Music stand facts for kids
A music stand is a special piece of equipment that musicians use. It holds their sheet music (the written notes) while they play an instrument or sing.
Music stands come in different types. Most of them can be made taller or shorter. This means they work for both tall and short musicians, and whether someone is sitting or standing.
The most common type is made of metal and can be folded up. This makes it easy to carry to lessons or performances. Some music stands are made of wood. These wooden stands can be very fancy and often cost more money.
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Types of Music Stands
Heavy-Duty Stands
Orchestras often use heavy metal music stands. These are much stronger than the light, fold-up ones. This is important because light stands can easily get knocked over. It is also easier for musicians to write notes on their music when using a heavy stand. During rehearsals, musicians often need to write things like fingering (which fingers to use) or bowing (how to move the bow on a string instrument) directly onto their sheet music. A sturdy stand provides a firm surface for writing.
Tabletop Stands
There are also very small music stands that do not have legs. These are made to be placed on a table. They are useful for any instrument that you play while sitting at a table.
Instrument-Attached Stands
Some small music stands can even be attached directly to an instrument. These are often used by musicians in marching bands. This way, they can read their music while marching and playing.
Digital Music Stands
Modern technology has brought us digital music stands. These stands use a computer screen to show the music instead of paper. For example, the violinist Tasmin Little used a special computerized music stand in 2003. She was playing a very long piece of music called the Ligeti Violin Concerto at a Prom concert. There were no good places in the music for her to turn the pages of a regular paper score. Instead, she used a pedal with her foot to move to the next page on the screen. There was also another pedal to go back a page, which is very helpful when practicing or in a rehearsal.
Thomas Jefferson's Invention
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson, who was a former president of the United States, invented a special revolving music stand? He never got a patent for his invention. This meant that anyone could use his idea for free, which is what he wanted.
Images for kids
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A heavy wooden music stand. This stand is designed for use in a private home or teaching studio. Its weight and fine finish make it unsuitable for daily transportation to rehearsals and gigs.
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A vocal group using music stands.
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A folding music stand in its collapsed position, ready for transportation.
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Musicians leaving a wedding performance carry non-folding music stands.
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A marching band "clip" for a trumpet player.
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A large, heavy conductor's stand.
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A table top stand.
