This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

EVERYTHING you need to know about Renting an Instrument for the school year!

TO RENT OR NOT TO RENT?  THAT IS THE AGE OLD QUESTION!

Hamlet asked the question “To be or not to be?”. We ask the question “To rent or not to rent”.  Here are some guidelines that will help you make a decision that is right for you.

To rent or to own:  There are benefits to both however here is a good rule of thumb to follow.  If your child is a beginner interested in band or strings, a rental program is a great option.  The number one reason to rent and not purchase is that the up front investment to rent is minimal.  Renting gives you the opportunity to try it before you make a costly investment.  

Find out what's happening in Herndonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Most music stores have rental programs however all rental programs are not created equal. Look for a program that offers  “Rent to Own”.  That means a percentage of what you are paying in rental fees applies to the eventual purchase of a new or full size instrument when your child is ready. Prices vary from shop to shop which means so do brands. Be sure to rent director approved brand named instruments. Your school music teacher can provide a list of approved music director brand names.  The Music Loft carries only director approved student instruments at very affordable prices.  

Good beginning/student model stringed instruments include (but are not limited to): Lewis, Scherl and Roth, Glaesel, Knilling, and Strobel. 

Find out what's happening in Herndonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Good beginning/student model Band instruments include (but are not limited to): Armstrong, Gemeinhardt, Artley, Leblanc, Bufet, Holton, Yamaha, CG Conn, Pearl, Ludwig, and Selmer.

Unique to Stringed Instruments: Unlike band instruments, stringed instruments come in sizes to fit the student.  A fourth grade student will be playing on a smaller instrument while a sixth grade student will use a larger one.  As a general rule of thumb, you will up-size the instrument within a year to a year and a half depending on the growth of the child.  Purchasing an instrument that your musician will grow out of within a year is not a good investment until they can play on a full size instrument.  

Purchasing an Instrument:  The old adage “you get what you pay for” is true with instruments.  If your child has been playing for a few years and you are ready to make an investment in a better quality instrument, seek out a well known, reputable, store or luthier (for stringed instruments).  Instruments that are sold at second hand stores, warehouses and toy stores are generally poor quality and are not easily playable. As you can imagine, your musician will become easily frustrated if they cannot produce a pleasing sound because of the quality of the instrument.  Learning an instrument should be a positive experience. 

Beware of internet purchases as well.  If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.  This is especially true when it comes to inexpensive stringed instruments.  The internet is notorious for making stringed instruments sound as if you are getting the next Stradivarius for only $100! Please, if you are not sure about an instrument that is for sale on the internet, don’t be afraid to ask a music teacher at your school or someone knowledgeable in the industry.  

Renting or purchasing an instrument can be a big step.  Ask questions, seek out people in the industry and remember that you are giving your child a wonderful gift that will last throughout their lives.  The gift of music.

If you have any questions or need help, please contact 

The Music Loft (703)-956-6563   www.TheMusicLoftOnline.com


Download the movie

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?