Looking to rent instruments for school? Renting through Music & Arts is a smart, budget-friendly way for students to begin their musical journey in school band or orchestra. Our rental program helps families avoid the large upfront expense of purchasing an instrument — a major advantage for beginners still exploring their interest in music.
Our rental plans also offer optional maintenance and repair coverage to keep instruments in excellent condition throughout the rental period. As students grow and improve, they can easily upsize or exchange their instrument as their needs change.
And that’s just the beginning. In this rental guide, we’ll explore all the benefits of choosing Music & Arts when you need to rent instruments for school.
Renting vs. Buying Instruments for School or Band
Once your child has decided to join the school band, is it better to rent your child’s instrument or buy it? Read on to learn about the advantages of both.
Benefits of Renting
Many students in band and orchestra programs begin their musical journey with a rented instrument. Especially for beginners, renting provides flexibility. Young or first-time musicians sometimes change their minds after a few weeks or months of playing. A student might switch from one woodwind or string instrument to another, or even decide that band or orchestra isn’t the right fit. As they grow and improve, string players may also outgrow their compact starter instruments and need a larger model.
For families, renting offers several clear advantages. The most immediate is affordability: Monthly rental payments are often much more manageable than the upfront cost of buying a new instrument. Renting also allows students to try out an instrument without a long-term commitment. When you rent from Music & Arts, your child will receive a high-quality instrument chosen by their teacher to match the specific needs of their school’s music program.
Benefits of Buying
While most students start with a rental, many eventually choose to buy an instrument once they’re committed to playing. The biggest benefit there is value: After a one-time payment or a few installments, you fully own the instrument. Ownership also opens the door to more choices in brands, finishes and models, including those designed for advancing players.
For younger students, having their own instrument can build pride and responsibility. Students will often form a strong connection with their instrument, and as their skills progress they’ll grow familiar with its unique sound and feel.
That said, buying is a bigger commitment, and you’ll be responsible for maintenance and repairs. Also keep in mind that not every instrument you can buy will meet the requirements of your school’s music program — whereas Music & Arts’ entire rental inventory is educator-approved and teacher-selected.
Renting vs. Buying Cost Considerations
As your child becomes more committed to band or orchestra, there often comes a point when continuing to rent no longer makes the most financial sense. When it’s clear that music has become more than just a passing interest, purchasing an instrument outright can be a smart long-term investment. At Music & Arts, we make that transition easier by applying 100% of your rental payments toward the purchase of an instrument. And if you choose to buy while your rental agreement is still active, you can receive special purchase discounts of up to 30% off — making ownership far more accessible.
For string instruments especially, renting with Music & Arts solves a key problem: As your young violin or cello player grows up, they’ll need a bigger instrument, and our rental agreement allows for hassle-free exchanges to larger instruments.
Why Renting an Instrument From Music & Arts Is Ideal for Kids in Band or School Music Programs
Music & Arts is the nation’s #1 choice for band and orchestra rentals. Here’s why families and educators across the country trust our rental program.
Educator-Approved Instruments From Leading Brands
We rent only high-quality, student-friendly instruments approved by experienced music educators.
Our rental inventory features trusted brands like Yamaha, Selmer, Eastman, Jupiter, Bach, Giardinelli, Strobel, Howard Core, Pearl, Ludwig and Mapex. This lineup of industry-leading manufacturers means your child will start their musical journey with an instrument they can count on.
Comprehensive Maintenance & Protection Plans
School-band instruments go through a lot — from drops at home and in the band room to everyday wear and tear. That’s why we offer an optional but highly recommended Liability Damage Waiver (LDW). This plan covers routine maintenance and accidental damage, giving you peace of mind.
With over 200 expert repair technicians across 70+ facilities, Music & Arts operates the largest instrument repair network in the country. Repairs, returns and exchanges are fast and easy, whether you coordinate them via mail, through your school’s Educational Representative or stop by one of our 250+ retail stores.
Rental Payments Apply to Ownership
Every rental payment you make goes toward the eventual purchase of a high-quality, educator-approved instrument. We also offer special discounts of up to 30% off to customers who choose to buy while still under their rental agreement.
