Your child is probably very excited to get their first instrument!
This page is here to help you rent or purchase a quality first instrument for your child to play. It has a lot of information for you to use as you make this important decision for your young musician. Please read it all. I know it's a lot but it is very important. Please reach out to me with any questions you may have. I am more than happy to help.
Being a musician is a lot like being an athlete. Both require hard work, practice, dedication, and quality equipment. The quality of each item matters for success. The quality of instruments and their corresponding supplies for a musician matter for the success of the student. This page is here to help you rent or purchase a quality first instrument for your child.
Renting and/or Buying an Instrument
Instruments can be rented and/or purchased from music stores in the area. Local music stores can provide you with information about rental fees and rent-to-own options. You are encouraged to shop around for a quality instrument and the best rates. To obtain a good, quality instrument, it is recommended that you shop at qualified music stores instead of discount, department, warehouse, online discount sites, or auction sites. Refer to the instrument brands listed below and always feel free to contact me for recommendations. When looking to rent or purchase a band instrument, here are some well-known brands to look for:
Armstrong, Bach, Besson, Blessing, Buffet, Bundy, Cannonball, Conn, Eastman, Evette, Gemeinhardt, Getzen, Holton, Jupiter, King, LeBlanc, Reynolds, Selmer, Vito, and Yamaha, CB700, Ludwig, Mapex, Pearl, and Vic Firth.
The above list is not exhaustive but it is a good starting point when looking for a quality instrument.
I highly recommended that you rent your student's instrument from a local music store. This is a cost efficient way to ensure your child has a quality instrument that will support them in being successful in the class.
Most instrument rentals will range between $20 and $25 a month.
Rates from one store to the next should be within a few dollars of each other. “Like New” and “Used” instruments will typically be $5-$10 less per month then the rental cost of a “New” instrument.
Loss, damage, and theft insurance should be included in the rental cost. If not, make sure you add it on. I recommend you shop for a store that has a “no-questions-asked” renter’s insurance policy that is already included in the monthly rate.
Many stores offer rent-to-own programs. Make sure you understand the terms for using your equity before you rent.
If you are intending to purchase an instrument for your child, here are some general guidelines to help with this decision:
A quality, beginning level, new instrument will typically cost between $400 and $1500 (depending on the instrument and brand). A quality, beginning level used instrument will typically cost less ($300-$600). If you find a new instrument for less, then there is a good chance it is not high quality.
A phrase like "Band Director approved" does not mean it's a good instrument. Again, look for name brand instruments. The old saying, “You get what you pay for” is very true for musical instruments.
Buying a used instrument of one of the brand names listed above does not guarantee it's in good playing condition. A used instrument should always be inspected and play-tested by someone who knows what to look for in a quality instrument before purchasing. Many of the music store repair shops will be happy to inspect a used instrument for you. Please contact the music stores for more information.
To obtain a good, quality instrument, it is recommended that you shop at qualified music dealers instead of discount, department, warehouse, online discount sites, or auction sites. Refer to the instrument brands listed above and always feel free to contact me for recommendations.
All band students must have their instrument, books, and supplies on the first day of summer school band.
Borrowing an Instrument from the School
A few school-owned instruments are available for student use. Please contact your home school band director if you are in need of a school instrument loan. The summer school band program does not provide instrument loans. School owned instruments are loaned based on financial need for students who are unable to afford to rent or purchase an instrument and would otherwise be unable to participate in band. Instrument loans are not first come, first served. While every effort will be made to secure an instrument for use, applications are not a guarantee of an instrument for student use. Please note that school instruments are limited and students may be assigned an instrument that was not their first choice. For example a student may wish to play trumpet but no trumpets are available to loan. The student may be assigned another instrument (such as trombone or baritone) instead. Students approved to use a school-owned instrument must provide their own music books and supplies. These will not be supplied by the school with the instrument loan. Please do not purchase a book or supplies until your student's instrument assignment has been determined.