When you pick up your bass, we can confirm the correct size for your student. 

To get started, here is a very general guide to sizes.  Arm length and hand size will also play a role in choosing the right size.

4' 11" - 5' 6" :  1/2 size bass

under 4' 11" :  1/4 size bass

Clarinet Sizing and Fitting

Tone Production Considerations:

Most students are well adept at getting a tone on the clarinet, but here are a few important things to be aware of.

 •    Braces on the top teeth - This is not an issue
 •    Braces on the bottom teeth - Students sometimes play with bottom braces, but it can cause some discomfort, because the reed pushed the lower lip against the metal of the braces.  They can also cause too much pressure on the reed, causing squeaks.  It is certainly not impossible, but it’s helpful to be aware of these issues.  (Other than the trumpet, other instruments are less sensitive to braces)
 •    Noticable underbite - similar to lower braces, can cause too much pressure on the reed.
 •    Uneven teeth - in some cases (but not all), this can cause the mouthpiece to slip.

Sizing:  

1) Height:  Students around 4’ 8” will be on the smaller end of comfortable size.

2) Hand Size:   From tip of thumb to tip of ring finger, a measurement of 6.5” - 7” should allow for needed finger length.  (Students with small hands and very slender fingers may have a difficult time closing the tone holes.)

Alto Saxophone Considerations

Sizing: 

The alto saxophone is larger and bulkier than most instruments.  Although many 6th graders fit the Alto Sax just fine, some have trouble fitting their hands around the bulky keys.  Smaller

hands will have difficulty reaching around the side keys and holding the instrument.   

1) Height:  Students around 4’ 9” will be on the smaller end of appropriate size.

2) Hand Size:   Measuring from tip of thumb to tip of ring finger, student will need approximately a 7” stretch. 

Note:  Many students interested in the saxophone start on clarinet, and switch to saxophone after a semester or two.  The clarinet perfectly prepares students for the saxophone because it uses a similar wood reed on the mouthpiece, similar tone production technique, and very similar fingerings.

Tone Production:

Most students are well adept for getting a tone on the saxophone.
    Braces- are usually NOT an issue playing the saxophone.
    Uneven teeth - are usually NOT an issue playing the saxophone.
    Pronounced underbites and overbites can effect the reed vibration.

* Please remember these are general guidelines.  Other factors, including your teachers preferences, will be important as well.   

Trumpet/Cornet Fitting

Tone Production Considerations:

Brass instruments are played by buzzing the center of the lips together, into the mouthpiece. 

Braces top & bottom teeth -  Students sometimes play with braces, but it can cause discomfort and make precise control of the lip vibration challenging.  This is  because the trumpet mouthpiece pushes the lips directly against the metal of the braces.  It is certainly not impossible, but it should be only undertaken with full awareness of the extra challenges. The trombone and baritone, also brass instruments, have bigger mouthpieces and work much better with braces.  (Other than the clarinet with lower braces, all the other instruments workwell with braces)

Thin to Medium full lips -The trumpet mouthpiece is relatively small, so kids with thinner lips typically have an easier time initially producing a tone.

Fuller lips -We always see some exceptions to these general tendencies, but kids with fuller lips sometimes have trouble controlling the lip vibration in the small mouthpiece.

Noticable underbite/overbite - in some cases this can add challenges to getting a good tone.

Uneven front teeth -  if the mouthpiece is pushing the lips into the edge of a tooth,   it can cause discomfort and make precise control of the lip vibration challenging.
        
Note: Is the trumpet easier than a woodwind because it has less keys?  No!  It has it’s own challenges, mainly that you have to gradually develop notable lip strength and control notes by tightening and loosening your lips.

Trumpet or Cornet?

These two instruments look and play almost identically.  However, the cornet is held slightly closer to the body, making it ideal for smaller students.

Sizing by Height:

Trumpet - an excellent choice for students around 4’ 9” and taller
Cornet -   an excellent choice for students around 4’ 8” and shorter

* Please remember these are general guidelines.  Other factors, including your teachers preferences, will be important as well.

Trombone

Tone Production Considerations:

Brass instruments are played by buzzing the center of the lips together, into the mouthpiece.  

The Trombone has a relatively large mouthpiece, so it works well with kids with a large variety of mouth shapes and sizes.
 

Braces top & bottom teeth -  NOT a problem!


Noticable underbite/overbite - usually NOT a problem!

Uneven front teeth -  usually not a problem!

Sizing by Height:

Students under 4’8” may want to confirm their arm is long enough to reach the extended positions.  

Sizing by Arm Length:

Students who measure under 27” from side of neck to tip of fingers may want to confirm their arm is long enough to reach the extended positions.

* Please remember these are general guidelines.  Other factors, including your teachers preferences, will be important as well.   
 

Baritone (Euphonium)

Tone Production Considerations:

Brass instruments are played by buzzing the center of the lips together, into the mouthpiece.  

Baritone has a relatively large mouthpiece, so it works well with kids with a large variety of mouth shapes and sizes.

   - Braces top & bottom teeth -  NOT a problem!
    

   - Noticable underbite/overbite - usually NOT a problem!
   - Uneven front teeth -  usually not a problem!

Sizing:  Kids of all sizes usually are comfortable with the beginner size baritone.  

What’s the difference between a Baritone and a Euphonium?
Baritones are slightly smaller and are the perfect choice for beginners.  Euphoniums are a bit larger and more expensive, and are often played by intermediate and advanced players.  

* Please remember these are general guidelines.  Other factors, including your teachers preferences, will be important as well. 

Luckily, students of every size are able to play percussion.  The stand for the bell set and practice pad is fully height adjustable.  Unlike all the other band & orchestra instruments, there are no sizing limitations.

Beginners start with the bell set, learning how to read music and play melodies just like the other instruments.  Then they learn percussive stick techniques on the practice pad, skills that can be transferred to snare drum, drum set, timpani, and many other percussion instruments.

The Beginng Band Percussion Kit consists of a bell set, practice pad, stand, mallets, sticks, and a carry bag.

Luckily, students of every size are able to play percussion.  The stand for the bell set and practice pad is fully height adjustable.  Unlike all the other band & orchestra instruments, there are no sizing limitations.

Beginners start with the bell set, learning how to read music and play melodies just like the other instruments.  Then they learn percussive stick techniques on the practice pad, skills that can be transferred to snare drum, drum set, timpani, and many other percussion instruments.

The Beginng Band Percussion Kit consists of a bell set, practice pad, stand, mallets, sticks, and a carry bag.