All Instruments

After getting an instrument the first two accessories a musician needs are a tuner, and a metronome are two of the most important accessories every musician should have. A tuner gives you a reference of where your instrument should be set to play in tune. A metronome helps you keep a steady tempo when you are playing at home. The most important thing to make sure you get is a "chromatic" tuner. Do not get one specific to an instrument - (i.e. do not get a "guitar" tuner) Below you will find some that I recommend. This is not a comprehensive list, so feel free to ask if you find something different you like.

All Students and Parents should look at this list to see recommended upgrades with links.


CLICK HERE FOR ITEMS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICIANS



Tuning/Metronome Apps:

​Tuners:Metronomes:
  • Metronome Ϟ (iOS devices - gives you tap tempo, and lots of options for sounds. Also provides a flash feature if you'd like a visual tempo)
  • Frozen Ape Tempo (Mr. Smith's favorite Tempo app) there is a free and a paid version
Tuning/Metronome Devices:

Combo Tuner/Metronome: (best bang for your buck!)
  • Korg TM-50 (In my opinion is the best and simplest metronome/tuner combo out there for a wind band player. 
  • Korg TM-50 + Clip-On Mic (this version of the Korg TM-50 comes with a mic, perfect for any wind band player to clip to the bell of their instrument)
  • Boss TU-80 Tuner and Metronome (another great option that offers a good chromatic tuner and a metronome)
Tuners:​
Metronomes:

Listed By Each Instrument

Flute

Any Flute cleaning kit will do.

Oboe

Reeds:
  • Reeds need to be made by a professional. Store bought brands tend to be inconsistent
**Read this, it should help you further.

Clarinet

​Reeds:
You will want to buy 2.5 strength for 6th graders, and 3 strength for late 6th grade through 8th grade.​ A reed should last a student a few weeks to a month. A student should be rotating 3 reeds at all times. Buying a box of 10+ at a time will be the most cost effective way of acquiring reeds. 
  • Vandoren Blue Box
  • Vandoren V12
  • D'Addario Reserve
​
Teeth Savers: (also called mouthpiece cushion)
  • Any brand will do, it is just a small pad that adheres to the top of the mouthpiece to help cushion your teeth from mouthpiece vibrations.

Mouthpieces:
  • Vandoren 5RV Lyre Series, M13 Lyre, M15, or M30
  • Vandoren B45
  • Vandoren B40
  • Selmer Soloist
Ligatures:
  • Vandoren (M/O, Optimum)
  • Rovner (Dark, Versa, Mark III)
**Some reading that should really help you further
*** And some more reading that should help you further.

Saxophone - Alto/Tenor/Baritone

Reeds:​
  • Vandoren Blue Box 3 Strength for 7th/8th Graders

Teeth Savers: (also called mouthpiece cushion)
  • Any brand will do, it is just a small pad that adheres to the top of the mouthpiece to help cushion your teeth from mouthpiece vibrations.​

Mouthpieces:
  • Eugene Rousseau New Classic NC4
  • Selmer S80 C*

Ligatures:
  • Vandoren (M/O, Optimum)
  • Francois Louis Ultimate Ligature
  • BG L12 Standard

**Some reading that should help you further.

Bassoon

  • Reeds need to be made by a professional. Store bought brands tend to be inconsistent.

Trumpet

Mouthpieces: (this is a lot of personal preference, I recommend trying all)
  • Back 3C
  • Bach 5C
  • Bach 7C
Valve Oil:
  • Blue Juice
  • Hetman's
Mutes:
  • ​Humes and Berg 101 Straight Mute
  • Pro Tec Liberty Trumpet Straight Mute

F Horn

Mouthpiece:
  • ​Holton MDC

Trombone/Euphonium (Baritone)

Mouthpieces:
  • Bach 6 ½ AL
  • Bach 5G - for 7th/8th
Slide Grease:
  • Trombontine

Tuba

Mouthpiece
  • ​Helleberg 120