All about Instrument Selection    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All About Instrument Selection
 
FLUTE
1. Arms are long enough to hold the flute to the mouth and still cover keys properly
2. Upper lip characteristics are conductive to proper embouchure. (A short upper lip or a bead of skin in the centre of the upper lip tends to make it difficult to form a good embouchure)
3. Closed teeth meet evenly.
4. A clear tone is easily produced on the head joint.
5. Eye-hand co-ordination is good.
 
CLARINET AND SAXOPHONE
1. Hands are large enough to reach all keys ( and fingertips are large enough to cover the tone holes on clarinet.)
2. Thumbs are not double-jointed.
3. Student's orthodontist approves of him/he playing clarinet or saxophone.
4. Eye-hand co-ordination is good.
 
TRUMPET
1. Lips are thin to medium (Thick lips tend to be suited for trombone and baritone)
2. Front teeth are straight and even. Closed teeth meet Evenly.
3.Student is able to sing a common folk song.
4. Level of confidence is high.
5. Work habits are strong and achievement is high.
6. Parental support is strong.
 
TROMBONE AND BARITONE
1. Stature is adequate to handle the size of the instrument.
2. Arms are long enough to reach lower positions on trombone.
3.Lips are medium to thick. (Thin lips tend to be better suited for trumpet)
4. Student is able to sing a common folk song.
5. Sense of pitch is exceptional.
 
PERCUSSION
 
1. Physical co-ordination is exceptional. Student is able to "march' quarter notes while clapping eighth notes.
2. Student maintains a steady tempo while echo clapping four measure phrases.
3. Student has previous keyboard experience (desirable, but not necessary)
4. Commitment to becoming a complete percussionist is unwavering.
5. Student is self-controlled.
6. Dependability and sense of responsibility are strong.
7. Parental support is strong.