When entering into a new school year, it’s important to start thinking about whether your child will rent or buy their instrument for your school band. Since 2010 we’ve spoken with hundreds of parents who’ve agonized over the choice to buy or rent an instrument for their child. In our observation, school band instrument rental is the best choice for a LOT of reasons. Let’s discuss 5 reasons school band instrument rental is better than buying an instrument in full:
1. Your Child May Change Their Mind
Kids frequently change their mind about interests and hobbies. Whether your child decides the band is not for them at the end of the year, or they decide that they’re more interested in an Oboe than a flute, your child might not play the instrument they’re playing now, forever.
So, if you purchase an instrument, there’s more pressure for your child to keep playing an instrument they don’t love. With renting, your child can easily switch to whichever instrument they want to play.
2. Renting Makes Sense for Your Budget
Even if your child does play the same instrument for a few years, it can cost thousands of dollars to purchase an instrument new. For many families this can create a lot of tension around playing that instrument, especially because you aren’t completely sure your child will play their instrument forever. On top of that, renting an instrument through Southbury Music Studio simply eases the commitment for your child to play in the band.
All in all, it’s easy on your wallet to rent an instrument, which means you have more flexibility to purchase other back-to-school necessities.
3. Repairs and Maintenance is Included
Many parents don’t know that it’s common for students to need repairs on their instruments that have been dropped or broken. Beyond this, there is everyday maintenance that needs to be performed on instruments, even if your child takes great care of them. This can get expensive, so it’s always a perk to rent because maintenance and repairs are included in your rental price.
If something goes wrong with your child’s instrument, you can bring it back to Southbury Music for repair at no additional cost. We can even provide a loaner instrument while the work is being done! If your child is younger and more prone to damaging their instrument, this is a relief.
4. Changes Will Be Accommodated
Orchestra Instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass) are not one size fits all. Of course, if you have a teenager, they might be able to use their instruments for quite a while, but if you have a child that’s still growing, they’re going to need to get new instruments as they continue to grow. Therefore, you may not want to purchase an instrument for a middle schooler, because, in a few months or years, they’re going to need a larger instrument. Our rental program at Southbury Music allows for instruments to be traded for different sizes as many times as needed. Your child’s orchestra teacher can make the decision when to move up. Your equity towards owning the instrument transfers as well.
Kids can be unpredictable sometimes, so you don’t know how long they’re going to want to play music, and of course, you don’t know how much they’re going to grow. When you rent, you won’t be committed to an instrument forever.
5. We Make the Process Easy
As a parent, you might not know everything there is to know about all the instruments in which your child is interested. You want to help your child as they pursue their passions, but it can be difficult to do that if you’re skeptical about purchasing an instrument or you’re unsure which instrument is right for your child. At Southbury Music, we can ease your anxiety and make it easy to help your child.
It’s a good idea to rent with Southbury Music because we make the process simple for parents. We’re committed to helping you understand the instruments your child is using. We’ll review all the details when you rent with us, and we’re ready to help you out should you have questions along the way. For more information about renting instruments with Southbury Music, contact us.
