INSTRUMENT RECOMMENDATION
This list linked above is only a guide for families considering purchasing or renting an instrument in the future. Please do not purchase an instrument on your own without consulting a private lesson teacher or Mr. Pwu. There are many brands of varying quality available, and a poor instrument is the leading cause of frustration and discouragement for a student. An instrument is an investment and will last decades if treated and cared for properly!
Tips when purchasing your own intstrument:
Unfortunately, most instruments purchased on Amazon/Walmart/Costco are of poor quality and not durable (metal bends easily, loose screws, will never play in tune). Many instrument stores will not repair these instruments due to poor craftsmanship.
Watch this video for some examples: Poor Instrument Demonstration
Think of an instrument as an investment that will last for years to come. Some school owned instruments are from the 1970s and still play to this day! (They may not look cosmetically pretty, though.)
Oftentimes a used, quality instrument will function better than a new, cheap instrument. I recommend students rent/borrow in their first year playing before buying. Music Village (located at Union and Foxworthy) has a Rent-to-Own program where the cost of a student’s rental can be applied towards a future purchase.
For Advanced Players: A mouthpiece upgrade can be a big improvement with less financial investment.