Flexible Exchanges & Upgrades
Kids grow, and their musical interests evolve. Music & Arts makes it easy to switch to a different instrument or size. Maybe your child wants to switch from clarinet to alto saxophone, or needs to graduate from a 3/4 baritone horn to a full-size instrument.
Band Instrument Rental Selection
Concert band instruments are typically divided into three main families: brass, woodwinds and percussion. Brass instruments — such as the trumpet, trombone and French horn — are known for their bold, resonant, room-filling sound. Woodwinds, including the flute, clarinet and saxophone, contribute a wide range of tones and textures to the ensemble. Percussion instruments provide rhythm, drive and accents, with drums, cymbals and mallet instruments or “tuned percussion” among the most commonly used.
School orchestras primarily feature string instruments like the violin, viola, cello and double bass, though larger ensembles may incorporate select band instruments. A full symphony orchestra brings together strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion to create an unforgettable, richly emotional musical experience.
Flexible Rental Agreements to Match the School Calendar
No matter what your child’s band or orchestra schedule looks like — whether it’s a semester, a full school year or summer band camp — Music & Arts offers top-brand instrument rentals to fit your family’s needs. With flexible rental agreements, we’ve got you covered for as long as you need.
Convenient Delivery Options
Getting your child’s rental instrument is fast and hassle-free. Enjoy free shipping directly to your home, or choose free school delivery through our Educational Representatives, who work closely with music educators nationwide. If your child’s teacher has preselected essential books and accessories for you to purchase, those will ship directly to you or your school as well.
Prefer in-person service? Visit any of our 500+ rental locations across the U.S., including both our Music & Arts stores and affiliate partners.
School or Band Rental Instrument Accessories & Repair
Every rental instrument comes fully equipped with the accessories your child needs to get started. Music & Arts works directly with your child’s teacher to ensure that band and orchestra students have the correct method book and supplies. You’ll be able to quickly and easily purchase everything your child needs during the signup process.
Woodwind instruments generally include a durable case, mouthpiece, ligature and cap, and one starter reed.
Brass instruments include a protective case, mouthpiece and a bottle of valve or slide oil.
Percussion kits include a case for transport, necessary stands, a practice pad for learning snare-drum rudiments, and sticks and/or mallets.
String instruments come with a fitted case, a bow and rosin to guarantee your child is ready to play from day one.
To learn more about the accessories and supplies your child will need, check out our instrument-specific Rental Guides.
But what if my child drops their instrument?
Accidents happen — kids often drop or knock over their instruments, and Music & Arts understands this. Our optional Liability Damage Waiver (LDW) helps protect you from unexpected costs by covering routine maintenance and common repairs during your rental period. It also provides protection in cases of theft or fire with proper documentation.
LDW significantly reduces your financial responsibility for unexpected damage or loss. Without it, you’re fully responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement. During the signup process, you’ll be able to quickly and easily opt in to a protection plan.
How to Choose the Right School or Band Rental Instrument for Your Child
When it comes to your child’s decision to join band or orchestra — and which instrument they’re going to play — the most important thing to remember is that it’s their decision.
Speak with the band or orchestra director at your child’s school to better understand the role that each instrument plays in the various ensembles, and refer to our Rental Guides for helpful info on the advantages and challenges of each instrument. Our store associates can also be an invaluable resource, and will allow your child to try out various instruments in the store.
For string instruments that rely on your child’s size, use our Music & Arts Sizing Guide.
Additional Tips & Resources for Renting an Instrument for School
Renting an instrument through Music & Arts is an affordable, flexible option for students starting out in school band or orchestra. Our rental plans offer low recurring payments, optional expert maintenance coverage and the ability to exchange or upsize as students grow or change instruments. All rental payments apply toward ownership, making it easy to transition when ready. With educator-approved brands, free nationwide delivery and the largest instrument repair network in the U.S., Music & Arts ensures students have everything they need to excel in music — without the long-term commitment of buying upfront.
As a band and orchestra parent, your most important role is one of steadfast support. As your child practices and begins to perform, they’ll need plenty of encouragement and measured, constructive criticism.
Music & Arts also offers the nation’s largest and most trusted private music lessons program, serving over 25,000 students. To connect your child with an experienced, vetted professional music teacher, visit our Lessons page or stop by your neighborhood store.