Instrument Rental Guide: Benefits of Renting a Musical Instrument

Nationwide, Music & Arts provides families with access to affordable, educator-approved instruments.

Renting a musical instrument with Music & Arts offers a flexible and cost-effective way for students to discover music. Whether you’re renting for a school band and orchestra program, for private lessons or just to explore, our rental program allows families to avoid the high upfront costs associated with buying an instrument — especially helpful for beginners who may still be deciding if playing music is right for them. 

Rental plans include an option for maintenance and repair coverage, ensuring that instruments stay in great playing condition. Additionally, Music & Arts’ rental program offers students the option to upgrade their instrument as they progress or exchange it if needed.

And that’s only the beginning of the benefits available by renting through Music & Arts. We’ll discuss some of those advantages in this rental guide.

Renting a Musical Instrument for School Band Programs With Music & Arts

Ultimately, which instrument your child chooses to pursue in band or orchestra should be their decision, determined primarily by their budding passion for music. They should feel comfortable discussing this decision with you, their parent or guardian, as well as the band and orchestra director at their school. They should also be encouraged to stop by their local Music & Arts to try out various instruments. In the end, it’s your child who will be doing the playing and practicing, so they should be in charge of their instrument decision.

When it comes to considering the different instruments available for rent, remember that size is rarely an issue for new orchestra students, as string instruments come in a variety of sizes and can be upsized in our rental program — with no added fee — as your child grows. If your child wants to try a different instrument down the line, that’s great too, and Music & Arts can easily accommodate exchanges.

To learn more about rental instruments available from Music & Arts, including trumpet rentals and violin rentals, access our individual instrument rental guides through our Rentals page.

Once your child has settled on an instrument, the rental process at Music & Arts is effortless. To start, your child’s music teacher will be able to choose the specific name-brand, educator-approved instrument your child will play, as well as any school supplies, method books and accessories your child will need for band or orchestra. 

The instrument then ships to your home or local Music & Arts — for free. If your school works with an assigned Educational Representative, a.k.a. an Ed Rep, the instrument can be shipped directly to your school.

The rest of your rental journey will be just as smooth.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent an Instrument With Music & Arts?

Instrument rental rates at Music & Arts vary depending on location and school, but they are consistently affordable nationwide. Special introductory offers make it even easier to get started. Considering that top-quality student-level instruments with accessories can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, renting an instrument from Music & Arts is a wise move that doesn’t require a serious financial commitment.

How to Rent a Musical Instrument With Music & Arts

Renting a musical instrument for your child’s school music program or private lessons through Music & Arts is a simple and convenient process. Visit MusicArts.com/rentals or stop by one of our 250+ locations nationwide. In the store, a sales associate will help you. Online, click ‘Rent Now’ at the top of the page and follow the prompts to complete the rental process.

Find your school or select Home School or Private Lessons / Personal Use.

Choose your instrument, the correct size (if applicable) and the school supplies approved by the teacher at your child’s school. If you aren’t affiliated with a school and don’t receive product recommendations through an educator, consult our guide to learn about the key accessories your child needs to excel.

Get ready to play. Your rental instrument will ship, free of charge, with everything your child needs to start their musical journey.

Playing a Used Instrument vs. Renting With Music & Arts

When parents find out their child is interested in band or orchestra, they often consider obtaining a used instrument — perhaps one that’s already in the home, maybe in the basement or the attic. At first this may seem like a sensible, affordable option, but it’s often problematic. These instruments are rarely in proper playing condition, and could need costly repairs or maintenance to operate as intended. A young learner with a poorly maintained instrument may struggle to progress.

More often than not, experienced band and orchestra directors know precisely what instruments and accessories they want their students to play: the brands and models that will sound and play great while being durable and affordable. Music & Arts works closely with band and orchestra directors in schools across the country, making sure their music programs are provided with instruments that students and parents can rely on. 

Why Renting a Musical Instrument From Music & Arts Is a Perfect Option

Music & Arts is the nation’s #1 choice for band and orchestra instrument rentals — for good reason. Read on to learn why our instrument rental program is the most trusted coast to coast. 

Educator-Approved Rental Instruments From Top Brands

Music & Arts offers only top-tier student-friendly instruments selected and approved by experienced, professional music educators.

Our industry-leading inventory of rental instruments includes respected brands like Yamaha, Selmer, Eastman, Jupiter, Bach, Giardinelli, Strobel, Howard Core, Pearl, Ludwig and Mapex.

Rental Instrument Maintenance Plans

When it comes to kids and musical instruments, accidents happen. And even if an instrument isn’t dropped or knocked around, it’s still subject to routine wear and tear. Music & Arts offers an optional — though highly recommended — maintenance and protection plan called an LDW, for Liability Damage Waiver. This plan covers regular maintenance and reasonable accidental repairs for rental instruments, so that your child can be confident in their playing and practicing.

Music & Arts boasts the nation’s largest instrument repair network. We employ over 200 expert technicians at more than 70 repair facilities — which means quick turnaround and reliable service. Simply stop by one of Music & Arts’ 250+ retail locations or have your school’s Ed Rep handle drop-off/pick-up. The same goes for returns and exchanges.

Rental Payments Count Toward Purchase

Eventually, if it becomes clear that your child is dedicated to their instrument, it makes more financial sense to own an instrument outright. At Music & Arts, every rental payment you make counts toward the purchase of an instrument. Additionally, discounts are available to those who wish to purchase while their rental agreement is still active.

Easy Exchanges and Upgrades 

Kids change their minds, all the time, about everything. Fortunately, Music & Arts’ agreements allow for exchanges or upgrades to rental instruments of equal or greater value. Does your clarinetist want to take up alto saxophone? Does your violin star need to upsize from a 1/2 violin to a 3/4 violin? Go right ahead.

Final Thoughts on Musical Instrument Rentals

With educator-backed rental instruments, affordable and flexible plans and unbeatable support, Music & Arts makes renting a musical instrument accessible to any family. Let your child begin their musical journey with confidence.