Accessories

A tuning fork (A-440) is an essential addition to your gear. Learning to hear pitch is a skill that should be developed early on. Whether you are playing in a small or large ensemble, hearing if you are sharp or flat relative to the other players is an important skill. A metronome helps to teach steadiness in counting and rhythm. You can practice daily exercises at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed for improvement of technique. An instrument stand comes in handy as a safe place to rest your horn. Pictured here is a stand for a saxophone with an add-on clarinet holder. Manhasset, long known as makers of music stands, have developed a great little attachment for their music stand that will hold a clarinet, flute or recorder. If you are doubling on clarinet and saxophone, a stand of some kind is necessary.

It doesn't hurt to have some light sewing machine oil to maintain the springs and keys on your instrument. I apply it with a toothpick. Keep a cloth handy to wipe off the excess oil. I keep a reed clipper, sandpaper, rush and a small piece of glass in my instrument case. These are all materials used to improve, tweak or otherwise change a reed's performance.

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