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There are three main options for acquiring an instrument:
There are three main options for acquiring an instrument:
Rental programs through local/online music vendors.
Rental of school owned instruments from the district.
Purchasing an instrument.
Local Vendors
Local Vendors
The ICCSD is fortunate to have many local music vendors that we work with on a regular basis for rentals, repairs, and other retail needs. Listed below are a few of the popular local options that families may choose to explore and that we recommend exploring first.
The ICCSD is fortunate to have many local music vendors that we work with on a regular basis for rentals, repairs, and other retail needs. Listed below are a few of the popular local options that families may choose to explore and that we recommend exploring first.
Schultz Strings
Schultz Strings
1190 Twixt Town Rd, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Purchase or rent:
https://www.schultzstrings.com/t-rentals.aspx
We love their premium quality instruments!
Reck Violin Shop
Reck Violin Shop
1801 2nd St #130, Coralville, IA 52241
Purchase or rent:
We love their variety of quality instruments and expertise!
West Music
West Music
1212 5th St, Coralville, IA 52241
Purchase or rent:
We recommend checking out their soloist and virtuoso instruments. Please request to work with Hannah Howland-Jacobs!
Each of these retailers deal in all four orchestral instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass).
Each of these retailers will ensure that your student is sized properly so that no matter which instrument they choose, they are receiving an instrument that is comfortable and playable with regards to their size.
Each of these retailers offer trade-in programs that allow your student to exchange their instrument for the next size up as they continue to grow.
As a part of their rental programs, many retailers offer routine maintenance checks and adjustments at little to no extra cost, as well as providing students with the associated materials needed (rosin, shoulder rests, rock stops, books, stands, tuners, etc.).
Online Vendors
Online Vendors
Renting from the District
Renting from the District
Students who receive either Free or Reduced lunch have the opportunity to rent instruments through the district at the following rates:
Students who receive either Free or Reduced lunch have the opportunity to rent instruments through the district at the following rates:
Free lunch = Free instrument rental for the year.
Reduced lunch = $30 per year.
School instrument rentals are reserved first and foremost for students with Free/Reduced lunch qualification. However, double basses are occasionally available through the district if a student does not qualify for F/RL at the follow rate:
School instrument rentals are reserved first and foremost for students with Free/Reduced lunch qualification. However, double basses are occasionally available through the district if a student does not qualify for F/RL at the follow rate:
No F/RL qualification = $45 per year.
Students on F/RL that rent an instrument through the district will also receive the following required materials:
Students on F/RL that rent an instrument through the district will also receive the following required materials:
Essential Elements for Strings Method Book
Shoulder rest/rock stop
Rosin
Students renting from the district will be sized by their director and issued an instrument based on available inventory. Please note, your student may be asked to consider switching to their second choice of instrument should the desired inventory be unavailable.
Purchasing an Instrument
Purchasing an Instrument
If none of the above rental options appeal to you, there is of course always the option to purchase an instrument. While this certainly works well for many families, it is not necessarily our top recommendation.
If none of the above rental options appeal to you, there is of course always the option to purchase an instrument. While this certainly works well for many families, it is not necessarily our top recommendation.
*Please Note: If you plan to purchase an instrument, we HIGHLY recommend you discuss this first with your director and review purchasing guidelines by CLICKING HERE. Your student's director has the knowledge and experience with string instruments to help you make wise and informed purchase decisions that may save you money by preventing potentially costly purchase mistakes.
The following are the two biggest considerations to make when purchasing an instrument:
Instrument quality
Proper instrument size
Consult with your director before making any purchases to ensure that you are receiving an instrument that is of good quality and is the proper size.*
Advantages of purchasing an instrument:
Advantages of purchasing an instrument:
Pride in ownership, which may result in better care of the instrument.
A stronger commitment to sticking with learning the instrument.
The potential for acquiring higher quality instruments than those that typically come in rental outfits.
Freedom from rental agreements and having to pay monthly rental fees.
Disadvantages of purchasing an instrument:
Disadvantages of purchasing an instrument:
You may have to sell or trade-in the instrument as your student grows and requires the next size up.
Many music vendors make this an easy process if you purchased the instrument from them. Negotiating private sales can be more difficult.
Potential lack of quality assurance when purchasing through a private sale.
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