Instruments for Schools | Our Recommendations

Explore the world of classroom musical instruments with our comprehensive guide designed for music educators. Whether you're outfitting a beginner or enhancing an ensemble, this article provides detailed insights into choosing the right instruments to inspire and engage students. From ukuleles to keyboards and percussion, we cover the best options available to suit various educational needs and budgets, all available at Normans Musical Instruments.

The Forenza Prima 2 Violin, available at Normans, stands out as an exceptional choice for education purposes. Handcrafted to cater to beginner students, this violin is available in multiple sizes to accommodate learners of various ages. The Forenza Prima 2 is noted for its superior quality and playability compared to its more economical counterpart, the Forenza Prima 1. For cello enthusiasts, the Stentor 1102 model is an excellent option. Renowned for its elegance and crafted from select woods, this cello is acknowledged as a benchmark in educational instruments. It comes as a complete package, which includes a padded cover and a wooden bow, ensuring that students have everything they need to start their musical journey.

For guitar instruction in schools, classical guitars are usually preferred due to their nylon strings which are easier on young fingers. The 3rd Avenue XF Full Size Classical Guitar Pack is highly recommended for its comprehensive set-up, which includes a high-quality guitar, capo, plectrums and a durable bag with backpack straps for easy transportation. This makes it perfect for students who travel between home and school. The full-size model is suited for students aged 11 and above, while younger students might be better served by the ¾ size option, accommodating their smaller hands and reach.

The Trevor James TJ10X MKIV Flute is a top recommendation for beginner flute players transitioning to intermediate levels. Its design focuses on elegance and quality, ensuring standout performance with its impressive tone. For those seeking a more cost-effective alternative, the Montreux Student Flute offers a reliable option. This silver-plated instrument is lauded by music educators for its durability and comes with a practical carry case featuring a detachable shoulder strap, making it a solid choice for young musicians.

The Trevor James Alphasax is an ideal introductory saxophone for younger students aspiring to play. It features a lightweight design with fewer keys, making it easier to handle and play. This model includes a complete set-up with a moulded case, backpack straps, harness strap, mouthpiece, cap and reed - everything needed to start playing immediately. For a budget-friendly option, the Montreux Alto Saxophone provides excellent value and quality. Known for its precision and durable design, it comes with a carry case, cleaning accessories, mouthpiece and sax strap, establishing it as a versatile and attractive choice for school programs.

The Montreux Student Clarinet is a fantastic starting point for budding clarinetists. It's designed to be budget-friendly while providing all the essentials needed to begin playing, including a lightweight case, reed, mouthpiece, ligature and cleaning cloth. For advancing students, the Montreux Concert Series Bb Clarinet offers an upgraded experience with a quality wood construction and comprehensive accessories, making it suitable for students progressing beyond grade 5.

For educators seeking reliable trumpet options within a school setting, Normans provides a range of instruments tailored to varying skill levels and budgets. The Montreux Student Bb Trumpet stands out as an excellent budget-friendly choice for beginners, offering robust construction and consistent sound quality. Those looking for a slight upgrade without significant cost might consider the Montreux Performance Series Trumpet, known for its enhanced features that provide a richer sound and better playability for progressing students.

For more advanced students, the Montreux Concert Series Trumpet offers professional-grade quality with superior sound dynamics, making it ideal for students involved in more serious performances. Additionally, the Yamaha YTR-2330 Bb Student Trumpet represents a high-quality option that balances cost with advanced features, making it a favourite among educators for its durability and ease of play.

The Montreux Student Bb Cornet is the preferred budget option for students just beginning their musical journey with brass instruments. It is designed to be easy to handle, with a light build and smooth valve action, ideal for younger players. As students develop their skills, the Montreux Concert Series Bb Cornet provides a valuable step up. This intermediate option offers enhanced tonal quality and improved response, perfect for students ready to refine their musical expressiveness.

Ukuleles continue to be a popular choice for music education due to their size and ease of learning. The 3rd Avenue Soprano Ukulele is a great introduction to music for younger students, offering a fun and accessible instrument at a very reasonable price. For a better quality sound and durability, the A-Star Soprano Ukulele features Aquila Strings which enhance the instrument's tone and playability. The Mahalo Rainbow Soprano Ukulele, available in a variety of vibrant colours, is perfect for engaging students and adding a visual element to their learning.

Axus offers remarkable value for classrooms, providing high-quality keyboards and pianos that often surpass what's available from more well-known brands like Yamaha at a similar price point. The Axus AXP3 is a standout model, offering versatile features that make it suitable for both learning and performance in a school environment, such as touch-response and a MIDI connection. For those with a tighter budget, the Yamaha PSR-F52 is another reliable option, equipped with a range of sounds and functions that cater well to classroom needs, facilitating a broad range of musical exploration.

A-Star has established itself as a leading provider of classroom percussion instruments, offering a comprehensive selection from basic handheld items to more intricate instruments. The A-Star 25 Note Chromatic Glockenspiel is particularly popular in education settings due to its precise tuning and easy playability. A-Star also offers a diverse array of instruments from around the world, providing students with a rich, global perspective on music.

For ensemble work, Wak a Tubes and Jumbie Jam Steel Pans are available, each offering unique opportunities for students to engage in group performances and learn about harmony and rhythm in a collaborative environment. Both Wak a Tubes and Jumbie Jam Steel Pans are also available in class packs, making them ideal for outfitting entire classrooms with quality musical instruments that encourage creative exploration and teamwork.

For more detailed information on these and other instruments tailored specifically for educational use, please get in touch with our Education Team, we'll be happy to talk through your requirements.