Please bring your own instrument to each lesson (except for piano and drums). There are no "loaner" instruments available at the school. Always wash your hands just prior to playing the instrument. Keep your music in a waterproof book-bag, and bring it to every lesson. Pianos should be tuned twice yearly and the damper pedal (far right) MUST be working properly. Students will achieve better technique on an acoustic piano than on a "keyboard" because the weighted feeling of a hammer hitting the strings develops the hand muscles properly. If you must use a keyboard, the minimum requirements are: 88 "fully-weighted" keys and a damper pedal. Guitar strings need to be changed every few months or when the strings are visibly worn. Keep a supply of extra picks available in your case (use the hard ones: between 1.0 and 2.0 mm). Electric Bass strings need to be changed every year for intonation purposes. Violins and Violas need new strings every 6 to 12 months and need a shoulder-pad to work effectively. Cellos and Acoustic Basses should be re-strung every year or two. Bows need to be re-haired when the hair becomes soiled or hair- loss becomes noticeable. All bowed instruments need a good rosin cake in the case (apply every couple of days). Trumpets need working slides for intonation, valve oil for the valves, a Bach 7C mouthpiece for beginners, a 10 ½ C for smaller lips, and possible move to a larger 5C for more advanced all around playing. Tenor Trombones need a working slide, Trombotine Slide Lubricant, a spray water bottle for the slide, an appropriate Bach 6 ½ AL Large Shank or 12C Small Shank mouthpiece, and rotor oil if the instrument has an F Key attachment (moves 6th position to 1st position slide for easier access). Flutes need a cleaning swab, paper for sticking pads, and a microfiber cloth to prevent tarnish. Handle with care to avoid bending keys. Clarinets need a cleaning swab, paper for sticking pads, and Rico cork grease. Handle with care to avoid bending keys. Saxophones need a cleaning swab, paper for sticking pads, and Rico cork grease. Handle with care to avoid bending keys. Key Leaves products increase airflow to the saxophone body and key pads reducing repair bills. Do NOT leave your instrument in the car other than to transport it to and from lessons. Extreme temperatures will destroy the sonic capabilities of wooden instruments! All instrument cases should contain a rag to clean off any finger- oils and moisture after playing. Choosing an Instrument A bad instrument can prevent a student from succeeding just as a great instrument tends to propel a student forward to the highest levels of playing. This is especially true for violin, viola, cello and bass because ear- training depends on hearing "overtones" not present on inexpensive instruments. For this reason, you should always buy the best instrument you can afford. String Players should up-grade as the student matures and keep the instruments in good maintenance with adequate bow-hair, rosin, and fresh strings. Choosing a Merchant The following local merchants exceed our exacting standards Bowed String Instruments David Kerr Violin Shop: 4451 S.E. 28th Ave. Portland, Or. 97202, Tel: 503-238-4515 (Violin, Viola, Cello) offers incredible classical instruments set-up to peak performance, reasonable prices, with a full trade-up allowance. Brass and Woodwinds Wally's Music: 607 Washington St. Oregon City, Oregon 97068 Tel: 503.656.5323, Above the Oregon City Elevator. Winds, Brass, Percussion, and Bluegrass Instruments: Rental, Purchase, Repair, Sheet Music, Accessories.