How Do I know What Instrument To Play
FAQ Advice for Beginners Of Any Age
Are you new to playing
a woodwind or brass instrument? Perhaps looking to help a child get started? Below you will find some of the most frequently
asked questions that I have encountered over many years of advising customers - and some answers that I hope may help.
FAQs
How do I know what to play?
Most
decisions regarding what instrument to play are made by falling in love with a sound an instrument makes or after
taking inspiration from a performer for recording. This is a good enough reason
for many choices as the desire to practise and achieve is vital to success on
any instrument and if you love the process of working at an instrument so much
the better!
There are some
practical considerations however:
- Players with large lips may find the flute embouchure
(the way you shape your mouth) difficult and would be better off with a reed
or brass instrument.
- It is best to start with an appropriate size instrument
for the age as hand size and arm length are vital to holding standard models.
For the younger/smaller player ‘child-size’ models for flute, clarinet and alto
sax are available. These are often referred to as Kinder models. Bassoon is
best left until a player has the height to hold a proper sized instrument
though so called ‘short reach’ versions are available where hand size has not
caught up with height!
- It is important that teeth be in place before a child
starts a single reed instrument (clarinet or sax) as the mouthpiece position
relies on contact with the upper teeth.
- Players of oboe and bassoon need to be extra patient as
they have to come to grips with the demand of their finicky double reeds and
often beginners need to rely on a good, often specialist teacher for years to
keep them playing.
-
Clarinet and saxophone are closely related and playing
one often leads to playing both with some ease.
- Small
children interested in brass instruments are best advised to begin on cornet (rather than the longer trumpet)
or specially designed beginners trombones or french horns rather than larger
brass like tenor horn, baritone horn, euphonium or tuba. As the playing
technique is similar for all valved brass instruments learning on one can lead
to any of the others in the future. Teeth should be in place before starting
any brass instrument.
- Players with larger lips or wider teeth structure are
often directed towards lower pitched / larger size brass as they grow as these
instruments are often more comfortable to play – and sought after in ensembles.
What is a Woodwind or
Brass instrument?
- A
woodwind instrument is one that is played with the air stream (breath) either
directly, like the flute or recorder or indirectly by vibrating a single reed,
like the clarinet, saxophone, or double reed, like the oboe or bassoon. Despite
the family name not all are made of wood. Flutes and saxophones are made of
metal, nickel silver or silver in the case of flute, brass (with few
exceptions) for saxophones. Oboes and bassoons are usually made of wood but
some good quality student instruments are made with plastic bodies to keep
costs down and reduce maintenance.
- All brass instruments are played with a vibration
supplied via buzzing of the lips. The may be finished with a lacquer (looking
golden yellow) or in silver plate, bright and shiny silver. Underneath the
finish they are all made of metal, usually brass.
Are some instruments
more difficult to play than others?
Every
instrument has a blowing technique to learn. Some with be larger and require
control of more air, often referred to as more ‘puff’. Some play with greater
resistance to generate the sound, not necessarily harder but a bit more
physical. Some take some getting used to as they play so easily that they are
easy to overblow. It is fair to say that almost all instruments are possible to
play when there is a determination to do so but that good advise, patient guidance and
a reliable instrument and mouthpiece are always helpful.
Should I purchase a new or second hand instrument?
- New
instruments are one way to guarantee (as much as one can) the excitement off
starting off the learning experience with everything going for the player. They
will have the latest designs and supporting warranties in place and be able to
be recommended by teachers and schools as readily available. They will often
have available rental or trial schemes to help bring confidence to the parent
looking for a demonstration of desire and practice on the part of younger
beginners.
- Good
condition second hand instruments, when available, can be a good value as the
instrument will have had some depreciation in cost already but the buyer should
be aware that the playing condition of instruments do vary greatly and it is
best to be sure that an instrument has been service before being offered for
sale and a warranty of some length is in place.
Should I consider renting?
- In
most cases where a child has had some prior successful experience of music,
perhaps on another instrument, e.g. piano or recorder, then a parent can have
reasonable confidence that a good result will come from purchase outright. If
you are concerned you can ensure a buy-back position or willingness to sell an
instrument on your behalf at a later date from a full service shop.
