The Problem

Many of the repairs we are asked to do could have been avoided if the instruments' owners had known how to look after them properly.

Damage

Instruments get damaged in a number of ways: incorrect handling; no proper instrument stand; neglect, resulting in, for instance, seized slides, sticking keys and slow valves.

Cleaning

Lack of internal cleaning allows a build-up of all sorts of nasty stuff.  This eventually hardens, then flakes off and becomes the cause of jammed valves, seized slides and 'sticky' keys.

Health Issues

And that is all to say nothing of the health issues: harmful bacteria etc. breed rapidly inside neglected wind instruments.

The Benefits of Proper Care

Apart from saving on repair bills, the not so obvious benefits are: not having to be without an instrument to play on, sometimes for weeks on end; not being let down during a performance; better instrument condition and playability; reduced risk of catching something nasty.

The Solution

Proper maintenance of musical instruments.  Now read about one easy way of enlightening your students, by taking a look across the page and reading about our Musical Instrument Maintenance Workshops.

Aim of the Workshop

The aim is to enable a more rewarding learning experience by inspiring the student to take proper care of his or her musical instrument, and by providing them with the knowledge and confidence to carry out essential care routines

Suitability

There is no practical lower age limit: taking care of a musical instrument is a part of learning how to play it.  As a guide, a group size of ten works well but it depends on facilities and assistance available.

Notes and Handouts

A comprehensive set of maintenance notes is given to each participating student.  A list of required items is included.

Timing

The workshop takes one hour, including what is usually a very lively practical session.

Assessment

On successful completion of the session, an assessment is made to ensure that each student has understood the purpose and content of it, and to check that they are able to use their newly-learned practical skills.

Rewards

For the grown-ups, the reward is time and money saved.  For the students, it is the good feeling that comes from knowing how to do something properly.

A Certificate of Competence in Musical Instrument Care is presented to successful participants.

The Catch

There isn't really a catch, but there will probably be a small shopping list for most of the students: cleaning cloths, oil, grease and instrument stands.  Any good music shop should be able to supply these items.

Please contact us for prices.