Music Instruments and Instruction for Band, Orchestra
Studio, Music Sales, Leasing, Service, Repairs
Wilmington, NC ll 910.686.0607
Serving the Lower Cape Fear Region since 1994
Here are answers to the most common questions asked by students, parents, professional musicians and educators about our company, music instruments and repairs, educational programs and services.
- General FAQ's - What students and parents usually want to know ...
- The Q&A on Music Instruments - Sales and rentals, contracts and warranties
- Group Education Studies and Music Lessons FAQs
- Studio FAQ's ... it's a bandroom and a music store ... more Studio Q&As
- Questions about Music Instrument Repairs
- Company and Leadership FAQs
- Strange Stuff ... The odd question, along with the answer of course....
Here are the most common questions about what we do in general, and it's what students and parents ask most often: instruments, sales, rentals, services. It's the stuff you'll probably want to know ....
Q: Which instrument is right, or the best choice for a beginning music student to play?
A: In general, the musical instrument that is best for the beginner is the one he or she most wants to play. Occasionally, the teacher or a music educator will suggest an instrument other than the one the student chooses. The reason for this might be the shape of his/her lips; an overbite; braces or respiratory problems. Even the student's strength may affect the selection of instrument. Sometimes, the family budget might impact that choice, too.
We're happy to guide you and your student in instrument selection and will ensure that the instrument is a good fit. We know you need a good budgetary fit, too. So if we're providing your instrument, be sure to tell us about the budget if there's any concern. Or, you can review our cost basics guide for rentals and sales.
Q: My child is a new student. How do we find the best instrument ... should parents rent or buy??
A: We strongly recommend that a student rent an instrument the first year of study. After that, parents should consider purchasing an instrument, especially if the student shows interest. Then, as the student progresses, upgrade the instrument so it's on par with the student's advancement in music education and performance ability.
If you have access to a playable instrument in the family, please feel free to use it for one of our educational programs or another, such as a school-based program.
If you have an instrument that's been stored in the basement, under the bed or in the garage for awhile, we sure do recommend a tuneup. A well-maintained playable instrument is essential for performance and practice. Oh, and it's a prudent hygiene practice, too.
Q: Where do I get a rental instrument?
A: There are lots of ways to get an instrument. We'd love it if you get one from us, and we can promise a level of service that's superior.
But there are other vendors and providers and you may want to shop around. Do look at the service level provided, you'll probably find you need it.
Of course, you should also talk to your child's music teacher or band director about brand and recommendation -- we always recommend that and ... you may also talk to us. We won't pressure you to buy or rent, really.
Besides, we do a lot more than instruments. We support music education with a broad range of services. And lots of things we do are free, to boot.
Q: 'I found a great trombone at the thift store (or on ebay, a yard sale, etc.) ... so how about that?
Okay, if that's your question, you might hear this answer: 'How 'bout they keep it.' That's kind of a joke, but not.
See, it's important to understand the instrument -- and a service contract if it's provided -- before your initial investment in leasing or purchase. And for a student, the instrument naturally needs to be one that works. So, if you don't understand the instrument -- and most parents and students won't at first -- then you need to find someone that does. It's that simple.
Often, the $25 auction site deal, classified or yard sale 'treasure' will cost more to restore or repair than a new or reconditioned instrument leased or purchased through a qualified and certified music instrument provider. And lots of times, that treasure won't play or sound right at all. That can be very discouraging for a beginning student, who really doesn't have the knowledge yet to assess the problem.
Here, our best advice is "Know what you're getting in an instrument and know why you're selecting a series, and until you do, best to know know and trust who you're getting it from." It's that simple.
That said, if you find a great deal on a didgeridoo, wow! Send us the link!
Q: Do you actually teach or supply digeridoos? That sounds really cool, but what is it anyway?
A: No, we don't teach this instrument and we don't supply them either. We'd like to though, because the digeridoo is way, way cool. It's an intringing wind instrument native to the Australian aborigine culture.
