Nation’s No. 1 Band & Orchestra Instrument Rental Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• What shipping options are available?

  There are multiple ways to receive your rental. You can ship directly to your home, pick up at your local store, or even pick up at your school. All shipping options are free.

  Delivery: Orders are processed for shipment within 48 hours and are estimated to arrive within 1-5 days, based on your location. 2nd Day Express and Next Day delivery options available for an additional cost in checkout.

  Pick Up at School: Your instrument will be delivered to your child's school at the time and day requested by the music teacher. This option is only available if selected by your child's teacher. If it is available, you will see it as an option during checkout.

  Pick Up at Store: The store will contact you when your instrument is ready for pickup (usually less than 48 hours).

• What is a trial period?

  The trial period option(s) have been discounted from the monthly rate to serve as a one-time introduction, so that the student can obtain an excellent quality instrument for a minimal fee.

  It is the minimum length of the rental agreement, and this period is non-refundable, even if you return the instrument early. The length of this period may vary by region and can be found after the instrument selection page. The initial trial period cannot be extended or renewed, and may not coincide to the duration of the school year.

  After the Initial Trial Period ends your credit card will be charged automatically (EZ Pay system) for the monthly recurring rental rate plus associated LDW (optional) and taxes until such time as you should return the instrument and/or opt to purchase an instrument.

• What are the terms and conditions?

  During checkout you will agree to the terms and conditions of renting an instrument that covers topics such as the introductory trial period, maintenance, loss or damage, late fees, return and exchange options, purchase options, and more. Should you ever wish to reference your rental agreement, you can access it by logging into your account.

• May I exchange my rental?

  You may exchange to another instrument of equal or greater value throughout the life of the agreement. Should you wish to exchange your instrument, please contact our customer service team at 888-731-5396 or chat with us now!

• What is the rental return policy?

  You may return the rental instrument at any time. Should you wish to return your instrument, please find a location by clicking here. If you would like to have your instrument picked up at your child's school (where available), please contact us at 888-731-5396 or chat with us now to receive a Return Authorization and additional instructions. Please do not return your instrument to your child's school without a return authorization.

• How do I order a rental?

  Rent online in 6 Easy Steps!

  After clicking on "Rentals" from the home page:

  Select your school by entering the zip code of the student’s school or the Quick Code (if provided).

  Select your instrument

  Confirm or Select Your Trial Period

  Confirm or Select Your Method Book and/or Supplies

  Enter your Student and Renter Information

  Select Delivery Method and complete billing information

• Why do you need my child's school information?

  Your child's teacher may recommend and/or require certain instrument brands and supplies and there is most often a required method book. We work closely with many educators to identify this information, populate it for you and ensure you receive the correct products.

• What if I can't locate my school in the school finder?

  Please be sure you are searching for your school using its "full official" name, not by abbreviations that may be better known in the community. For example, a school may be known as Wright Middle, but its "full official" name may be Frank Lloyd Wright Middle School. Frank Lloyd Wright Middle School should be used to search. If you are still having trouble finding your school, please contact us at 888-731-5396, or send us an email.

• What if I don’t see my instrument?

  Your instrument type may not be available for rent. Please contact us at 888-731-5396 should you have any questions.

• Is it better to rent or to buy an instrument?

  Renting is an affordable way to try an instrument without a purchase investment, and with no obligation to buy. 100% of rental payments apply towards purchase of an instrument, you can exchange to another instrument of equal or greater value, and you can return anytime. We offer special early purchase discounts exclusively available to our rental customers. Most importantly, you're assured of getting a quality educator-approved instrument, which allows the student the greatest chance of success. Borrowed instruments from family or friends may need expensive repairs to make them playable.

• How long will it take to receive my rental instrument?

  Delivery: Orders are processed for shipment within 48 hours and are estimated to arrive within 1-5 days, based on your location.

  Pick Up at School: Your instrument will be delivered to your child's school at the time and day requested by the music teacher.

  Pick Up at Store: The store will contact you when your instrument is ready for pickup (usually less than 48 hours).

• Do you offer Express Shipping for Instrument Rentals?

  Verified* orders for in stock items received by 3 p.m., Eastern Time Monday-Friday ship same day.

  2 Day Express: 2 Day Express orders placed before 3 p.m., Eastern Time ship the same day. Orders placed after 5 p.m., Eastern Time will ship out no later than the following business day. Additional charges apply on heavy (over 70 pounds) or oversized packages.

