Buying Advice - Educational Accessories

Ritz Music stocks a range of popular music education accessories such as metronomes, music stands & music bags...

Metronomes

There are 2 main types, both of which are available at Ritz Music:

Clockwork metronomes - These have been around for many years and use a clockwork mechanism (which needs winding up from time to time) to power a pendulum which swings from side to side. Because these metronomes produce a pleasing sound which is re-enforced by the visual element of the pendulum swing, they are usually the best choice for a total beginner to music and are therefore the preferred choice for many teachers. On the negative side, they are quite fragile (they will often break if dropped or over-wound) and have recently increased in price considerably. Wittner and Beyer are the best known manufacturers.

Electronic metronomes - these are produced by well known brands such as Korg and Seiko and range from very compact credit-card sized devices to standard models which typically have a large dial to choose the tempo/speed. Many electronic metronomes have additional features, such as accenting the first beat every bar, volume control, different rhythms such as triplets and syncopated beats, pendulum-like LED displays and a choice of sounds.

Music Stands

The most popular music stands are the standard collapsible ones, which can easily be adjusted to the correct height required. These are available in lightweight or heavier duty versions, as well as multi-coloured options. We also stock 'conductor' style stands which are suitable for heavier books but do not fold down to a small size, as well as a range of clip-on music stand lights for playing in poorly lit environments.

Music Bags

We stock the very popular Mapac range of school music bags, available in a choice colours and specifications, and with a choice of attractive musical instrument designs.