Should You Buy or Rent Your First Musical Instrument?
Welcome to the wonderful experience of making music! If this is the first time you or your student have needed a musical instrument, there are a few options you can explore as you begin your musical journey:
Should I Buy or Rent My First Band or Orchestra Instrument?
We absolutely recommend renting your first student instrument, and most music educators agree. It’s not uncommon for students to switch from one instrument to another early in their journey. While a student may start with a trumpet or violin, they might find that they prefer to play the trombone or viola instead!
Another important benefit of renting an instrument is that it provides an opportunity for new students to use a better-quality instrument at an affordable price point. Students need quality instruments to learn properly. When using a low-quality instrument, it’s impossible for a student to know whether it’s them or their instrument that is preventing them from finding the sound and tone they are hoping to achieve.
An upside to renting an orchestra instrument versus buying is the ability to trade up to a larger instrument as your student progresses. Many string orchestra instruments are available in fractional sizes based on the size of a student. Additionally, renting can help students build equity in a full-sized instrument when they eventually outgrow their rental!
All Music Instrument Rentals Are Not Equal
It’s important to be wary of organizations that rent heavily used or low-quality instruments. Ask your supplier if they vet the brands they use, and inquire about their testing, cleaning, and inspection procedures. If they cannot provide insight on these subjects, then you may want to steer clear.
White House of Music is a multigenerational business founded by music educators. Our mantra of “Making Music For Life” starts with student success. It is rewarding to see those same students return decades later as the parents of the next generation of musicians!
This ongoing legacy is tied to our commitment to providing our customers with the highest quality instruments at a reasonable price point. If a student succeeds with their quality rental instrument, then we’ve done our part to help ensure they (and future generations) will have the opportunity to make Music For Life!
Why Rent Instruments From White House of Music?
Our Band and Orchestra Instruments Are All Properly Vetted
Each rental term, every band and orchestra instrument comes through our repair department to be inspected, tested, and cleaned before leaving the shop. This ensures every musical instrument that leaves our door is in excellent playable condition.
Music Educator Relationships
Every school year we connect with area educators to find out what their needs are for the upcoming school year. Based on this information, we generate a rental package for each student in that particular band or orchestra. By collecting this information ahead of time, we can offer a one-stop shopping experience for parents of students, including instruments, accessories, sheet music, and more!
Flexibility in Terms
Our Lease to Learn instrument rental program features two different pricing and timeline options based on your budget and level of commitment. Our monthly plan offers an introductory rate of two months for the price of one. While the annual plan is based on a 12-month rental timeline.
Lease to Learn
As you rent your White House of Music rental instrument, you gain equity for your own future new instrument purchase! Equity earned in band instruments can go as high as 40% off MSRP. Orchestral strings earn 100% equity for two years, plus 50% equity of anything that goes beyond two years in a continuous contract. Additional details can be found on our Instrument Rental FAQ page.
Instrument Maintenance and Repair
Our Maintenance and Repair program provides parents with a little additional peace of mind for a flat rate fee as low as $5/month. You can learn more about how Maintenance and Repair can protect your student’s instrument in our recent blog article.
Next Steps in the Rental Process
If you have any questions regarding instrument rental options and terms, please contact us through our website, or visit your local White House of Music store for additional details. One of our team members will be happy to help guide you through the rental process!
