• Below are common and recommended accessories for the brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Most of the links are to Woodwind and Brasswind, they are a reputable music store. However similar or the same items can be purchased from local music stores or another online source. A music stand is strongly recommended for all students in order to form essential, good habits when practicing at home. For any and all accessories listed below, feel free to contact me with any questions you may have before making a purchase. Instrument accessories make great gifts too!!

     

    ALL INSTRUMENTS

    1. Music Stand - Collapsable music stand for practicing at home.

    2. Metronome and Tuner - A metronome is a good tool for a musician to practice with for keeping a steady beat. The tuner will become more useful as the student continues to advance on the instrument.

     

    TRUMPET

    1. Valve Oil - Most students currently have a bottle already but will need to replace it when it runs out.

    2. Trumpet Stand - Useful to set trumpet down safely while practicing.

    3. Tuning Slide Grease - Used on the tuning slides, so they don't get stuck.

    4. Polishing Cloth - Helps clean fingerprints and keeps brass shiny. 

     

    FRENCH HORN

    1. Rotor Oil - Most students currently have a bottle already but will need to replace it when it runs out.

    2. Tuning Slide Grease - Used on the tuning slides, so they don't get stuck.

    3. Polishing Cloth - Helps clean fingerprints and keeps brass shiny.

     

    TROMBONE

    1. Slide Cream - Necessary to keep slide moving smoothly. I prefer slide cream to slide oil, though both work fine. Most students currently have a bottle of slide oil already but will need to replace it or switch to cream when it runs out.

    2. Slide Oil - Most students currently have a bottle already but will need to replace it when it runs out or switch to slide cream.

    3. Polishing Cloth - Helps clean fingerprints and keeps brass shiny.

     

    BARITONE

    1. Valve Oil - Most students currently have a bottle already but will need to replace it when it runs out.

    2. Tuning Slide Grease - Used on the tuning slides, so they don't get stuck.

    3. Polishing Cloth - Helps clean fingerprints and keeps brass shiny.

     

    OBOE

    1. Reeds - The oboe uses a double reed. You can purchase one at a local music store. Elementary students should get a medium soft reed, a soft or medium strength reed would also be acceptable. Unfortunately oboe reeds can be finicky. I found an oboist in the Philadelphia area who plays for the Philly Pops and makes reeds. The reeds he makes seem to consistently work well for my students. I would recommend contacting David Schneider, 215-242-4299.

    2. Cleaning Kit

     

    FLUTE

    1. Cleaning Kit - Includes polishing cloth to keep shiny, swabs for removing moisture, dust brush, key oil

    2. Flute Stand - A safe way to put the flute down during practice sessions

     

    CLARINET

    1. Reeds - A good reed being played consistently may last for about 2-3 weeks. Reeds come in different strengths, I recommend size 2.5 reeds and buying a box of 10 reeds.

    2. Cleaning Kit

     

    SAXOPHONE

    1. Reeds - A good reed being played consistenly may last about 2-3 weeks. Reeds come in different strengths, I recommend size 2.5 reeds and buying a box of 10 reeds.

    2. Cleaning Kit

     

    SNARE DRUM

    1. Sticks - Sticks need to be replaced as they chip, split or crack. With proper use sticks last for awhile. Be sure to not get too thick or heavy of a stick, some sticks are meant for high marching band use.

    2. Practice Pad, 6 inch - If you wish to upgrade the practice pad that comes with snare drum or if you don't have one.

        Practice Pad, 12 inch