Still ... let us know if you're serious .... maybe we can schedule a master class.
FAQs on Instruments and the business of
Here are the most common questions about music instruments: brands, sales and rentals contracts and warranties....
Q: Is there a specific instrument brand or provider that's recommended?
A: Music & More, absolutely! And we provide the music instrument brands that are recommended by music educators worldwide. However, let's suppose you choose another company ... if you're in our neck of the woods, we really encourage you to go with a local provider or vendor in the Wilmington / Cape Fear Region of North Carolina. Why?
Well, in our experience, we think you'll get better service when the company you choose is quickly and easily accessible. And this is service that you really and truly might need!
What if you have questions? Need a quick repair, a set of strings or a trumpet lyre and the performance is a day away? What if the celloist suddenly needs a loaner? What if the orchestra recital is just hours away? Yikes!
Q: What about contracts, warranties ...?
A: If you lease with a contract, opt for a service or repair / exchange warranty, then your local provider is subject to practice and abide to that fine print stuff, the stuff like DULY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH.... STATE LAW ....
This means you have consumer protections which protect you ... basically, the fine print might mean something for you. You'll be able to exercise it if you ever need to.
... not to mention that you can ruin a bad company's reputation if they're close to home.
And those are just a few reasons to go local when choosing an instrument or music service. In a nutshell, we want your early musical studies and experiences to be a pleasure. We don't want you to hit the sour notes before you learn all about music that's super sweet.
Q: That makes sense. So, if I get an instrument from you, is there any guarantee?
A: Sometimes. It depends on whether you're leasing/renting an instrument -- or purchasing one. Purchases will probably include a manufacturer's warranty if they're new, and many reconditioned instruments will also have a warranty.
Rental instruments offer an 'insurance' option that covers damage / replacement / repairs, and it's available for a very reasonable fee. It's a good idea for the learning musician who tends to be forgetful or quite unruly. Example, If you've lost your eyeglasses or stepped on them more than once this year, you probably want this coverage.
We're certainly happy to review your options and explain exactly what warranty or guarantee you're getting or not getting when you do business with us. Because that too, is part of music education, especially if you plan to learn, play and grow.
Here are the most common questions about music instrument repairs and our repair services, including authorization and general warranties and fees. Oh, we sometimes fix relationships, too.
Q: If Music & More supplies my child's instrument, how does your repair and insurance coverage work?
A: That's a good question to ask, especially since the coverage is optional. So you'll want to know whether you're covered.
If you choose coverage, (and your leasing payments are paid in a timely fashion -- meaning your account is current), maintenance and repairs through our rental program are provided free of charge. The provisions allow for repair, replacement and loaner instruments.
That said, rental customers aren't required to purchase insurance / damage / replacement coverage, and repairs for rental instruments that aren't covered will be at the general rates.
Q: Let's say my trombone falls victim to a football tackle. Any idea how much it will cost to fix it?
A: Hmm, it depends on the tackle. Sadly enough, sometimes there's little hope.
So the better question is probably: 'What are your standard rates?' You can find our customary fees rates here. Do know that the rates listed are a basic guideline. Sometimes we have to assess the problem up close and personal ... our estimates are almost always free, naturally!
Q: My clarinet is making a dang awful squeal. It sounds like this: EEEEEEEEK! And I know there's one key that needs something, 'cuz it makes a real funny noise like--
A: Ouch, please don't make that noise or the next one! To start, tt sounds like your reed has some major issues; that's bad news for any clarinettist, not to mention the musicians seated around you!
Q: Yeah, they don't like it either. What do you think my clarinet needs ... gee, how long will it take to fix it?
Most instrument tuneups, conditioning or repairs can be turned around in about one week. And we'll probably need to replace the worn and missing pads -- springs, key corks and felts if needed and I expect....
By the way, when was the last time you adjusted, regulated and lubricated the mechanism and text?
Q: The what?
