Hi everyone,
In this post I'm going to be talking about budgeting for your first student instrument, and the accessories. I have some experience in doing this for others who aren't familiar with budgeting for new instrument and everything that goes along with it.
So, you have just decided to take up a musical instrument, and you're not too familiar on how to go about it. Here's a few tips to help you to get started :-
- Research the price of student instruments, and these prices vary between brands.
- Please make sure you go with a reputable brand for your instruments such as Trevor James or Stentor, otherwise you may not have the best experience with the instrument say if you purchased a cheap instrument off eBay.
- Order your musical instrument from a reputable music store who has dealt with student instruments before, as they will be able to check the instrument over once it arrives to make sure it is in excellent and playable condition.
Budgeting for Your First Instrument
This might take a little planning, as you may have to work out your finances beforehand to see what you are able to afford to help you to save up for your first instrument.
I'm not going to lie a decent student instrument can range from £400 right the way up to £1500, depending on what instrument you choose to take up.
Decide on the budget for your chosen instrument, and try and stick with it. But, you will also need to budget for the accessories, and maybe a tutor book or two to get you started.
Once you have worked out the finances, and budgeted for your instrument. You might decide to go out and buy the instrument straight away, or you might decide to save up for a few months. Everyone's financial circumstances are different, so it's hard to give an example because of this reason.
Once you have got your chosen instrument. You then might want to start thinking about accessories and books, and these are a lot manageable in the terms of cost per item. I'm going to give you a rough breakdown of prices for accessories to give more of an idea.
Music Stand £25 - £30 (for a lovely strong one that will ages - I would recommend in investing a nice, sturdy music stand, as it will last you a lifetime)
Metrotuner £25
You can't go wrong with a metrotuner, as they are a metronome and instrument tuner in one, and they come in a variety to suit different instrument families
Tutor Books £10 - £15
Tutor books such as Abracadabra or A New Tune a Day are a good way to get you used to your instrument, and these usually take your to around Grades 1 & 2
Private Tutor £20+
This depends on the area on where you live, and the private teacher you go for. Try to get a private music teacher thats as flexible as possible, and that will suit you and your individual needs. One to One lessons with a private teacher are a must (if your budget will allow - include this within your monthly budget if it does allow), as they will work with you, and help you to develop as a musician, and if you decide they will take you through your music grades or you may just want to learn an instrument for fun
Accessories for Your Instrument £10+
Some musical instruments will require you to purchase accessories such as rosin, cork grease, bore oil, reeds, cleaning cloths and swabs, and polishing cloths. If its a woodwind instrument you will get a reed, cleaning and polishing cloths and maybe cork grease if your instrument needs it. But, you may need to be replaced with new ones, such as new reeds for your clarinet/ saxophone or you might want to try a different brand of strings for your violin, or treat yourself to a nicer rosin. So, you may want to include it within your budget as a one off purchase with a rough price on what you a willing to spend on musical accessories for that month.
Pieces and Study Books £10+
You might decide that you would like to expand your music collection a little bit, and treat yourself to a few new pieces of music and maybe a study book to give yourself a little more variety. Look up prices before you buy your chosen pieces and books, and see if you can afford it for that month. You may choose to include part of your monthly that includes a set amount each month that combines both music accessories and also new pieces/ studies, or you may just want to budget for books every month.
These are just a few ideas on how can budget for your new musical instrument, and the accessories and books that come with it. Everyone's financial circumstances are different, so I've tried to make this post as approachable as possible to at least give you an idea on what to expect when taking up a musical instrument. It's worth mentioning all of the above prices are just a rough guide to give you an idea of prices.
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