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Enrollment Open Until September 7th, 2025
The purchase of a new or used instrument is an attractive option for some families. It is possible to save money in the long run compared to rental prices. The purpose of this page is to provide you with some specific guidance regarding our "approved brands" and "approved vendors" lists.
Pros and Cons of Purchasing
Pros and Cons of Purchasing
PRO: It is possible to save money over the long run when compared to renting.
PRO: If you purchase from a high quality dealer, instruments sometimes come with maintenance agreements, warrantees, and/or buy back option in which your instrument holds its value.
CON: Few companies offer loss/damage insurance.
CON: You will still need to purchase the correct book and any required accessories.
Approved Brands List
Approved Brands List
Here, in alphabetic order, are our top five most recommended brands for each instrument. We highly encourage you to contact your child's instrumental music teacher if you have specific questions.
Here, in alphabetic order, are our top five most recommended brands for each instrument. We highly encourage you to contact your child's instrumental music teacher if you have specific questions.
Flute
Flute
Alutus
Di Zhao
Gemeinhardt
Jupiter
Yamaha
Clarinet
Clarinet
Buffet
Jupiter
LeBlanc
Selmer
Yamaha
Saxophone
Saxophone
Bundy
Conn-Selmer
Eastman
Jupiter
Yamaha
Trumpet
Trumpet
Conn-Selmer
Holton
Jupiter
King
Yamaha
Horn
Horn
Conn
Holton
Jupiter
Verus
Yamaha
Trombone
Trombone
Conn-Selmer
Holton
Jupiter
King
Yamaha
Euphonium
Euphonium
Conn-Selmer
Holton
Jupiter
King
Yamaha
Bells
Bells
Adams
Ludwig
Pearl
Vic Firth
Yamaha
Violin, Viola, Cello
Violin, Viola, Cello
Eastman
Franz Hoffman
Klaus Mueller
Samuel Shen
Scott Cao
Strobel
Approved Vendors List - Click Logo for link
Approved Vendors List - Click Logo for link
Woodwind & Brass Vendors - Recommended Sources for flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, and trombones. Instruments, books, accessories.
Music & Arts
Bel Air, MD
Middletown & Wilmington, DE
302.633.0600
Washington Music Center
Wheaton, MD
301.946.8808
The Woodwind and the Brasswind
Westlake Village, CA
800.348.5003
String Vendors - Recommended Sources for violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Instruments, books, accessories. Click picture for link.
Potter's Fine Violins
Takoma Park, MD
301.652.7070
SHAR Music
Ann Arbor, MI
800.248.7427
Southwest Strings
Tucson, AZ
800.528.3430
Johnson String Instruments (JSI)
Newton Upper Falls, MA
800.359.9351
Brian Folus - Bel Air, MD
Brian Folus - Bel Air, MD
Brian Folus has been repairing and selling string instruments on his own as Folus Music since 2002. Prior to that, until his retirement in 2002, Mr. Folus was in a limited partnership with Baltimore Luthier Mr. Joseph Farrell. Mr. Folus maintains a shop in his home and is capable to handle everything from small repairs to complete instrument restorations. Mr. Folus also sells restored string instruments and brand new Samuel Shen string instruments. He is also an authorized dealer for Bobelock cases and Artino Carbon Fiber Bows. Mr. Folus also maintains a small private lesson studio.
Email: brianfolus@me.com Phone: 410.302.3615
Percussion Vendors - Recommended Sources for pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments and accessories.
Willow Grove, PA
888.659.3477
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