Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.What is the advantage of a monthly rental program?

A.As a proud parent, you know your child has the great privilege of many opportunities and activities ahead in school. Band or orchestra may be the greatest of those, but until you are sure, you may feel more comfortable with the risk-free option of monthly rental. What’s great is your payments still apply to purchase; so in essence, you are buying the instrument, but you retain the option of returning the instrument, up until the time your payments accumulate to the full purchase price.

Q.Will my rent apply towards the purchase of the instrument?

AAll rent applies to purchase. Period! The amount of time it takes to own the instrument varies with the instrument's price. New ones will take longer than "Fresh Returns," used instruments (pending availability) will take even less time. Keep in mind, with our "Own-it Bonus," you have the additional opportunity for savings the earlier you purchase in the rental period. We'll give you 10% off the remaining balance on the instrument; 20% off if you purchase in the first 90 days!

Q.What if my child wants to switch instruments?

A.We do not encourage a switch; the child will need to spend several weeks just getting comfortable with the instrument, and a change will put him or her that much farther behind the other students. (Mastery will not happen right away!..) However, if your teacher suggests the switch because of a physical or medical problem, we will allow full credit from the original rental period only to apply to the purchase of another instrument.

Q.What should I look for in a band instrument?

A.In a word... reliability. Stick with major, known name brands. Cosmetics are not crucial. A bright, shiny new horn is not a necessity, although much like an buying a used car, it is a clear indication of how well the instrument was cared for. (Faulty equipment will hamper the success of your child!)

Q.Why should I rent from a music store?

A.When you purchase or borrow an instrument from a friend, you might perhaps pay less, but you are on your own as far as warranty and instrument reliability. With most rental programs, you are given absolute assurance of a working instrument, at all times, at no additional cost!... Unless you are an instrument expert yourself, you may be stuck with a major repair bill on down the line. And you want a guarantee with some TEETH... A full-service, on-site repair shop.

Q.What should I expect out of a good music store?

A.A complete, accessible assortment of your child's musical needs--reeds, oils, care items, method books;

Prompt, repair facilities--the promise of a free loaner instrument if your rental can't be fixed immediately;

Knowledgeable sales staff--a good music store will have several expert musicians, including former band directors on-site at all time;

A commitment to music education--including membership in state educational organizations and regular financial support with local and regional clinic.