How to Rent Band Instruments

Band Instrument Price List Example

You do not have to invest a substantial amount of money initially to see if you or your child likes a band instrument. This is true for all types of band instruments. There are ways you can rent band instruments and avoid headaches of ownership and maintenance. Here are some ideas to help get you started.

Instructions

1. Have your child try several different instruments over a period of a few weeks or months. Also have them sit in with the band so they can get a better feel for it and be sure it is really an activity they will enjoy. Kids can try out instruments at school and sit with the band teachers. Band teachers can also make recommendations on which instruments would suit your child the best. They can make recommendations on instrument weight and potential ability to play.

2. Ask at the school your child attends to find out if they have any type of instrument rental program. Chances are for some instruments they do. This is nice because you can store one instrument at school for band functions and concerts and one at home for practice purposes. If the school rents instruments and they are affordable and agreeable terms, you can skip the next step.

3. Check around at area music stores to see if they rent instruments and get price lists and information. Do this only if the school does not rent instruments or if it is for a non-school musician. Test the instruments before you rent them. Know what you are agreeing to before you agree to rent the instrument. If it is an instrument you or one of your children will most likely use in the future, consider a rent to own agreement.

4. Surf the newspaper classified ads for more instrument rental options. As back to school time approaches, there are music stores wanting to give you deals, so they may have such offers as "free one month rental with two months paid," or "free rental with lessons." Often signing up for lessons on a regular basis can give you not only peace of mind that your child is more likely to keep playing the instrument, but you can also get deals and freebies on occasion.

5. Consider a third party. This could either be through the school or music store. It is often a branch of the music store or organization that only rents instruments. Check with local schools and music organizations or bands for more details.

Tips & Warnings

• It is your responsibility to keep the instrument clean and report any problems immediately.

• Return any instrument immediately that fails to function properly.

• Do not sign any long-term contracts.