-
If
there is some question about how successful the learning will be a rental
scheme with benefit towards purchase may be desirable. This allows for supply
of recommended new instruments with a split of payments and a delay of the
decision to purchase until confidence is gained.
-
If
there is a lack of confidence in the whole project but still a wish to ‘give it a go’ then a straight
rental on an instrument will allow player and parent to see if things are
working out well. If they are then the return of the rented instrument when you are
ready to purchase new or second hand instrument with confidence is possible and if things do not go well,
then return of the rented instrument will cancel all arrangements with minimal
expenditure.
What makes a shop a ‘specialist’ shop?
The
short answer is a business that really knows and cares about the products it
sells as opposed to a warehouse operation that sells boxes. In the case of
musical instruments this is usually taken to mean a business that offers a wide range of
products and attempts to understand them and seeks to offer the best
combination of price, performance and long-term value to its customers. In
house repair service is a key part of the equation as is a knowledgeable sales
team and a willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ when unusual requests are made.
We try to meet these criteria on all counts.
At what age can a player begin to play?
When they are
physically ready to handle their chosen instrument and responsible enough to do
the practise required.
How much time should a new player be prepared to practise each day / week?
‘Little
and Often’ is frequently quoted by teachers. The general advise runs to 15 minutes
or so, ideally each day, to ensure good progress. For some instruments this
will be physically taxing in the early days but regular practice in smaller
quantities is usually better than cramming in lots of playing just before a
lesson. As ability grows and the enjoyment with it so will the time spent.
What do I receive with an instrument?
Most
instruments are supplied as ‘outfits’ that will include a mouthpiece and case.
Clarinets and saxophones will also have a cork grease, ligature and cap
supplied; saxes will also have a sling provided. Flutes will have a cleaning
rod.
What else will I need to get going?
Reed
instruments will require reeds to be purchased, often individually at first, later in quantity.
Cleaning materials are sometimes required or simply better quality care items
than provided by manufacturers. Some brass instrument outfits do not come with
oils that are very important for maintaining valves right from the very start.
Do I need a teacher¹s help?
Early
instruction by an informed and resourceful teacher is often very worthwhile.
This can help avoid problems and frustrations and can make the difference
between success and failure. It has to be said that some individuals manage
without but they are few and often realise much later that many problems or
mysteries are explained with simple guidance from someone who ‘has been there
before’.
Do some instruments lead on to others?
- Yes.
Woodwind players are frequently asked if they can play other woodwinds.
- Recorder players often play the entire family of recorders for interest and
ensembles.
- Flute players add piccolo and other flutes when they are ready.
- Clarinet players often add saxophone and the rest of the clarinet family to
much enjoyment. Sax players play multiple saxophones, all with the same
technique, and are often expected to play flute, clarinet and sometimes double
reeds.
- Trumpet players will be asked to play cornet or flugelhorn
interchangeably.
- Low brass players will often move between Baritone, Euphonium
and Tuba with ease and some also trombone.
Are some makes of
instruments better investments than others?
Instruments
of quality, from established manufacturers tend to hold their value and
have a greater recognition value when sold second hand. They will also tend to
last longer in use. Customers are often then able to move directly from good
student instruments to higher intermediate or professional models when progress
warrants and have a valuable item to part exchange or sell on. Poorly made
instruments with little or no name recognition can be a false economy, even
when purchased cheaply as they can be difficult to resell and are often costly to
maintain.
How long will a student instrument last or serve well in use?
This
can depend on how quickly a player progresses and how critical they are in
their expectations. Good quality student models will usually serve a player
very satisfactorily until at least Grade 5 standard with some continuing on to
Grade 6 or 7. Often a supportive teacher will suggest an upgrade of mouthpiece
for clarinet, sax or brass players around grade 3 or 4 as this can provide a
big benefit in sound and control. Flute players reaching Grade 5 or 6 are often
recommended to consider moving up to a flute with a precious metal (silver)
headjoint as this will improve their sound quality. Brass players move up to
better instruments, often around grade 4 or 5 when they are ready to provide a
stronger and more developed air stream and are looking for a more centred
sound.
