I highly suggest NOT purchasing an instrument online (please do not purchase instruments from Amazon or any grocery store) for a large variety of reasons.
If you are insistent on purchasing an instrument without going through one of the recommended music stores, PLEASE reach out for help! I am MORE than willing to help in any way I can when purchasing instruments to ensure students have access to quality equipment.
Students who are not on an appropriate equipment set-up WILL experience far less success than their peers.
3-4 medium strength reeds
While local music retailers do sell oboe reeds, it is best to buy homemade reeds from local crafters or you can find great quality reeds here.
A small container for water
This can be an old prescription bottle (a small one). It will be used to soak the reed in water before use. It should be small enough to fit in a case. These will be emptied after each use and water will NOT be stored in the instrument case.
A soft cleaning cloth (polishing cloth) to wipe oil and fingerprints off the instrument's exterior
A weighted oboe swab (best is a small cloth on one end of a string with a weight at the other end)
Access to a metronome/tuner to have at home (there are also many free apps available for mobile devices)
A folding music stand for practicing at home
Buffet, Jupiter, Selmer, Yamaha
Other Good Brands:
A. Laubin, Bulgheroni, Cabart, Fox, Fossati, Howarth, Marigaux, MCW, Loree, Patricola, Renard