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Buying or Renting an Instrument

Should I Rent or Buy?

Choosing the right level of instrument for your child can be the difference in his or her success or failure in beginning band and orchestra. The instrument you rent should be able to withstand the normal day-to-day activities of a young student and it needs to stay in “playing condition” so that your child is not frustrated by faulty equipment.

Local school music dealers have a strong tie to school music programs and their business succeeds or fails based on their providing instruments that are easy to play, reliable, in tune and repairable. There are brands and models that don’t perform well in a school situation. Your band or orchestra director will have more information on the instruments that are accepted into their programs.

Why rent a student instrument?

There are many positive benefits to renting a student instrument. Most schools have a music dealer attend the beginning band or orchestra parent meeting so you can rent the instrument as the same time. You may be able to take the instrument home that same evening or the dealer will deliver it directly to the school in time for your child’s first lesson.

Most students have a positive experience in band and orchestra and most will continue for several years. During that time, much of the rental payment often goes to the purchase of the instrument, and may even apply to the purchase of a step-up instrument often needed in high school.

If your student is one of the few that “drops out” of band or orchestra early, your rental payments will stop as soon as you turn in the instrument. Your payments will likely be less than the full purchase price of any lower quality instrument.

If your child is just starting out in band or orchestra, you may find that your student wants to switch instruments. By renting an instrument a child can try a clarinet for a term and a saxophone for another term. Be sure to discuss this with your director before making such a change!

Most rental agreements cover maintenance, and repairs can add up quickly. If Susie has butterfingers and drops her violin you will be happy that you chose a rental policy with a repair/replacement option. The repair process is relatively quick since many music stores have a representative visit weekly for minor repairs and exchanging instruments that need more extensive repairs.

Over a long period of time it is more expensive to rent than to buy. However, if your child is beginning an instrument it may be the best way to find the right instrument without investing heavily.

Why buy a student instrument?

Buying a student instrument can be a good decision for a parent. If you are absolutely certain that your student will continue to play the instrument beyond two or three years, purchasing can be more cost effective than renting.

Purchasing a high quality, name brand used instrument can be cost effective as well, but be sure to add in costs for a “performance review” and adjustment by a qualified repair technician. Used instruments as well as new instruments may come with a warranty. Be sure to ask about one before you purchase.

Be sure to consider repair costs before you buy! Older instruments, as well as lower quality instruments, may be unrepairable or more expensive to repair. Your director can give you more guidance.

The most important consideration is to provide the proper learning tool for your child. You wouldn’t send your child to school with different math book from a department store or to football practice with twenty-year-old shoulder pads. Follow your director’s instructions for obtaining your instrument and your student will be on their way to a great learning experience!

1. Knowing and working with the band or orchestra director
2. Buying or renting an instrument
3. Helping your child learn
4. Some common misconceptions
5. Glossary of Terms in Instrumental Music
6. Do's and Don'ts of Instrument Care
7. Choosing a Music Store
8. Consider Private Lessons
9. What Else Can I Do?

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