Don’t worry if your child does not have an instrument straight away, we do provide instruments for them to use at school. HOWEVER, they will need to either borrow or buy (new or second-hand) an instrument asap if they are to have fun and be successful in the long term. 

 

Initially, we would expect 5-10mins practice 2-3 times/week as a beginner, building to 20-30 mins practice 4-5 times a week (this is where the fun really starts!).

 

Below are some details of what they need and where you can access the equipment:

 

GUITAR:

 

We recommend that younger students start with a ¾ sized Nylon String Acoustic Guitar as it is easier to play at the beginning.  If they are able to use a full-size guitar it will save buying one later, but this all depends on the student.  Here is a link for a cheaper ¾ sized guitar but there are a few options at both Wards Music and The Rock Shop.  

¾ sized Nylon String Acoustic Guitar 

 

UKULELE:

 

In our classes we use the smallest (and cheapest) type of ukulele you can get, which is the ‘soprano’ ukulele. Although, any type of ukulele is fine. Soprano Ukulele

 

KEYBOARD: 

 

If you are looking to invest for the future you might want to have a look in a music shop to find out your options, otherwise here are a few options to get you set up.

 

Slightly cheaper version - Medelli Keyboard

Ones we use in our lessons - Yamaha Keyboard

 

DRUMS:

 

Ideally everyone would have a drum kit at home - either acoustic or (the quieter) electric kit - but as parents ourselves we understand this is not always possible financially or spacewise.  

 

Because of this at the early stages we recommend that each student get at least a set of 5A drum sticks.  They can then use a chair with a cushion on it to drum on or you could also buy a practice drum pad (which are used in class).  We use these during the lessons so the students will be familiar with them.  This allows them to get a similar feeling to a drum kit, without the expense, and it really helps with practising their stick work.

 

Drumsticks -5A Drumsticks 

Drum pads -  6-inch-practice-pad 

 

The smaller the drum pad, the more accurate they will need to be. So if the budget allows, the bigger the better (up to a 12 inch pad!)

 

It is also a good idea to learn to play your exercises and beats to a metronome.  You can either purchase one online or at a music store or you can download a free app that you can use on a smartphone.  Try something like “Soundbrenner”.

 

At the end of the day, try to borrow or purchase a secondhand instrument, so you can see how interested your child is before investing too much!  

 

Talk to your local music store if you have any further questions. In Whangarei, both Wards Music or Rockshop have been amazing to deal with.