Instruments

Care of String Instrument

1. Handle the instrument, bow and case with care. Instruments are fragile and can break easily. Bumping the instrument, either in or out of the case, may cause it to go out of adjustment.

2. Keep the instrument clean. Each time you finish playing, use a soft cloth to wipe the rosin dust from the instrument, bow stick and strings.

3. Keep the instrument and bow in the case when it is not in use and be certain the case is closed securely.

4. Do not expose the instrument to excessive heat or cold. Particularly, never leave the instrument inside the car. The instrument can be severely damaged in a short period of time in extreme temperatures.

5. Before placing the violin or viola in its case, remove the shoulder rest. Do not store music inside the case. When unpacking the cello, take the bow out of the (soft) case first. When packing the cello, place the bow in the (soft) case last. This will prevent you from accidentally breaking the bow.

6. Check the angle of the bridge often. If it is not standing straight, ask your teacher to adjust it. Do not adjust it yourself. The bridge is not glued to the body of the instrument. It remains in position by the tension on the strings.

7. Remind your child not to let others play the instrument without consent of a teacher or parent. Keep the instrument stored out of reach of siblings.

8. Do not attempt your own repairs. Ask your teacher for help or contact a qualified repair person.

9. The fine tuners on the violin or viola should not touch the body of the instrument.

10. Do not use polish of any kind on the instrument or bow. Ask your teacher for proper cleaning instructions.

11. If you hear a rattle or see a loose piece of wood inside the instrument, loosen the strings slightly and take it to a repair technician as soon as possible. Do not attempt to remove this piece. It may be the sound post that needs to be reset.

Care of the Bow

1. Bows break very easily. Treat them with care.

2. Do not touch the hair of the bow. Moisture, perspiration, oil, or dirt from the hands, face, or hair will spoil the bow hair.

3. Before you begin to play, tighten the bow with the adjusting screw. Your teacher will show you the correct tension to use.

4. Rosin the bow before each playing session.

5. Loosen the bow hair before you return the bow to the case.

Accessories for Strings

1. Rosin for strings instruments

2. Shoulder rest (violin/viola)

Rock stop (cello)

3. Soft cloth

4. Extra set of strings

Care of the Flute

1. Handle your flute carefully. The flute is actually only a thin tube of metal that can bend easily.

2. There are many moving parts on the flute that can be bent or go out of alignment. Therefore, when you put the flute together and when you hold or carry it, you should grip only the barrel of the flute. Do not grip where there are keys or rods.

3. The crown of the flute screws in or out to adjust a cork inside the headjoint. This crown should be snug, but it should not be tightened. The more it is turned, the more it changes the position of the head cork. Do not let your child adjust the crown. If the crown loosens on its own, you (not your child) may tighten it until just snug.

4. Keep the flute in its case when not in use. Do not leave it on chairs or couches. People have been known to sit on them accidentally.

5. Do not expose your flute to excessive heat or cold.

6. Remind your child not to let others play the flute without consent of a teacher or parent. Keep the flute stored out of reach of siblings or pets.

7. Do not attempt your own repairs. Ask your teacher for help or contact a qualified repair person.

8. Keep your flute clean--

Before you play:

a. Wash your hands

b. spit out your gum

c. rinse out your mouth, especially if you have just eaten something sweet or stick

After you are done playing:

a. clean the inside of the flute using the cleaning rod and an absorbent cloth (men's handkerchief or bandana work best

b. thoroughly wipe the joints of the flute with the cleaning cloth

c. wipe off finger prints

9. Do NOT use polish of any kind on your flute.

10. Do NOT use any kind of lubricant on the joints of the flute

Care of the Harp

Handle your harp with respect and tenderness. Remember that the instrument, even though it is large, is still fragile.

1. Always wash your hands before you touch a harp. Oils from our hands can eventually break down the finish on the wood and make the strings wear quicker than they already do.

2. Tune your whole harp on a daily basis, not just the few octaves you may be playing on that particular day. Make sure the levers are down, or the pedals are in the upper most position.

3. Do not expose your harp to excessive heat or cold.

4. Remind your young harp player not to let others touch the harp without consent of a teacher or parent.

5. Do not attempt your own repairs. Ask your teacher for help or contact a qualified repair person.

6. The young harp player will learn how to change their strings, should one break. Until they learn, ask for help from your teacher. In volume one of Suzuki, there is a picture should they forgot after they have been showed how to change a string.

7. Do Not use any kind of dust polish or polish on your harp. Use a dry, soft cotton cloth and wipe the dust off.

8. When you are done playing, make sure you put the levers down and the pedals in the uppermost position.

9. When moving the harp:

a. Always put the levers down or pedals in the uppermost position.

b. Always cover your harp with its proper cover.

c. If your harp does not have a base cover, have an old rug to put on

the ground outside when you set it down.

d. Always lay your harp in the vehicle with the levers or discs facing up.

Optional Accessories

1. Music stand

2. Pitch pipe

3. Folder, notebook or bag for music

Instrument Dealers

Instruments may be rented, leased, or purchased from any of the following dealers. Generally, they also carry the music and accessories you may need. The UNI Suzuki School office keeps a file of instruments offered for sale by individuals. Your teacher may also know of individuals who have instruments for sale. Check with several dealers to find the plan that works the best for you.

Please consult with your teacher when considering purchasing an instrument and change size of instrument only upon their recommendation.

Brandenburg House of Violins, 503 Washington, Cedar Falls 266-6401

West Music Holiday Plaza, Cedar Fall 277-1000

Kephart's Music 126 East Water, Decorah, IA 800-632-5933

Reck Violin Shop 1348 5^th St., Coralville, 319-351-8374

Michael Becker 6567 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 515-274-9420

Harp Dealers

Lyon and Healy Chicago, Illinois 1-800-621-3881 www.lyonhealy.com

Griggs Music Davenport, Iowa 1-877-391-9001

Harp Music and Strings

Lyon and Healy West 1-877-621-3881 or www.harp.com

Vanderbilt Music Company 1-800-533-7200 or www.vanderbiltmusic.com

Instrument Repair

Do not attempt repairs yourself. Your teacher can make minor adjustments and advise you about the nature of the repairs needed. Most instrument dealers offer this service and advice and have qualified repair personnel working for them to handle the more serious repairs.

Please support our local & regional suppliers!

If you are unable to find what your need at our local shops, here are some mail order sources:

Shar, Ann Arbor, MI 800-248-7427

Music City, Nashville, TN 800-336-1980

Southwest Strings, Tucson, AZ 800-528-3430

Young Musicians, TX 800-826-8648