Equipment
Like starting any new hobby there are a few bits and bobs you need to acquire before you can get started. We've put together this page to make that a whole lot easier for you to do. Whether you need a music stand, instrument to buy or hire you will find everything below.
Brass Instruments
For those with a passion for Brass look no further as we have a couple of options you could use. Most Brass instruments should come with the instrument, mouthpiece and case.
Looking to buy we recommend heading into London and visiting Phil Parker Ltd
You can also give them a call and order. They supply a full range of instruments from pre loved to brand new for all levels of ability
Looking to hire we recommend getting in touch with John Packer Hire an instrument – John Packer
They can supply a range of beginner instruments for a reasonable price with the option to buy your hire as well. (Kathlyn has personally used this service and returned after the hire with great ease)
Saxophones
For those looking to get Jazzy with some Sax I would always recommend beginners start on Alto Saxophone. This is not compulsory but it is then easier to move to Tenor or Soprano if you so wish.
Looking to buy we would suggest a trip to London to try out Saxophones at SAX London - The Ultimate Saxophone Shop.
They will help you find the perfect Sax with a range of standards and pre loved to brand new.
Looking to hire we recommend getting in touch with John Packer Hire an instrument – John Packer
They can supply a range of beginner instruments for a reasonable price with the option to buy your hire as well. (Kathlyn has personally used this service and returned after the hire with great ease)
Violins
If Violin or fiddle is your goal then you will need to know that Violins come in a range of sizes. The best you can do when choosing a violin is go a try out the violins and get someone to measure you (Especially children)
For buying a violin we recommend Stringers Music | Violins
They are in London and you are able to go in get sized get recommendations and have a huge range of instruments.
For hiring a violin we recommend Violin Hire (bridgewoodandneitzert.london)
They have a range of violins to choose from and can help measure for sizing. (Kathlyn actually bought her antique violin from this shop)
They also have a handy size guide Violin Hire (bridgewoodandneitzert.london)
Pianos
If it's a Piano you are looking for we recommend that you buy as hiring is a little trickier.
We teach piano but if you have a keyboard to begin with that will also work. However keyboard have less keys and non weighted keys so it is very different from a piano.
You don't need an acoustic piano if it's too big for your home we use an electric stage piano which is very popular.
A Local shop with a huge range of piano including brand new and pre loved acoustic and electric pianos is Allegro Music - Pianos & Keyboard Specialists Based In Essex
Head in for a chat to the team and they will be sure to sort out your piano needs.
Instrument accessories
Each instrument will need certain accessories to make your playing easier. Some shops will include this with your hire or purchase but please do make sure you have them before your first lesson.
Brass
Blue Juice Valve Oil Phil Parker Ltd
La Tromba Slide Grease (philparker.co.uk)
Cleaning Materials (philparker.co.uk)
Saxophone
Rico by D'Addario - Alto Saxophone Reeds - Box of 10
Strength 1.5 for beginners
BG A30 - Alto Saxophone Pull Through
HW Pad Saver - Body - Alto Saxophone
Violin
Hidersine 3V Violin/Viola Rosin (stringersmusic.com)
EZ Violin Shoulder Rest (stringersmusic.com)
Micro Violin Tuner (stringersmusic.com)
Accessories for Everyone
Please remember to bring with you to the lesson, pencil, rubber, sharpener, notebook and a folder or bag for your music to avoid it getting wet or lost.
At Home we recommend having a music stand and metronome
Music Stand by Gear4music, Black at Gear4music
Conductor Music Stand by Gear4music at Gear4music
Korg MA-2 Digital Metronome Black/Red at Gear4music