Musical Supplies

Dear parents,

Folding music stands.  A music stand is a necessary tool for every musician to have!  It allows them to have proper posture while playing an instrument which makes playing easier and sound better.  These stands will be used only for home practice since the school owns Manhasset stands that the students use when at school.   Stands can be purchased for as little as $10.  Since it’s not an instrument, feel free to go online to find one.  

Shoulder rests.   Violin and viola players, please buy a shoulder rest.  See below.

Tuners.  An electronic clip tuner is a nice thing for students to have as well.  These indicate if the student is on the correct pitch and if it is in tune.  The clip is nice because they can tune in the midst of noisy environments - like when others are tuning or playing.  For individual tuning when it is quiet, apps for a mobile device like a phone are good to use.  Some possibilities are Pitched tuner or BandMate.  

Rosin.  Extra rosin is also important to have because if it breaks, your child will have another one so they can apply it to the bow.  Cakes of rosin for beginner level students are under $3.

Cello & Bass players:  If you have wood floors or your endpin will slip and scratch the floor, you will need a Xeros endpin anchor (for cellos) or a rock stop (bass).  These are available at local music stores or online.  Request these if you rent from a music store.

Books:  The book that we will be using in class is Habits of a Successful String Musician.  A book will be provided with your KPS rental as well as the rental from a music store.  I encourage you to get supplementary music for your child after a few months.  You can search online for free music.  If you know a little music theory, get music with one or two sharps in the key signature since that is mostly what we use in the first two years.

These supplies can be purchased at local music stores or online.

http://www.sharmusic.com/schoolrentals, Sharmusic.com or 1-800-248-SHAR (7427)

Marshall Music  951 Mall Drive, Portage 49024.  269-321-0415

Meyer Music  4120 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 49008.  269-366-3920

Broughton Music  4528 W KL Ave, Kalamazoo 49006.  269-345-2808

Order with a friend and save on shipping!

If I can be of further assistance, please contact me at momjl@kalamazoopublicschools.net

Mr. Mom

Shoulder rests.  

I strongly encourage you to purchase a shoulder rest for violin and viola players.  These are extremely helpful for having good posture so the student can play in a relaxed manner resulting in better tone and intonation (playing in tune).  This translates to a more enjoyable experience both for the player and the listener.  

I recommend the Everest because of its high quality and low price.  (The foldable one fits into most cases and is available for ¾, 4/4 violins, and 13” or 14” violas - as well as larger violas.)  The Everest is quite durable and replaces the temporary shoulder rests or sponges included in rentals.  

If you are getting a ¼ size violin, you can still use the ‘short term’ shoulder rest that is provided with your rental because your child may not be in the ¼ size long.

If you are getting a ½ size violin or a 12” viola, you will need the ½ size shoulder rest.

If you are getting a ¾ size violin or a 13” viola, please get a full size violin shoulder rest.  It can be adjusted to be used for the instrument.

If you are getting a full size violin or a 14” viola, please get a full size violin shoulder rest.

If you are getting a viola that is 15” or larger, you will need the viola shoulder rest.

By doing it this way, students will not have to purchase too many shoulder rests.

If you purchase one of these that does not fit in the instrument case, a cosmetic bag or pencil case works well if you clip it to the instrument case.  Doing this will help your child from losing it.  Please write your child’s name on the back of the shoulder rest.

*** You will need to know the instrument size in order to get the correct shoulder rest.***

KPS sizes are listed on the back of the case in the form of a fraction for a violin and either 13" or 14" for viola.  Other instruments should have the size listed on a label on the inside of the instrument.

They come in various colors which is fun for your child!

While I say to Never get an instrument from eBay or other online sources, getting an Everest is fine.  (eBay is great for a lot of things…. Just not instruments unless you know exactly what you are doing with brand names etc.)  If you don’t want to go to a music store, please contact me before purchasing an instrument.

Students can rent instruments from recommended music stores.

Rent from Shar             

Rent from Marshall Music

Rent from Meyer Music

These stores have quality instruments at reasonable prices. Visit their websites  to learn about their rent-to-own programs.  (Shar services the Kalamazoo area.)

OR

Purchasing is another possibility though not recommended until your student needs a full size instrument.  Visit one of the stores listed above.  Do NOT go to a store like Sam's, Costco, or Walmart; and especially do NOT go online to sites like eBay or Amazon for purchasing an instrument.  You will most likely throw away your money on junk instruments.  (eBay and Amazon is great for other stuff!)  

You get what you pay for... Especially with instruments!  Do not waste your money on a V.S.O. (Violin Shaped Object!)

OR

Students can use instruments from Kalamazoo Public Schools 

Use this link if you've already Enrolled for class: (kalamazoo.revtrak.net/music-group/#/list)  Allow it to redirect you.

Our school district can provide instruments to KPS students who are enrolled in music performance classes. The cost is $60 to use the instrument for the year. An additional $30 maintenance fee is highly encouraged to cover any damages inflicted on the instrument during the school year.  Accidents are guaranteed to happen, as these instruments are fragile.  Almost every repair is more than $30!  Paying the $30 maintenance fee is essential though not required.

Students who are on free-and-reduced lunch status DO NOT have to pay the $60 use fee. However, paying the $30 maintenance fee is strongly recommended to avoid the cost of repairs.  Even if you get a scholarship but don't pay the maintenance fee, you will be charged for damage to the instrument.

Click here If you are not paying the maintenance fee.