Instrument Rental Information
For elementary students, renting an instrument allows your child to learn on a quality, teacher-approved instrument. It also allows for repairs as needed, and the money you pay each month goes towards the cost of owning an instrument. We do not recommend purchasing an instrument without teacher assistance and recommendation.
Renting an Instrument
Brandywine School District has partnered with Zeswitz Music as our preferred instrument rental vendor. Zeswitz Music offers high-quality instrument rentals at an affordable price to ensure that our students are equipped with everything they need to be successful in instrumental music.
A representative from Zeswitz Music visits Brandywine Schools each week to bring any ordered materials, exchange stringed instruments as students grow, and handle any repairs needed (which is included in the cost of your rental)
For orchestra, renting from Zeswitz also includes rosin and a shoulder rest! Both are accessories required for class.
Click below to check out Zeswitz and rent an instrument.
All materials will be delivered in time for your child’s first lesson this fall!
CLICK BELOW TO RENT YOUR INSTRUMENT
If you prefer visiting a local store for instrument rental, we recommend Music and Arts on Kirkwood Hwy. If renting somewhere other than Zeswitz, please be sure to check out the accessories page on this website to get everything your child needs for class.
If you are unsure of sizing, please rent the following sizes. Rental instruments can be easily exchanged at the school by contacting the music vendor.4th grade: Violin- 1/2, Viola- 12, Cello- 1/25th grade: Violin- 3/4, Viola- 13, Cello- 3/4
To rent, or to buy?
DO NOT buy INSTRUMENTS from AMAZON. Talk to your teacher first!
Orchestra instruments: The orchestra instruments come in different sizes. We recommend renting an instrument, so that as your child grows you can exchange the instrument at the store for the next size. This typically does not increase the cost you are paying per month, but prevents you from buying several instruments as your child grows. Most music stores offer rent to own, so after you fulfill the rental agreement you will own the instrument. You should end up with a full sized instrument by the end of the rental agreement. Please review the contract of the vendor you choose as if may be different for each store.
The instrument that you rent should be in good playing condition. It should have new looking strings (no signs of rust or damage to the metal), and the body should be in good condition. The instrument will come with a bow and a case, but you will need additional accessories for the class.
Some 5th grade students are ready for a full sized violin (not usually a viola or cello since those are larger instruments.) If that is the case and you prefer to buy an instrument, please reach out to Ms. Myers for brand recommendations. There are many low cost instruments for sale that will cause you and your student major hassle because they do not stay in tune and can fall apart. Ms. Myers is happy to help you find the best option for renting or buying in your price range.
Band instruments: The band instruments only come in one size. They do not make smaller flutes, trombones, etc for children. The music stores also offer rent to own programs on all of the band instruments. Please review the contract of the vendor you choose, as it may be different for each store.
The instrument that you rent should be in good playing condition. It should not have signs of rust, or major dings to the metal. If it is a flute or clarinet, the pads on the keys should not be dried out. The instruments will come with a case, but you will need additional accessories for the class.
Please reach out to Ms. Black if you are interested in purchasing an instrument. She is happy to help you find the best option.