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Buying your child an instrument.
Carlsbad, Calif. (October 25, 2005)—With the start of a new school year fast approaching, it’s time to start shopping for that guitar, violin, oboe, tuba, piano or whatever instrument your musical child is begging to learn as his or her top-choice. But first it’s important to be an educated consumer so that the new violin doesn’t wind up collecting dust under the bed or being returned to the store.
The first thing to ask yourself is, “Is my child ready to own his own instrument?”
“You’re ready to purchase an instrument when your child shows enthusiasm for his or her instrument or instruments of choice, but owning a musical instrument is an asset at any age,” says Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM, the International Music Products Association, the parent company of the American Music Conference, a leading national nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of music education and music making for children. “The benefits of playing music are remarkable for all ages. Having an instrument of ones own is a real motivator for involvement with music, and playing music is something one can do for a lifetime. Making music has an essential “joy factor” and owning an instrument or instruments is part of the experience.”
While price is what drives most people towards a purchase, when buying a musical instrument there are many other factors to investigate before reaching into your pockets. So parents can shop with authority, AMC has put together these tips to ensure a confident buying decision and a happy musical child.
1. Consult with an unbiased source. “Talk to your school’s band or orchestra instructor, another family who recently purchased an instrument or your local music teacher’s association,” says AMC Board President, Danny Rocks. “It’s important to seek out the guidance of someone who has been through the purchasing experience and understands the musical development of a child. You’ll also want the unbiased source to give you guidance regarding the long-term use of an instrument.”
2. Do compare prices. Most consumers don’t know the price range of instruments, so it’s important to get a base of reference. Surfing the ‘net is a good way to start. Also, taking a trip to bricks-and-mortar retailers in neighboring communities is a good way to compare prices and find the sales. Many national and local music retailers have Web sites that both sell instruments and offer buying FAQs. There are also mail order music companies, and online marketplace sites like eBay sell used instruments.
Obviously, you’re going to find substantial differences in prices between new and used instruments. But, buyer beware. Used may be appealing to the wallet, but to the inexperienced eye, how do you know you’re not getting a product that’s been abused? You’re instrument has to look and sound like it’s supposed to!
With a mail order purchase, not seeing or hearing the instrument in person can be a risk. Also, around a peak shopping season there is the potential for back orders. If you’re going this route, be sure to make your purchase well in advance, so your child has his or new instrument for the holidays.
3. Ask the right questions. Keep these topics in mind no matter whom you buy from: technical support, maintenance, accessories, warranties and trade-in opportunities.
• Technical support. This is especially important with electronics; so make sure the vendor you choose has these capabilities.
• Maintenance. You’ll want to know if the vendor provides regular or as needed repairs on the instrument, say for worn pads on a clarinet and/or key mechanisms.
• Accessories. A violin bow needs rosin. Guitars need extra strings. Musicians need to keep time, so how about a metronome? Make sure your vendor can expertly sell to you all of the necessities that go along with playing the instrument.
• Warranties. Buying an instrument is a very personal thing. After doing all of the research and finally making a purchase, the last thing you want is to have problems that will cost you more money. Be sure that the retailer or the manufacturer is willing to pay for repairs for a certain period of time without any additional costs.
• Trade-in opportunities. At some point Baby Clapton will advance and require a finer, maybe larger-sized instrument. You’ll want the retailer to offer a trade-in value for a more advanced instrument.
4. Make sure your salesperson asks the right questions. A knowledgeable and efficient salesperson will want to know how your child is going to be using the instrument currently and in the future. Will he or she be playing in a group or solo? How long has your child been playing? Will he or she travel with the instrument—and to what climates? You’ll want to be sure you’re getting the proper instrument case for traveling, all of the accommodating accessories and, most importantly, an instrument that has the proper sound for your use. You’ll also want your salesperson to provide detailed instructions on cleaning the instrument.
5. Have fun. Music making has many academic, social and emotional benefits for children and teens. While shopping for your purchase, always keep this in mind. You’re supporting your child’s interest, talent and ambition, which may lead to a lifelong passion for music. You’re also opening doors for many future successes.
The American Music Conference is a national non-profit educational association, funded by NAMM and the music products industry, dedicated to promoting the importance of music, music-making and music education to the general public. For more information, visit www.amc-music.org.
