About Rent-to-Own Musical Instruments

Rent a violin with the possibility of owning it in the future.

A child may find learning to play a musical instrument fun and challenging. A parent may choose to rent a musical instrument for her child with the intention to purchase it at the end of the term. If you want to learn to play a musical instrument as an adult, a rent-to-own program can offer the same benefits.

Function

Many music stores offer rent-to-own plans on a large selection of instruments. Once you select the instrument, you will make monthly payments, which will apply toward the purchase of the instrument. Not all companies require a minimal rental period, meaning that you can return the instrument at any time with no obligation. As the player progresses, you can upgrade the instrument to match her level of playing ability.

Benefits

You may find it expensive to purchase a musical instrument. If you have multiple children learning to play instruments, this is even more likely the case. Renting to own the instruments means that you can spread the payments over time. Renting it may be better than purchasing it on credit, as some companies will allow you to change the instrument during the rental period if your child’s music teacher feels the instrument doesn’t match the child's characteristics or aptitude. If your child loses interest in music, you can just turn the instrument in.

Considerations

The length of the rent-to-own program varies by company. Shop around and you will find terms that range from 12 to 36 months. Some companies will offer a discount price or rebate if you finish payments early.

Make sure to ask if the company has a maintenance program for the instrument, so you won’t have to pay to have the instrument turned and serviced while you are renting it. Some coverage also protects the instrument against loss from damage, fire or theft.

Suppliers

Your child’s school may offer instruments that you child can rent or borrow. If not, the school may have an agreement with a musical instrument company that offers rental at reduced rates. You can also look into retail music stores to see what kind of rent-to-own programs they offer. You may rent some musical instruments on a lease-to-own program for as low as $30 per month depending on the instrument.

Expert Advice

The National Association of Music Merchants advises that typical rental is a student level music instrument. This means that although the instrument looks and functions the same, it is not designed for professional play. An intermediate or professional instrument has features not found in a student model. Affordability is the basic purpose of this type of musical instrument. For example, a professional flute may have solid silver parts whereas student model does not. A student clarinet may not have trill keys, since a beginner will have not use for it.

References

• Schmidt’s Music: Rent to Own Plan
• Billy Hyde Music: Rent to Own
• Children’s Music Workshop, Rentals
• Wanna Play Music: Band and Orchestra Overview
• Wanna Play Music: About Wanna Play