BEGGS MusicWorks (Shop 3, The Gap101, 81-91 Broadway Avenue)
The Rock Shop (37/40 The Square)
Music Planet (100 Broadway Avenue)
There are affordable options out there - a
Yamaha recorder only costs $20 to buy!
Set your children up with a 'sound' instrument! If it sounds good - they just may love playing it! Sorry but cheap "instruments" are just gimmicks and sound awful! If the price is 'to good to be true?' It is! (Often found in toy/mega stores or online superstores).
Second-hand instruments may need rejuvenating (at cost), or you could strike it lucky, especially if it's a well known and reliable make. It's a game of chance. See the instrument and try it, before you buy it!
Hire options vary from $25 to $35 per month or $180 to $280 a year. There may be options to buy your instrument, at the end of your hire period - enquire with the provider. The premium instruments are marked slightly higher. These offer a more satisfying experience. I recommend hiring a premium instrument for a minimum of 6 months, or for the the school year (with insurance cover). This gives pupils enough time to get into the instrument, to decide whether it is something they would like to continue with.
Which Make / Model to buy? A PRICE GUIDE:
DESCANT RECORDERS Buy a Yamaha or Altus for ~ $20
(you will also need a cleaning rod and soft cotton cloth)FIFE's -
Buy a 2 piece
Yamaha model for about $25 (you will also need a cleaning rod and soft cotton cloth)SOPRANO UKULELE's need to hold their tuning - buy from a music shop -
available from around $45 or step up to a rich toned MAKALA (Dolphin/Shark model) for about $75
(instalment options available from BEGGS).
Tip - visit a store and hear the difference between instruments, when you strum the strings. KEYBOARDs - all keyboards offer a variety of functions. Visit a music shop and ask for demos. You will hear a difference in the quality of sound between makes and models. Visible in the the price tag!
$300 for a good touch sensitive model
$100 for a basic model
Out of budget? Search a local trade me / facebook deal. Try before you buy. If every key makes a sound, then your family will be able to explore, learn and gain joy from the instrument.
Acoustic
PIANOsYou may be lucky and come across a piano going for FREE if you ask around! A technician may need to tune and care for the piano (about $200) and relocation may also cost a little. That is still a Bargain!
WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS are at the higher end of the budget. They have intricate mechanisms. It's a good idea to hire a premium instrument for up to the first year, unless you find a great second hand instrument.
The ROCKSHOP offers the PEARL QUANTZ PF500 (505) FLUTE (C-FOOT OFF SET WITH CASE) at ~ $800
Pearl and Yamaha are renowned to be reliable makesThe Palatino C Flute Silver Plated WI806FS at ~ $600 from BEGGS MusicWorks.
Remember you will need a rod and soft cotton cloth to clean the instrument after every playing.Buying a
Bb CLARINET - starts from $700 - You will need a few reeds, as well and a pull through cloth. If you are a beginner, purchase 3 x 1.5 reeds (RICO if they have them are good and reliable)
Are your instruments covered under your home contents insurance automatically?If you would like any further help or have a question, email Emma at
elmusiclass@gmail.com Leave a message and your telephone number and I will get back to you asap.