How much should I spend on musical instruments for my classroom?

It’s a question music teachers face all the time. How far can we stretch our budgets to make them go as far as possible when equipping our classrooms? Does seeking out the bargains really work in the longer run, or do you just end up having to spend more to repair or replace them?

How much to spend on musical instruments for your classroom depends on a few factors, including your budget, the age of your students, and the type of music you want to teach.

• Budget: If you have a limited budget, then cheaper musical instruments are a good option. However, it's important to make sure that the instruments are still of good quality, so that they will last and be enjoyable for your students to play. If students can’t make a sound, or the instruments break easily and can’t be repaired then it can be a real let down for the students who are excited about playing them
• Age of students: If you are teaching young children, then you may want to consider buying plastic or wooden instruments that are specifically designed for young children. These instruments are typically less expensive than traditional instruments, and they are also more durable and easier to hold and play for smaller children.

If you are just starting out with buying instruments for your classroom, then you can find reliable, good quality versions of the following instruments that won’t blow your budget in one go:

• Recorders: Recorders are a great way to introduce young children to music. They are relatively inexpensive and can be a great way to get whole classes playing together.
• Percussion instruments: Percussion instruments are another great option for young children. They are also relatively inexpensive, and they can be a lot of fun to play.
• Xylophones: Xylophones are a bit more expensive than recorders or percussion instruments, but they are a great way to introduce children to pitched instruments.
• Ukuleles: Ukuleles are a great option for introducing children to playing a stringed instrument. They are relatively inexpensive, and they are easy to learn to play.

No matter what type of musical instruments you choose, make sure that they are of good quality and that they are appropriate for the age of your students. With a little planning, you can find cheap musical instruments that will help your students enjoy music and learn new skills.