A: Therein lies the problem, or part of it anyway. Bring your instrument in, and we'll show you what it needs, what we'll do ... we'll show you the maintenance you might want to do, too. It will probably enhance your musical relationships, to boot. How's that?
Music Education FAQs
Here's the Q&A for students, parents and advanced musicians on our Group Education Studies program and private Music Lessons.
Q: Which instrument should a beginning music student play in the group education program?
A: In general, the musical instrument that is best for the beginner is the one he or she most wants to play. Occasionally, the teacher will suggest an instrument other than the one the student chooses. We've addressed this question at length here, because it's the number one thing people ask. And do know that we're happy to guide parents and students in instrument selection and will ensure that the instrument is a good fit.
Q: My child is a young student and already shows a real interest in music. But her elementary school doesn't offer any programs. Do you teach younger students?
A: Absolutely! Our Group Education Studies program is open to students in fourth grade and up. In fact, we think early exposure is outstanding exposure; the research certainly supports it! Do you have information on your group sessions?
Q: What's the schedule like, and how do I enroll?
A: You can get all the details on this page, or download a PDF brochure. Also, we look forward to meeting you -- expect to learn plenty, and expect to have a lot of fun, too!
You may also make a studio appointment to enroll -- (click for location information), and it's a good idea if the student needs to be fitted with an instrument. You may reach us at 910.686.0607.
Q: What are the study requirements of private and group and instruction?
A: Students are required to spend 20-30 minutes a day practicing. A regular amount of time set aside at the same time each day works better than a hit-or-miss type practice scheduling. Parents should supervise or guide setting up a daily practice schedule. It is very important to have a quiet place to practice away from distractions. (It's also important to encourage the student -- in both the practice and the developing the discipline of it!)
Q: What materials are needed?
Q: What about private lessons? Are they available, too? How do you know if you need them?
A: Yes, we offer private lessons, and the fees are very reasonable.Individual music lessons are certainly not necessary to advance in the musical discipline. In fact, most students will make excellent progress through group education.
In some cases, private lessons are well worth considering, and they're available through Music & More. You may want to discuss lessons with the student's music teacher or our Band Director, Richard Purcell, if:
- A student shows superior ability, and is advancing much more rapidly than his or her peers -- or players at the same level of instruction.
- Likewise, a student who is demonstrating interest, commitment and reflective activity that surpasses the usual peer level may really benefit from the one-on-one learning environment of concentrated instruction.
- A student has a history of commitment to study and practice but is suddenly discouraged with his or her studies, or finds new work too difficult to master.
- The serious student is advanced and needs additional guidance and the more focused instruction of private lessons to prepare for competition, performance or a scholarship.
- The student is new and needs additional instruction to master lessons already learned by his or her peers. Or, in some cases, a mid-level or advanced student might change instruments, or wish to add new instrumentation techniques to the skill set.
Private lessons are very reasonable, and families say tuition fees are an excellent value.
As a rule, most students who fit into the scenarios above will need just a few lessons and in many instances, one or two sessions of one-on-one instruction is enough to get over a slump or to progress or master a new or difficult musical piece or instrumentation technique.
Company and Leadership FAQs ...
Here are the most common questions about who we are and what we do as a company. There's plenty of extra detail in the About Us section, as well as the Maestro's Profile. Or you can get the gist of us, conceptually speaking ...
Q: What does Music & More do? What services do you provide?
A: Music and More is a full-service music education company. We provide instruments, service our instruments (and others), and we repair music instruments, too. We also provide music accessories: reeds, drumsticks, strings and things ....
That's the product and related service side; then there's music education per se -- we teach in schools and we teach groups via our independent group education studies. We also offer private music lessons. Soon, we plan to teach master classes for advanced students. In addition, we have a a fully-equipped rehearsal Studio.
Then there's the music education focus of our company and that's what the Music & More Mosaic really means. It's hard to call that a service exactly -- as in service for sale -- you can't buy it since it's more about our philosophy of making music, muscians and serving them in the Cape Fear community.
