Emma is a brass and woodwind technician at Falcetti Music. She attended repair school at Western Iowa Tech, one of three colleges in the country offering a band instrument repair program. She plays French horn and trumpet and is a member of several local community bands. 

Summer is fast approaching, and as repair technicians, we are preparing for the influx of repairs that come into the shop once school is out. While we’re getting ready, we thought it would be helpful to outline what you can expect as a student, parent, or player.

This is the perfect time to check in on your instrument, assess any needed repairs, and take steps on your own to help avoid future issues:

First, do a thorough check of your entire instrument.
   - Is there anything that isn’t moving as well as it should or is stuck?
   - Does anything seem harder to play than it was previously?
   - Is anything loose or falling off?
   - Are there any missing parts?
   - Does it seem like it could use a deep cleaning?
   - Make note of any issues, clearly describing what isn’t working properly.
   - Any of these types of issues typically require professional attention, so consider bringing your instrument to a repair shop to have the appropriate work completed.

Next, here are some things you can do to care for your instrument on your own:
Bathe your brass instruments.
   - Take all slides and valves out and clean them with dish soap and lukewarm water.
   - Wipe away any old grease or oil and apply fresh lubricant.
   - Clean the lead pipe with a cleaning snake.
   - Regular cleaning is a great habit and can often help prevent additional repairs. That said, your instrument should still be brought in for a professional cleaning at least once a year—or every six months if you play frequently.

Clean your mouthpieces.
   - This applies to both brass and woodwind instruments.
   - Use a mouthpiece brush and dish soap.

Clean your case.
   - Now is a great time to organize, vacuum, and remove any trash that may have accumulated.

Make sure everything is stored properly.
   - Take reeds out of mouthpieces.
   - Don’t place objects directly on top of the instrument in the case.
   - Keep the instrument at room temperature—avoid leaving it in the car or attic all summer long.

Last—and most importantly—keep playing!
   - Summer is a break, and sometimes playing can feel like a chore, but it’s good for both you and your instrument to avoid extended breaks. Practice, take lessons, join a community ensemble, and have fun with it! Just because school is out doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to play.

One final note: we generally recommend bringing your instrument in for repair as soon as you notice something isn’t working quite right. Addressing small issues early can often prevent further damage—and more costly repairs—down the line. We especially recommend that brass instruments receive a chemical cleaning before sitting unplayed for an extended period. This helps prevent slides and valves from sticking and will ultimately save you time and money.

Taking a little time now to care for your instrument can make a big difference in how it performs—and how much you enjoy playing it—when the busy season starts again. A well-maintained instrument is not only easier to play, but it also helps you stay motivated and ready for whatever musical opportunities come your way!