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Stepping up from a beginner instrument is a big moment and the differences between entry-level and step-up models go well beyond the price tag. Construction, materials, and design all play a role in how an instrument responds, sounds, and supports a developing player.
We asked specialists in each major instrument family to break down exactly what to look for. Their insights are below.
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Student flutes are built to be durable and resilient to withstand the wear and tear that comes from learning how to hold and care for an instrument. This usually means that they have a plated body and very sturdy keys. As students progress, they are ready for a “step-up” or “intermediate” flute with a more precise key mechanism and a higher silver content, which improves the resonance and tone of the instrument.
Many step-up flutes offer a variety of silver options such as silver risers (which connect the lipplate to the headjoint tube), silver headjoints, and silver bodies. The amount and placement of silver enables a quick response, making articulation easier, while producing a rich and full tone throughout all registers. Most step-up flutes will also have improved intonation, open-hole keys, and extend the range of the flute with a longer (B-foot) footjoint.
Some other features to look out for are:
- A hand-cut professional headjoint
- Pointed key arms, which improve the strength of the mechanism
- A split-E mechanism that improves the response and intonation of the high E
- A C-sharp trill key to assist with several awkward trills and tremolos
- A case with space for cleaning cloths and accessories
Step-up flutes make many of the features enjoyed by professionals available to advancing students. What matters most is that your student loves the way their flute sounds and feels.
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Meret Bitticks
Flute Instructor & Suzuki Flute Teacher Trainer
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Most clarinet students start with plastic instruments designed for beginners, but as they advance, they need a clarinet that can keep up with their progress. Also known as intermediate instruments, step-up clarinets are made of wood, producing a richer tone that is simply more fun to play.
A quality step-up clarinet should feel and sound smoother across all registers. This means there should be less of a “bump” when crossing the break or playing certain notes. The lower register should sound warm and resonant, while the upper registers should sound less shrill, be easier to play, and have better intonation throughout.
Features that are nice to have:
- An alternate Ab/Eb lever for smoother passages
- An adjustable thumb rest with a neck strap hook
- A case with space for reeds and accessories
While these features are beneficial, what matters most is the difference the student can hear and feel. A step-up clarinet will help your student sound better and enjoy playing more.
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Amy Chambers
Clarinet & Bass Clarinet Instructor & Founder
clarinetgeek.com
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When a student is ready to move past a beginner saxophone, they need an instrument that stops fighting them and starts helping them. While student models prioritize durability, a step-up model focuses on finesse, mechanical precision, and superior tone. Intermediate saxophones provide a darker, more complex sound and a much quicker response, allowing the student to navigate fast passages with ease.A quality step-up instrument offers more consistent intonation across all registers, making it significantly easier for the student to blend within an ensemble. The ultimate goal is to find a horn that feels like an extension of the player's breath rather than a piece of equipment they are wrestling with.
Key features to look for in a step-up saxophone:
- Ribbed Construction: Provides more stability for the keywork and adds weight to the body, resulting in a warmer, more resonant tone.
- Improved Key Ergonomics: Includes adjustable thumb rests and tilting G# keys for a more natural hand position and faster finger action.
- Premium Leather Pads: Often equipped with metal resonators that help project the sound and provide a crisp, "snappy" feel to the keys.
Students will feel an immediate difference with a step-up saxophone. An intermediate instrument allows developing students to stop worrying about the mechanics of the horn and start focusing on making music.
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Max Dvorin
Freelance Multiple Woodwind Musician & Instructor
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Beginner trumpets serve an important role by offering serviceable musical instruments at an affordable price point, when a child’s interest in music is still developing. An advancing player, however, will usually require an intermediate or “step-up” model to meet the needs of middle school bands and orchestra, before they’re ready for a professional instrument.
Step-up trumpets offer better intonation, increased accuracy and ease of playing, and typically a more refined, brilliant tone. This helps the player to blend better in an ensemble, and is better suited for soloist repertoire.
Some key features to look for in a step-up trumpet would be first valve slide saddles and fixed finger rings on the third valve slide (to adjust intonation), Monel valve pistons, and ideally, a one-piece bell. Finishes can vary, but either lacquer or silver plate will protect the instrument from premature wear, and provide a luster your student can be proud of.
Upgrading to a suitable intermediate instrument often inspires confidence and passion in a young musician, propelling them further forward in their musical development. And properly cared for, these instruments will last them through secondary school, and beyond.
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John Lake
Jazz and Lead Trumpet Player,
Composer/ Arranger, Producer, and Educator
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Most trombone students start with small-bore instruments designed for easy air transition, but as they advance, they need a horn that can support their developing tone. Step-up trombones can feature a large bore and premium materials, producing the rich, symphonic tone required for orchestral and solo performances. A quality step-up model offers increased resonance and higher-quality bracing, allowing the student to blend better with the ensemble while providing the projection needed for auditions.
The most significant technical upgrade is the F-attachment. This feature provides technical shortcuts for fast passages and eliminates the physical struggle of reaching for the furthest slide positions. It also expands the instrument's range, adding four lower notes that do not exist on a beginner trombone.
Features that are nice to have:
- An open-wrap design for a less resistant, "free-blowing" feel
- A Thru-Flo valve for the least amount of air resistance on the market
- Professional-grade slides that are more resonant and help promote a professional sound.
While these features are beneficial, what matters most is the difference the student can hear and feel. A step-up trombone will help your student sound better and enjoy playing more.
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Tom Mensch
College Trombone Professor & Middle/High School Band Director
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Stop by or get in touch with us anytime we're happy to walk you through the options and answer any questions.
VOIGT MUSIC CENTER
2152 W US HWY 14
JANESVILLE, WI 53545 USA
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