Instruments & Supplies
On this page you will find:
- the benefits of renting or purchasing an instrument
- what not to purchase when buying an instrument
- local rental stores
- a general supply list for 6th grade and middle school students
- how to go about purchasing an instrument
Renting vs Purchasing
One of the first questions we get is, do I have to or should I purchase my child's instrument?
Many parents opt for renting an instrument, with the logic being that their child may eventually lose interest in the instrument. Others are concerned that their child will grow out of the instrument, and that constantly upgrading to larger sizes will get expensive over time. Although purchasing an instrument comes with a variety of benefits, renting an instrument tends to be the better option for those who are new to the instrument.
Typically, there are four instances where renting an instrument makes more sense:
If you find yourself in the first situation and are thinking about purchasing a too large instrument that your child can grow into- don’t. This is a huge mistake that can actually hinder your child’s progress and enjoyment of the instrument. Not only does it make playing difficult and uncomfortable, but playing an instrument that’s too large can actually lead to dangerous physical injuries. In these cases, the best solution would be to rent an instrument until your child is physically ready for a full-size instrument or is done growing and will not require a larger instrument later. Similarly, if the seller provides discounts or other cost-saving initiatives for upgrades or future purchases, renting an instrument and upgrading wouldn’t be as much of a financial risk as purchasing a student-sized instrument and upgrading later.
Do NOT purchase anything off the internet. In our combined years of teaching, we have NEVER met an instrument purchased online that is playable. You spend more money to repair the instrument than what it is worth. Trust us on this one!
Many parents opt for renting an instrument, with the logic being that their child may eventually lose interest in the instrument. Others are concerned that their child will grow out of the instrument, and that constantly upgrading to larger sizes will get expensive over time. Although purchasing an instrument comes with a variety of benefits, renting an instrument tends to be the better option for those who are new to the instrument.
Typically, there are four instances where renting an instrument makes more sense:
- Your child is young/still growing and does not have a full size instrument
- The manufacturer or seller provides credits for upgrades in size or on future purchases
- Your child is uncertain about which instrument they want to play
- The instrument retailer offers rent-to-own programs as a part of their offerings.
If you find yourself in the first situation and are thinking about purchasing a too large instrument that your child can grow into- don’t. This is a huge mistake that can actually hinder your child’s progress and enjoyment of the instrument. Not only does it make playing difficult and uncomfortable, but playing an instrument that’s too large can actually lead to dangerous physical injuries. In these cases, the best solution would be to rent an instrument until your child is physically ready for a full-size instrument or is done growing and will not require a larger instrument later. Similarly, if the seller provides discounts or other cost-saving initiatives for upgrades or future purchases, renting an instrument and upgrading wouldn’t be as much of a financial risk as purchasing a student-sized instrument and upgrading later.
Do NOT purchase anything off the internet. In our combined years of teaching, we have NEVER met an instrument purchased online that is playable. You spend more money to repair the instrument than what it is worth. Trust us on this one!
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