Acquiring an instrument:

Here are some tips to help get you started.

· Talk with other parents - Sometimes they can give you insight on the quality of instruments and service that they received from a music store.

· Find out if there is a rent-to-own clause in the rental contract - Some rental plans involve some type of rent-to-buy option. This investment often pays off with a better quality instrument when the time to purchase a full size arrives. A poor quality instrument is a fast track to little or no practice.

· Call everybody - Some deals are better than others.

· Be cautious of classified ads or eBay for inexpensive used instruments - You may be surprised what you can find for $50 to $100 with no rental fees. However, they are often not of good quality and may require multiple expensive repairs. Furthermore, your child’s enthusiasm toward playing an instrument may be impacted by playing a sub-par instrument. If you locate an instrument at a good price, see if you can bring it to me first. I can check it over and let you know if you are getting a good deal. Colored instruments (i.e. blue or black) are of poor quality and an invitation to failure.

· Find out what the repair policy is on your rental - Sometimes repairs are included with the rental price. Also find out if there are loaner instruments available if and when the original rental is being repaired.

At this age, your child will most likely NOT be in a full size instrument for a couple years. Please call or visit some of the stores listed in the Yellow Pages under “musical instruments” to find the best option for your needs.

After choosing your rental store and rental plan, you may want to reserve your instrument. This reservation will assure a quality instrument for your child by the opening of school in September. We do not recommend instrument pick-up until lessons are set to begin in September (they usually start the second full week of the month). String instruments are easily broken in the care of excited young students who have not had a lesson yet! Try not to wait until September to reserve an instrument for your child. It may be difficult to find one at that time.