  Next Day Afternoon Delivery:Next Day orders placed before 3 p.m., Eastern Time ship the same day. Orders placed after 5 p.m., Eastern Time will ship out no later than the following business day. Additional charges apply on heavy (over 70 pounds) or oversized packages.

  *All orders are subject to a 24-hour verification delay while we confirm your billing information with your credit card issuer. This is to protect customers of Music & Arts from credit card fraud and identity theft. Because of verification, the day you place your order may not count as the first business day.

• What is the Initial Trial Period?

  The trial period option(s) have been discounted from the monthly rate to serve as a one-time introduction, so that the student can obtain an excellent quality instrument for a minimal fee.

  It is the minimum length of the rental agreement, and this period is non-refundable, even if you return the instrument early. The length of this period may vary by region and can be found after the instrument selection page. The initial trial period cannot be extended or renewed, and may not coincide to the duration of the school year.

• What happens after the Initial Trial Period?

  After the Initial Trial Period ends your credit card will be charged automatically (EZ Pay system) for the monthly recurring rental rate plus associated LDW (optional) and taxes until such time as you should return the instrument and/or opt to purchase an instrument.

• Does my rent go towards purchasing an instrument?

  Yes, while you are renting you accumulate "credit" toward the purchase of an instrument. When you are ready to purchase, please contact 888-731-5396 for specific details.

• How long does will it take to pay off my instrument?

  On average it will take 36 months to pay off your instrument if you continue to make the low monthly rental payments. If you wish to take advantage of your early purchase discount, please contact us at 888-731-5396 for specific details.

• Can I use a gift card, coupon, or Military discount towards my rental?

  The initial trial period is already discounted from the standard monthly rate and cannot be combined with other offers. The monthly rental rates and LDW rates are not discounted or prorated. See terms & conditions of the offer or coupon for specifics.

• Do you offer a maintenance plan?

  Yes, our optional LDW (Liability Damage Waiver) plan provides worry-free coverage of essential maintenance while you are renting. LDW covers certain repairs at no charge to you unless the damage is due to your willful act or negligence, in which case our standard repair rates apply. The LDW does not include damage to finishes, cosmetic damage to cases, case feet, string breakage (after the first 14 days of rental), speakers, reeds, drumsticks and mallets, heads, bow hair, rosin, brass and woodwind mouthpiece loss, neck straps, ligature loss and caps. Mouthpiece and ligature, included with instrument at time of rental, is covered upon presentation of the broken part. ALL REPAIRS MUST BE DONE BY A COMPANY-APPROVED TECHNICIAN. The LDW is void if payments are past due.

  LDW also covers loss of or damage to the instrument due to theft or fire. For theft, you must furnish us with a Police Report showing forced entry within 72 hours of the loss. The LDW does not cover mysterious disappearance from the school band or orchestra room or lockers. Homeowner's insurance does not usually cover the instrument. Without LDW, you are financially responsible for loss, theft, damage to or destruction of the instrument.

• Why do I need a credit card to rent?

  Rental billing is managed through EZ Pay. After the initial trial period payment, recurring rental payments will be made automatically via EZ Pay with the credit card provided. Please note, we do not send billing statements.

• Why do I need a government ID to rent?

  For security purposes, we verify that the name on the government ID and on the credit card match.

• Why are there multiple preauthorization charges on my credit card?

  Your credit card will be preauthorized (sometimes referred to as a "pre-auth") when you sign the rental agreement but will not actually be charged until your Initial Trial Period begins. For instance, if you sign a rental agreement at the beginning of the summer and your Trial Period begins with the school year in the fall, you may see multiple preauthorization charges on your credit card in the intervening months.

  The purpose of the temporary preauthorization charge is to ensure that funds are available for your monthly rental payments. It is a common practice among banks and the length of the hold can vary from bank to bank. Music & Arts does not have the authority to remove the preauthorization charge. However, these holds will be removed by your local bank once the Initial Trial Period begins.

• Do I have to pay return shipping?

  Should you wish to return your rental instrument, please contact us at 888-731-5396 for a Return Authorization and instructions.

• Is my rental instrument going to be new?

