to rent or acquire their own instrument, lesson book, and any necessary accessories. The book is "Standard of Excellence, Book 1" for your respective instrument, and is widely available. Rent-to-own programs like those recommended below offer reasonable pricing and many benefits, such as service, repair, and quality. In your order, you can usually include the lesson book, reeds, music stands (which you should have for home practice), and other accessories.
Scroll down for demonstration videos, instrument specifics, and rental information.
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Instrument Specific Details
FLUTE: In addition to the instrument, lesson book, and music stand, students will need a soft, cotton cloth for cleaning the instrument (a handkerchief, or 1/4 of a regular sized bandana is adequate).
CLARINET and SAXOPHONE: Parents will need to purchase reeds from time to time. The reeds are a thin piece of wood that go on the mouthpiece. Without a reed, the instrument is unplayable. Because they are very thin pieces of cane, reeds can break, chip, or split easily. Reeds are sold in “strengths” with the lowest numbers being for beginning students. We recommend that our beginning band students purchase #2 strength reeds, in boxes of 5 or more. Please be sure to specify which instrument your child plays when buying these (either Clarinet or ALTO Saxophone). Trusted brands include "Rico," "Royal," and "Vandoren". Rentals usually come with 1-2 reeds and a stick of cork grease. Saxophones include a basic neck strap, though many students choose to buy a padded one.
TRUMPET & TROMBONE: Brass students will need a soft cloth (cut from an old t-shirt is perfect) to protect the instrument and clothing when oiling valves, etc. Rentals will include valve or slide oil and slide grease in their cases. A bottle of oil should last for several years, and the oil should not be applied until we have learned how to and where it goes.
PERCUSSION: Students will need a pair of sticks and a drum pad (with stand). We recommend purchasing the NEMC percussion bundle below. You may choose to rent a Snare Drum and/or Bell kit, but it is not required. During lessons, percussion students will have the opportunity to use the snare and bass drums, cymbals, and other auxiliary percussion instruments. Beginning percussion lessons do not include instruction on drum set.
WHERE TO GET AN INSTRUMENT & SUPPLIES
We recommend these local vendors, and encourage taking advantage of any Accidental Damage Coverage:
NEMC (delivers to your home!): https://www.nemc.com/rentals/
Percussion bundle: www.shopnemc.com/category/Middletown-Twp-Percussion
Russo Music (delivers to the school): http://russomusic.com/
Music and Arts (Located in Manalapan): http://www.musicarts.com/
Dillon Music (Located in Woodbridge): http://www.dillonmusic.com/
FLUTE: In addition to the instrument, lesson book, and music stand, students will need a soft, cotton cloth for cleaning the instrument (a handkerchief, or 1/4 of a regular sized bandana is adequate).
CLARINET and SAXOPHONE: Parents will need to purchase reeds from time to time. The reeds are a thin piece of wood that go on the mouthpiece. Without a reed, the instrument is unplayable. Because they are very thin pieces of cane, reeds can break, chip, or split easily. Reeds are sold in “strengths” with the lowest numbers being for beginning students. We recommend that our beginning band students purchase #2 strength reeds, in boxes of 5 or more. Please be sure to specify which instrument your child plays when buying these (either Clarinet or ALTO Saxophone). Trusted brands include "Rico," "Royal," and "Vandoren". Rentals usually come with 1-2 reeds and a stick of cork grease. Saxophones include a basic neck strap, though many students choose to buy a padded one.
TRUMPET & TROMBONE: Brass students will need a soft cloth (cut from an old t-shirt is perfect) to protect the instrument and clothing when oiling valves, etc. Rentals will include valve or slide oil and slide grease in their cases. A bottle of oil should last for several years, and the oil should not be applied until we have learned how to and where it goes.
PERCUSSION: Students will need a pair of sticks and a drum pad (with stand). We recommend purchasing the NEMC percussion bundle below. You may choose to rent a Snare Drum and/or Bell kit, but it is not required. During lessons, percussion students will have the opportunity to use the snare and bass drums, cymbals, and other auxiliary percussion instruments. Beginning percussion lessons do not include instruction on drum set.
WHERE TO GET AN INSTRUMENT & SUPPLIES
We recommend these local vendors, and encourage taking advantage of any Accidental Damage Coverage:
NEMC (delivers to your home!): https://www.nemc.com/rentals/
Percussion bundle: www.shopnemc.com/category/Middletown-Twp-Percussion
Russo Music (delivers to the school): http://russomusic.com/
Music and Arts (Located in Manalapan): http://www.musicarts.com/
Dillon Music (Located in Woodbridge): http://www.dillonmusic.com/