Q: Is Music & More a music store? Can I shop there?
A: Yes, we're a music store -- sort of -- but you can't really 'shop' the 'store.' Not in the traditional sense, anyway. Here's the difference, and we think it's what makes the musical experience with us unique.
We operate the inventory side of our company from the Music & More Studio, and through our affiliation with music instrument vendors, such as the Veritas Music Instrument Rental Network. When you shop, you're looking for a music instrument -- what you get with us is a learning experience AND a custom fit. Or we sure hope that's what you get!
The Studio is where you 'try it on' for size, review budget and your selection ... once everybody's happy with the instrument choice and resulting budget decisions, then we order your instrument. Sometimes, you're outfitted with a music instrument then and there.
Or, you may order online, based on music-education approved recommendations. Then when your instrument is delivered, we'll accommodate you and your instrument. Just call for an appointment when your instrument is delivered.
Q: So you're like a designer boutique ... for music?
A: That's a great way of putting it ... yes ... but without the designer prices!
It sounds expensive, but actually, it's not. It's just the way we do business. In fact, our prices are aligned with competitive vendors, and we'll match any local price. Plus, we have the brands that are music-educator approved and recommended; we simply refuse to offer poor-quality, substandard instruments.
Consequently, we also focus on music education services from the Studio, so it's best to make an appointment. This way, you get all the time and personal attention you need, and all your questions answered. (Even the odd one, or two....)
That said, we also keep some instruments on hand for sales and the most common music accessories are quickly available, so feel free to shop with us when you need supplies, too. We might be able to do a quick instrument adjustment or a repair, too.
You may reach the Wilmington, NC Music Studio at 910.686.0607. Please leave a message if we don't answer, and we'll return the call as promptly as possible.
Q: This sounds like a great company! Who's the wizard behind the curtain? More importantly, does he play?
A: Gee, thanks! We're glad you agree with us. The wizard is our company maestro, Richard Purcell. And yes, he teaches, manages the minutia of the business ... yep, he's a muscian, too. (Solo coming soon!)
Mr. Purcell's teaching background is here, bio here and a full-featured profile .... here.
Here are the most common questions (and phone calls) we get about the Studio, excluding the information we've addressed in other sections. You can also find relevant details here.
Q: What's The Studio about ...?
A: The Music & More Studio is all about music! And music education! It serves as our business headquarters, our 'bandroom,' music instrument repair shop and more. When available, we lease this space as a Music Studio that's fully-equipped for practice, teaching and rehearsals. It's best suited for small groups.
The Studio is also our instrument fitting room, group education studies classroom and an off-the-beaten path music store in Wilmington, NC. You won't find us on Market Street. Still, we're not too far away.
Q: Where is the Studio? Because I might need directions.
We're located on Middle Sound Loop Road near Market. And you probably will need directions, plus, we want to make sure we're available to help. Just call: 910.686.0607. (Other details here).
Q: Dude, I'm calling to ask about your Studio. See, we're like trying to put together this grunge band and like ... like we need a place to practice and like ... it might be real late at night since Hey-Jo Biggs drives pizza and he don't get off work til ...
... whatever, so what about this Studio ...?
A: While your strides are admirable (see, we applaud all musical efforts), I just can't answer that question.
Grunge aside, it's doubtful that the Music & More Studio is available since we're super busy and super booked. Do inquire when you've got specific dates and lockout times in mind.
Oh, and we're not a midnight party pad or a club, either, so if that's what you have in mind ... please check elsewhere.
Q: How much does Studio time cost? Is it expensive?
A: Actually, Studio leasing fees are quite reasonable. It may not cost as much as you think. Our rates are contingent upon your needs. We're happy to discuss standard rates, any special fees and accommodations. But it's probably best to first determine if the Studio is available. We are super busy! But do inquire and we'll look at the schedule and review costs and needs.
