What does my child need to survive beginning clarinet?
Starting out on a new instrument can be a bit scary, and as parents we want to gather as much information as we can to hit the ground running with our children. I’ve taken the guesswork out of brands, needs, and equipment to help make this a successful beginning year.
The absolute bare necessities are:
- Ample amount of reeds (they break SO easily, and your student is just learning how to deal with them, so they will break them). You can purchase these by the box (quantity of 10) and keep track of them at home with your student.
- A cleaning swab. No one needs moldy instruments!
- Cork grease to help the joints go together smoothly.
- A music stand for their book and music pages. Laying their music on a bed does not promote proper posture for playing, and that posture helps in making a great sound (and eliminating the squeaks!)
- SUPPORT FROM THE FAMILY! Ask what they are learning, ask to hear their new notes, ask where their instrument IS! Have them bring it home and give you a concert on the weekend to show what they have learned. Learning an instrument is SO hard, and knowing that there’s family support will encourage them to keep going.