How to get an instrument

How and where should I get an instrument? 

The quality of your child’s instrument will be the number one factor in their success and happiness in band. Please do not sacrifice quality for a cheap price. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, check with Ms. Terry! 

1. LOCAL MUSIC STORE – We are lucky to have several wonderful music stores in our area! Musical Innovations provides high quality instruments and service to our program throughout the year. Staff there are knowledgeable about our program needs and quality instruments. You will have the option of rent-to-own (monthly payments) and insurance (we recommend!) plans. There is also a repair person on site that can fix the instrument when/if needed. 

Please note that we will have an instrument rental meeting at Northwest MS sponsored by Musical Innovations on August 24 from 5:00-7:00. This is a great time to talk to a representative from MI and purchase/rent your child’s instrument; however, if you would like to be proactive and go to MI on your own you may certainly do so (avoid the crowd). 

2. USED INSTRUMENTS – If you have an older instrument from a sibling, friend, parent, etc., it may be a great option! I recommend taking it to a local music shop for a repair person to do any necessary maintenance to get it in optimal playing condition. 

3. USE CAUTION – eBay, pawnshops, Craigslist, etc. 

4. NOT RECOMMENDED - Discount stores & websites

• These places have products in cool cases that look just like real instruments but are more like toys. These instruments will play for a while but, due to the materials they are made of, they will not last very long and will need to be replaced.

• Plastic brass instruments are not acceptable. 

• All instruments should be a standard color for that instrument (no blue, pink, purple, etc.) 

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS- We have a LIMITED quantity of school instruments of varying quality available for student use. School instrument use is granted on a case-by-case basis and will involve signing a contract and paying an annual rental fee. Students are not always guaranteed their first instrument choice if using a school instrument. This will depend on the availability of quality instruments.