top of page
This site was designed with the
.com
website builder. Create your website today.Start Now
All Instruments:

  • Make sure your hands are clean before handling your instrument.

  • Always rinse out your mouth if you have had anything to eat before playing your instrument.

  • Open your instrument on the ground (except for flute and clarinet - these can be opened in your lap)

  • Always hold onto your instrument, or place it on a chair/back in its case in the correct position when it is not in use.
    DO NOT:

    ​~ Put instrument on music stand
    ~ Stand your instrument on its bell 
    ~ Leave your instrument on the floor where it can be stepped on

  • Store your instrument somewhere that does not get to an extreme temperature.  DO NOT store your instrument near a window or A/C / heater vent, or in a car.  This causes your instrument to expand and contract, and will cause problems down the road.

  • Keep your instrument away from water, unless instructed otherwise.

    *These instruments are a big responsibility - take care of them as if they were your own babies!*

 

PARENTS - It is highly recommended that you send your instrument in to a repairman once a year for a "tune up" (just like your car).  There are many things that can go wrong, and your child may get frustrated if he/she suddenly cannot play for seemingly no reason.

Flute:

  • Swab your flute using the tuning rod with a silk, linen, or cotton cloth after each use.

  • Use the swab to wipe down the outside of your instrument after you play.

 

Clarinet:

  • REEDS
    ~ Always store your reeds in a reed case, never on the mouthpiece.  It will cement to the mouthpiece and cause mold and other germs to form.
    ~ Your reeds are very fragile - never touch the thin side of your reed with anything.

  • Swab the inside of your clarinet after you play (not the mouthpiece)

  • Mouthpieces can be cleaned by running warm water through them and drying them off with a paper towel. *Don't get the cork too wet

  • Use cork grease lightly once a week to help keep your corks moist.

  • Tone holes can be cleaned using cotton swabs.

Saxophone:

  • REEDS
    ~ Always store your reeds in a reed case, never on the mouthpiece.  It will cement to the mouthpiece and cause mold and other germs to form.
    ~ Your reeds are very fragile - never touch the thin side of your reed with anything.

  • Swab the inside of your saxophone after you play (not the mouthpiece)

  • Mouthpieces can be cleaned by running warm water through them and drying them off with a paper towel. 

  • Clean the neck of the saxophone with a cloth.

  • Use cork grease lightly once a week to help keep your cork moist.

  • You can polish the outside of the saxophone lightly with a cloth.

Trumpet/Baritone:

  • Empty all water (spit valves) before putting the instrument in its case.

  • Valves should be oiled once a day (3-4 drops) to avoid sticky valves.

  • Grease slides once a week to avoid sticky slides.

  • Mouthpieces can be cleaned with warm, soapy water, and a mouthpiece brush.

 

French Horn:

  • Empty slides every time after you play - push down on valves when pulling out slides.

  • Do not run water through the horn, or attempt to swab.

  • Slides can be cleaned with water and a brush.

  • Slides should be greased with slide grease at least once a month.

  • Do not pull stuck valves - bring it to a repair person.  The metal is so thin that it could bend or warp.

  • Check top and bottom valve caps at least once a week so they do not get stuck.

  • Valves should be oiled daily (3-4 drops)

  • The string on the valves should be replaced by a repair person once a year.

  • The horn can be polished lightly with a soft, dry cloth.

Trombone

  • Empty moisture from spit valve on slide after every use.

  • Keep slide locked whenever you are not playing.

  • Tuning slide should be greased once a week.

  • The main slide should be lubricated regularly, and should move effortlessly.

  • Always keep a good watch on your trombone slide so as not to bump it and make dents.

Percussion:

  • Always make sure you are using the correct mallets:
    Glockenspiel/Bells - Plastic mallets/NO wooden, felt, yarn, or cord mallets 
    Snare Drum (Drum Pad) - Standard wooden drumsticks/NO metal or keyboard mallets

TIP: For sticky pads on flute, clarinet, and saxophone, use a clean dollar bill to remove the dirt.

Instrument Care

bottom of page