Whether you’re a new musician or the parent of one, you probably already know that, for both experts and beginners, making music often involves more than just the instrument. In fact, there are all sorts of tools that can help you not only learn to play your instrument, but become one of those experts. That’s why, this week, we’re talking about some essential musical accessories every beginner musician needs. Some of these things are relatively new, and others have been used by new and experienced musicians alike for centuries!

Musical Accessories for All Students

No matter if you play a string instrument or are part of the brass section, these music accessories every new musician should stock up on from the beginning:

• Method Books: These instructional books vary from instrument to instrument. What’s more, your instructor may have a preferred set. Make sure to consult with your teacher to make sure you get the right books for the right instrument,
• Sheet Music: When buying sheet music, try to find a balance between something you’ll want to play and something that is informative and you can learn from. That will make learning the instrument even more fun!
• Music Stand: This is one of the most basic and essential music accessories you can buy! It will hold the music during playing and practice time and save any musician from a sore neck!
• Tuner: How can you expect to play your instrument if it’s not even in tune? That said, not every instrument requires a tuner, so ask your teacher first.
• Metronome: Metronomes have been used by musicians for over 300 years to help them learn and keep time. If it was good enough for Mozart, it’s good enough for you! If you also need a tuner for your instrument, consider buying a metronome/tuner combo.
• Care Kit: Care kits generally include everything you need to care for your instrument. You can get all these accessories individually or buy a kit. Either way, your instrument should be at least wiped down after every time you play.
• Bag/Case: Every instrument has its own case or bag; be sure to get one for yours. Choosing between a hard case or a soft bag will depend on the kind of instrument, the climate you live in, and how often you travel with it.

Accessories for String Instruments

There are several must-have accessories for string instruments. Some help keep the instrument in good playing shape, while others make practicing more comfortable.

• Rosin: Musicians who play any string instrument must periodically rub cakes or blocks of rosin on their bow hair. Rosin helps the bow grip the strings and allows them to vibrate cleanly.
• Replacement String: Every string musician needs replacement strings; you never know when one will break!
• Rock Stop: Also called an “endpin cap,” rock stops are for large string instruments, like the cello, and prevent the bottom of the instrument from slipping.
• Shoulder Rest/Sponge: These are for smaller string instruments, like the viola or violin, and prevent them from slipping off the neck.

Accessories for Woodwinds

Woodwinds are rather delicate instruments with many moving parts that need protecting. Make sure you’ve got all of these essential musical accessories in the case:

• Instrument Swab: Usually made from a high-quality fiber, instrument swabs clean the instrument after each use and help protect its finish in the long run.
• Reeds: Reeds are a thin strip of material, often wood, that vibrates to create a woodwind’s sound. But not every woodwind needs a reed (like flutes, for example), and not every instrument that needs a reed needs the same one! Make sure you stock up on the proper one because they can and do break often.
• Reed Guard: Due to their thin nature, reeds are somewhat fragile. A simple guard keeps them safe while on the move.
• Neck Strap: As you might imagine, a neck strap goes around the musician’s neck and attaches to the instrument. Its purpose is to hold the instrument securely in a good playing position.
• Cork Grease: Many woodwinds come apart in sections to make transportation easier. Cork grease is a balm-like grease used on the cork ends where the instrument comes apart. This grease makes it possible to assemble the instrument without damaging the cork.
• Pad Guard: These are designed to dry flutes and other keyed woodwinds after playing to prevent moisture damage.

Accessories for Brass

When it comes to the brass section, musical accessories play a few different roles – all of which play a part in the sound and playability of each brass instrument. Mouthpieces and mutes are part of creating sound. Since brass instruments are made of metal and often have metal parts rubbing against one another, grease and oil help to keep the instrument in perfect working order. If you or your kind are picking up the trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, or any other brass instrument, you’ll need:

• Slide Grease: This is odorless grease used to lube the tuning slides of all brass instruments.
• Valve, Slide, & Key Oil: As you might expect, this is the lubricant for the valves, slides, and keys of your brass instrument.
• Mouthpiece: This is literally the part of the instrument that goes between the musician’s lips and the rest of the instrument. They can come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
• Mute: A cone or pad that goes into the opening of a brass instrument to deaden or change the volume and sound.

Accessories for Percussion

The percussion section of any band keeps everybody on the same beat and on time. You’ll need these musical accessories in addition to the drums themselves:

• Drum Pads: Drum pads are small, round pads for practicing drums. Traditional drum pads don’t make too much of a sound. More advanced, electronic ones can imitate the drum kit’s sound when struck.
• Drum Sticks: The sticks are, of course, used to hit the drums. What sort you need, like a shaped or padded head, depends on the drums you’re playing.
• Mallet: Mallets are like sticks but with a rounded head. These are used to play specific percussion instruments, like the xylophone or marimba.

Closing Thoughts

Musical accessories are an essential part of learning to play an instrument. Some help with the actual learning, like metronomes. Others make learning more comfortable, like pads or neck straps. Finally, some keep the instrument working well. Staying proactive with instrument care can provide long-term benefits through fewer repairs and higher-quality sound. With a little TLC, you’ll play your instrument for a long time!

Are you looking to start your musical journey this summer? Check out all our programs; many are now available both online and in person!