What makes a professional instrument ‘better’?
The
quality of materials and amount of time spent in construction as well as some
additional features that are often of no interest to beginners. It is fair
comment that if someone does not notice the difference between a student
instrument and a professional one in a play test then they may not be ready to
make a change.
How can I best care for an instrument?
Clean
it regularly and keep it from being knocked about by storing on an instrument
specific stand or back in the case. In the case of woodwinds this means
removing moisture when packing away, greasing cork joints and for all wooden
instruments being aware of extreme temperatures that could cause problem with
the wood. For brass instruments oiling the valves and greasing the slides
What is covered by a
warranty?
Manufacturers
cover all aspects of their own manufacture and materials. Responsible specialist shops will cover additional aspects of performance related to set-up and function.
When can a player expect to begin playing with others in a group?
Almost
straight away. This depends upon music reading and listening skills as much as
instrumental ability. We encourage playing in ensembles at the earliest
opportunity as playing with others is one of the most enjoyable experiences in
music.
What music is available to play?
There
is a huge range of music from traditional repertoire for recital and concert
performance, exam music, duets, trios, jazz and rock materials, music with CD
backing for playing along with and of course larger groups such as bands and
orchestras.
Instrument Specific Background
Recorder – This is the traditional school starter instrument for young players.
It makes a great introduction to music making for wind players and allows
encourages music reading skills and finger technique that transfers to all
woodwind instruments.
Flute – Light, fast,
brilliant and thrilling as wells as intimate and expressive the flute is often
compared to the voice in its quality. The highest voice of the woodwind family
the flute has been and remains very popular for players of all ages and in many different contexts.
Clarinet – Cool and
moody or hot and jazzy the clarinet is both facile and languorous. It fits in
almost anywhere and has a great tradition in learning as an excellent starter
for players of any age. A well established solo and orchestral instrument. The discipline learned on the clarinet can transfer
well to all other woodwinds.
Saxophone – The wind instrument of the times it seems the saxophone is
everywhere on advertising, in rock and jazz and in the media. The sax can be
mellow or brash, played hot and fast or cool and bluesy as well as classical. A
great all round chameleon that is reputed to be the easiest of the woodwind
family to learn.
Double Reeds (Oboe & Bassoon) – Characterful, pungent often rough in tone
as well as haunting and humorous the double reeds are individualistic
instruments which reward the patient player who likes the idea of being
special.
Trumpet & Cornet – Strong and brilliant, able to play in a wide mix of
situations as soloist or ensemble member including the Wind Band, Brass Band, Jazz Band and the Orchestra, the trumpet for cornet are the
powerful leading voices of any group. Great for the player who wants to be
heard and noticed!
Trombone – A real clown of the brass family as it slides around and interrupts
the ensemble. It can be played as beautifully or as forcefully as one would
wish. The trombone is welcomed in all manner of ensembles and in all styles from classical to jazz and it is a highly versatile and exciting.
French Horn – Elegant and refined the horn is one of the most respected members
of the brass family. Players must have a particularly good ear and lip control
for accuracy. Primarily a solo or orchestral instrument it never the less has a
role in the wind band and even is a regular member of the Woodwind Quintet.
Harmony / Low Brass (Tenor Horn, Baritone Horn, Euphonium & Tuba) – Low
brass are a great deal of fun helping as they do to support larger ensembles. As solo instruments the bigger brass like baritone horn, euphonium or tuba are for players who like
to be different and are glad to play on their own. These are
quite large instruments in their cases and will require a willingness to be
carried about but as players of these instruments are often few in numbers they
are rare and always welcomed in ensembles!
-----------------
The tips and comments above are the result of many years of providing help and advice, my
personal interest and study, and the teaching that I have done during
my career. I have many colleagues and teachers to thank for
sharing their thoughts and suggestions on this and other topics. In addition I am
indebted to
Woodwind & Reed,
Cambridge ( www.wwr.co.uk ) where, in the
course of helping customers, many of these concepts have been refined and have proven helpful.
Thomas Dryer-Beers
