We STRONGLY recommend renting because:
- Children may decide to change their instrument after the first year
- If your child chooses a string instrument, they will need a larger instrument as they grow. Renting from our preferred vendors includes size exchanges.
(If you are picking a string instrument, be sure to watch this video or see below for correct string instrument sizing)
- Repairs for wear and tear are covered by your rental contract.
(The Elefante repair staff comes twice a week and the repair staff for The Music Shop comes once a week)
- You are sure to get the best quality instrument available.
When first starting out, renting offers students a way to explore an instrument without the high cost of purchasing it outright. You will always receive a major brand-name instrument that has been expertly set up and sanitized. In addition, there is no added expense for regular maintenance. You will have various purchase options and a discount available if you choose to purchase an instrument while you are renting.
String Instrument Sizing
Violin and Viola Sizes
Choose 3/4 violin or 13” viola if your child is under 5'4" feet.
Choose 1/2 violin or 12" viola if your child is 4' or under.
*Do not rent a 14" viola or 4/4 violin.
Cello Sizes
Choose 1/2 cello if your child is under 5'4" and above 4'.
Choose 1/4 cello if your child is 4' or under.
*Do not rent a 3/4 size cello.
Bass Sizes
Please order a 1/4 bass to practice on at home. We have ones at John Marshall to use for our in-school lessons.
*Do not order a bass bigger than 1/4
1. Click the link above
2. Click the GET STARTED tab in the center of the page
3. Enter the zip code for our school 08817
4. Select Edison
5. Select your child's school (John Marshall Elementary)
6. Select your instrument and finish the rental process
(If you are picking a string instrument, please see the above section on how to choose the correct size for you child.)
1. When you click on the link above scroll to the bottom then click continue
2. Now enter Edison's Code 141042025
3. Select Edison
4. Select your child's school (John Marshall Edison)
5. Select your instrument and finish the rental process
(If you are picking a string instrument, please see the above section on how to choose the correct size for you child.)
1. When you click on the link above
2. Click "Let's Go!" at the top
3. Follow the instructions and select John Marshall Elementary in Edison
4. Select your instrument and finish the rental process
(If you are picking a string instrument, please see the above section on how to choose the correct size for you child.)
If your child is serious about his or her studies and has expressed interest in continuing their music education, purchasing an instrument may be right for you. With such a huge marketplace for musical instruments and internet shopping becoming increasingly popular in recent years, there seems to be a flood of poor quality instruments available for students to buy. Known as ISOs (Instrument Shaped Objects), these instruments will be hard to play, easily broken, and avoided by a majority of reputable repair shops due to their inability to be repaired. Two things to remember when buying an instrument:
1. A used quality instrument is better than a poorly made brand new instrument.
2. If in doubt, ask a band/strings teacher what to buy.