HOW TO GET AN INSTRUMENT

FIRST, SOME GENERAL INFORMATION:

Help your child keep the instrument safe by storing it in its case in a safe place at home.  An instrument should never be left in a car due to extreme temperatures and the possibility of theft.  It is highly recommended you put a tag with your phone number, child’s name, school, and room number on the case.  Many of the cases look alike, and children sometimes take home the wrong one!

It is important to help your child remember to practice the lesson each evening for up to 15 minutes, and to bring the instrument to school on music day each week.  Setting it by your child’s backpack or shoes the night before music day can be a helpful reminder!

If the instrument seems to be broken, please have your child show it to the music teacher at the next lesson.  Please do not try to fix it at home.  

If your child is going to learn violin, viola, or cello, please remember string instruments come in different sizes, which is very important for student success.  Here is one of many websites that can help you determine your child's size, or the music teacher can measure your child.

DISTRICT-OWNED INSTRUMENTS

If you request a district-owned instrument, please know there is a limited supply.  Your child will receive the first choice if possible, but may be offered a second or third choice.  

The district-owned instrument is for your child to use for this school year only.  

District-Owned Instruments are free to use, however, you are responsible for the cost of replacing or repairing this instrument if it is lost, stolen, or damaged during the period it is assigned to your child. Any damages that occur to this instrument, over and above those caused by normal use, during the period this instrument is assigned to your child is your responsibility. Be aware that these costs may exceed $500.00. 

RENT OR BUY AN INSTRUMENT

Elementary Instrumental Music Teachers recommend you rent or borrow an instrument for the first year.  Young students sometimes change their mind and want to try a new instrument in middle school, so renting is your most economical option.  

After your child has played an instrument for a year and knows this is "the right" instrument, consider purchasing one.  However, ask a local music store or your child's music teacher for recommendations before you buy!  Instruments are a big investment, and a good purchase will last you many years or can be sold for a higher value later on.  

Buyer beware! Sometimes businesses sell brand new instruments for extraordinarily low prices.  We call these "Instrument-Shaped Objects", or "Violin-Shaped Objects".  Cheap instruments often cause new musicians a lot of frustration because they are not made well.  Local music stores will often refuse to repair these instruments (and rightly so!).   Consider the fact that the case alone is going to cost $100 or more.

There are many brands that have lasted the test of time.  Your local music store knows these brands well, and will gladly share a list of brand names with you.   Be prepared to spend $800 or more to purchase a new instrument.  Also consider purchasing a good quality used instrument!  

Local music stores are great places to get an instrument,
as well as other music stores near where you work.
C&L Music sells new and used instruments, and repairs instruments.
Rockin' Robbies rents, sells, and repairs instruments.
Village Music School rents instruments.

OTHER OPTIONS

Here are some other ways families can find an instrument.

Borrow from a friend, relative, neighbor, co-worker, or place of worship.  Instruments don't do well in storage, so have the instrument checked by an instrument repair technician.  

Search your social media, pawn shops, thrift stores, & online for used instruments.  Ask a local repair shop to evaluate it for quality.