Overview

The orchestral instruments are divided into families:

• Strings
• Woodwind
• Brass
• Percussion (drums)

Non-orchestral instruments include

• Piano
• Keyboard
• Singing
• Guitar and Recorder.

Kent Music also offers tuition in music theory and aural training

Research has shown that the most important factor in why people take up an instrument is "liking the sound". The overwhelming factor governing whether you will succeed in playing an instrument is the time you devote to playing it (usually called "practice")

Choose an instrument whose sound you like. Enthusiasm and the desire to make a good sound will count for a great deal!! For most players the fun really starts when you can play your instrument in a group with others.

Kent Music provides group playing opportunities for every instrument including piano and guitar.

The information listed in the factsheets is only intended as a guide. Teachers have widely differing views on the starting age for their particular instrument, hence the ages stated are those generally accepted. The size of the pupil and in some cases, the development of their teeth may also play a part. A pupil who is too small for their chosen instrument may well develop poor posture and struggle because of this, so if you are in any doubt, contact and consult a KM teacher before making a commitment.

Instrument costs given in this guide are not always the cheapest! Choosing the cheapest instrument may buy you an instrument which is difficult to play and the pupil may never get past the first hurdle. For new instruments the general rule of "you get what you pay for" usually holds true. If your budget is limited it is far better to buy second-hand where there are bargains to be had. KM teachers will always be happy to try an instrument for you.

Which orchestral instrument?

Perhaps your first decision is whether to become a string, woodwind, brass or percussion player. All the families have their own character. The strings are always very busy with plenty of notes to play and usually in company as you often have 20 players in a section. The woodwind players are the soloists of the orchestra with very complex parts to play and they are often the centre of attention. The brass are the "show-offs" often providing the excitement! In an orchestra they have plenty of bars rest, but when they play, every one knows! They need to be confident players. Girls make excellent brass players! There exists a misconception that the brass instruments are better for the boys but some of the best brass players around are female! Percussion, like brass, is a good outlet for the more extrovert player, requiring courage and a great deal of control. Percussion can be very rewarding for pianists or other instrumental players who do not usually have an outlet in group music-making.

Buying or hiring an instrument

Before purchasing an instrument ask the teacher. You will need his/her advice on purchasing an instrument. Teachers are sometimes presented with a new pupil with an instrument that is unsuitable. The parent is unlikely to want to change it immediately, so the pupil starts with a disadvantage. Please consult your new or potential teacher first for advice. Instruments may be hired, or purchased new or second-hand. Buying the cheapest new instrument is frequently a false economy. At best it may require an early upgrade to a better instrument (with a financial penalty) whilst at worst it may prove enough of a handicap to defeat a young player who may give up the struggle unnecessarily. Second-hand instruments are often well worth considering but take advice from your teacher. Most instruments keep their value (about 70% of new cost).

Hire instruments are available from three main sources: Kent Music has a large stock of instruments available at very competitive rates. These instruments are generally only available for one year after which students are expected to purchase their own instrument - (young string players are able to hire for much longer periods). A list of hire charges is available.

Schools may have their own supply of instruments. Although the quality of these instruments may be inferior due to wear and tear, they are often available for longer periods.

Music retailers usually run "try before you buy" hire schemes for most instruments. Although considerably more expensive than KM or school schemes and only running for 3 or 6 months, they have the advantage of supplying new instruments. If the hirer purchases the instrument at the end of the hire period the cost of hire is deducted from the total cost of the instrument. Some shops also operate "buyback" schemes, where you can buy an instrument with the option to sell it back to the shop within 6 months.