Instrument Requirements and Information

Instrument at Lessons

Piano and Guitar students are provided with an instrument during lessons at after-school program locations. All other students must provide their own instrument during lessons. All in-home students must provide an instrument for all lessons.

Instrument for Home Practice

All students are required to have an instrument for home practice within one month of beginning lessons. Percussion students may use their drum pad for practicing in the home. The success of any music student is determined by the amount of time the instrument is practiced.

Instrument Purchase and Rental

The following are guidelines and locations for purchasing instruments. A good quality instrument is crucial to musical success and should be looked upon as an investment.

Keyboards, Acoustic and Digital Pianos:

When purchasing an instrument for a beginner piano student, an electronic keyboard with 61 to 88 keys is appropriate for the first 1-2 years of lessons. Good quality brands include Yamaha, Sony and Casio. When purchasing a digital piano, we recommend an 88 key instrument with weighted keys or hammer action. Keyboards and pianos are available at the following locations:

    Local Stores
  • Best Buy (digital only)
  • Guitar Center at Tallahassee Mall (digital only)
  • Jim's Pianos (tuning services also available)
  • Music Masters (rentals also available)
  • Piano Boutique (tuning services also available)

  • Online Resellers
  • Musician's Friend (digital only)

Guitars

When purchasing a guitar for a beginner student, a 1/2 size or 3/4 size classical student guitar with nylon strings is best. Guitars may be purchased at the following locations:

String Instruments (Violin, viola, cello, bass)

Beginner students should generally rent or purchase a ½ or ¾ size instrument. The student's teacher and/or store staff can help determine the appropriate size. Stringed instruments may be purchased at the following locations:

Percussion Instruments

Beginner students may purchase a drum pad and sticks that can be used for practice in the home. For the more advanced percussion student, instruments may be purchased at the following locations:

Sheet Music and other Musical Supplies