  Most of our rental instruments are like new. We strongly recommend renting a previously rented instrument, as they are fully shop adjusted to playing condition. This is also a great way for your child to get used to handling the instrument before they get a brand new one. The mouthpiece has been cleaned, sanitized, and sealed for your protection. Your rental payments do apply toward the purchase of a new instrument within the first year, and any instrument of equal or greater value thereafter. When you are sure your child will continue with the instrument and you are ready to purchase, please contact us at 888-731-5396 for further details.

• What brand will my rental instrument be?

  We offer all educator approved, major brand instruments such as Yamaha, Selmer, and Eastman for rental. You can be assured that when you rent from us, you will receive a quality instrument that meets the requirements of your school's music program.

• What comes with the instrument rental?

  Each wind instrument will come with a case, a mouthpiece, a ligature and cap (if needed), a single reed, and a bottle of valve or slide oil. Each percussion instrument comes with a case, stand(s), a practice pad, and sticks and mallets. Each string instrument comes with a case, a bow, and rosin.

• How do I know what supplies and book(s) my child will need?

  The best place to start is with your music teacher. They most likely have specific recommendations regarding what items are needed for your class. Many times, we know what additional supplies your music teacher recommends, and if so, these items will be conveniently added to your shopping cart.

• What is in a "starter kit"?

  The starter kit contains items that you need to get started with the instrument, such as a cleaning kit, music stand, and a name tag. The cleaning kit is like the "toothbrush" for your instrument while a music stand is critical to successful practice at home. You will save money by buying them together as a kit.

• Are the accessories a one-time purchase or monthly expenses?

  Accessories and music books are a one-time purchase. You may need to purchase additional items if you exchange instruments. If you elect to return the instrument, you will keep the accessories and books you have purchased.

• How can I make additional purchases?

  During the rental process, once the instrument and educator suggested items are added to your cart, simply select Continue Shopping towards the top of the page.

• How much does my instrument cost?

  We price our instruments based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and age of the instrument. The prices listed below are approximate starting points for various brands of student instruments. Your purchase price will be discounted if you choose the early purchase option.

  Prices start at:

  Alto Sax: $1,200

  Bass Clarinet: $1,000

  Cello: $1,200

  Drum Kit: $280

  French Horn: $1,700

  Oboe: $1,390

  String Bass: $1,100

  Trombone: $690

  Violin: $590

  XKIT: $1,450

  Baritone/Euphonium: $1,290

  Bell Kit: $220

  Clarinet: $580

  Flute: $590

  Marimba: $1,700

  Percussion Kit: $390

  Tenor Sax: $1,600

  Trumpet/Cornet: $550

  Viola: $800

  Xylophone: $900

• When will I own the instrument?

  We own the instrument until you make all rental and other payments required under this Agreement or exercise your early purchase option. Note that in some states you may not purchase the instrument you are renting but may transfer 100% of the equity to another comparable instrument, see your contract for specifics. If permitted, any applicable manufacturer’s warranty will be transferred to you at the time you acquire ownership.

• How do I payoff my instrument?

  If your child is staying in band or orchestra, you may want to consider purchasing your instrument early. We offer special early purchase discounts exclusively available to our rental customers. If you wish to take advantage of your early purchase discount, please contact us at 888-731-5396 for specific details.

• Am I able to exchange my instrument?

  Yes. You may exchange to another instrument of equal or greater value throughout the life of the agreement. Should you wish to exchange your instrument, please contact a Rental Associate at 888-731-5396 for specific details.

• How do I return my instrument?

  You may return the rental instrument at any time. Should you wish to return your instrument, please visit one of our locations, or contact us at 888-731-5396 for a Return Authorization and additional instructions.

• What if my instrument needs repair?

  Should your instrument need repair, please take it to one of our locations. If you are not located near a location, please contact us at 888-731-5396 for specific instructions.

• What if my child outgrows the violin, viola, cello or string bass?

  We offer free exchanges when your child is ready for a larger instrument! Please visit one of our locations or contact us at 888-731-5396 when you are ready to exchange.

• What do I do if my instrument is lost or stolen?

  Should your instrument be lost or stolen, and you have purchased LDW (Liability Damage Waiver), you are generally covered. Please contact us immediately at 888-731-5396 should your instrument be lost or stolen.

• Who do I contact if I have questions about my account?

  Please contact us at 888-731-5396 should you have any questions about your account.

• What do I do if I get the wrong instrument?

  Should you receive and incorrect or damaged item in shipment or school delivery, please contact us at 888-731-5396 within 72 hours.