The preferred method for you to get an instrument is to use Robert M. Sides Family Music Center's online rent to own program. Please click the video to the video to the left to find out more about this program.
Robert M. Sides will be at the Coudersport Elementary Cafeteria on Thursday, September 4th at 6:00 pm for Rental Night.
This is your opportunity to speak directly to their associates about renting or purchasing an instrument. If you fill out the Google Form on the "Sign Up Form" page and indicate your child's preferred instrument they will bring one for you to take home that night.
If you are unable to attend the rental night you can CLICK HERE To go to Robert M. Sides' online rental page.
Robert M. Sides offers free school delivery so after you complete the online forms your child's instrument will be delivered to the school for their first lesson.
If you cannot afford the rent to own program we do have a select amount of instruments that have been donated to the school for student use. Your child may borrow this instrument for the duration of the school year. Know that this option does not come with a protection plan. If something were to happen to the school's instrument while in your child's care you would be financially responsible for the damages. We offer these instruments on a first come first serve basis and ask that you be understanding should we not have an particular instrument for your child.
I always caution parents against buying a cheap instrument online. I have seen many instruments purchased through various online marketplaces come through my doors and rarely is it a pleasant experience for all those involved. Usually these instruments are made of inferior metals that lead to a quick deterioration in their playing ability, meaning you may end up spending the cost of a rent-to-own instrument in just keeping your purchased instrument in playing condition. Occasionally these instruments arrive broken or not set-up to play. More often then not these instruments make it difficult for a child to succeed as they are difficult to play or have issues that make it impossible to keep the instrument in tune.
That being said, sometimes you luck out and find a great deal on a decent instrument. Should you want a second opinion on an online purchase I'd be happy to lend my knowledge. Send me an email at souellette@coudyschools.net and I'll provide any information I have. Please know that I'm not an encyclopedia of instrument brands. I've seen many over the years but not all of them. I do not carry a money back guarantee with my advice.
If you already have an instrument at home but it hasn't been played in a few years it may need some basic maintenance. Most retailers will give you a free estimate on repairs.
Repair Shops in our Area:
Robert M. Sides (Will pick up the instrument at the Elementary School and return it if/when it is repaired)
Presque Isle Brass and Woodwind Service (Erie, PA)