Should You Rent or Buy Your Instrument? A Parent's Guide to Music Classes

May 19, 2023

For any parent whose child has decided to take up a musical instrument, there is an important decision to make. Should you rent or buy your instrument?

You wouldn’t want them to settle for a subpar instrument, nor would you want to break the bank. As a parent, you’re probably wondering which option is best for your family.

Let’s explore this question for parents who are in the same boat and see if we can come up with an answer!

Are Musical Instruments Worth Money?

It can be difficult to decide what type of musical instrument is a good investment for your child. To help you determine if an instrument is worth the money, it’s worth considering both the pros and cons of buying your child an instrument:

On the positive side, instruments can provide lasting educational value; learning music helps with concentration, coordination, confidence and self-expression.
Practicing an instrument also offers creative stimulation that may improve overall academic performance and mental wellbeing.
Moreover, playing an instrument often provides experiences for performance and collaboration which may help to build life skills like teamwork and goal setting.
However, it’s important to consider that quality instruments can often come with a hefty price tag – meaning parents must weigh up whether their budget will cover these expenses as well as lessons, maintenance and supplies over time.

Ultimately though, when chosen wisely instruments can be a lasting worthwhile purchase for growing children.

The band instruments rent or buy debate is a hot one – and there’s no right answer when it comes to what you should do. It’s all about what works best for your family. The most important thing is that you get your child signed up for lessons so they can start learning how to play ASAP. Here’s a video highlighting just a few of the things your child might learn in his or her lessons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F35UkNPC1jw

Parents Guide to Buying or Renting a Band Instrument

Do you have all of your back-to-school shopping done? Sometimes that list can seem never-ending – books, pencils, highlighters, new uniforms, etc. – and the stress can get to the best of us, especially if you’re on a budget.

If you know your child will be starting a music program this year, or if you are thinking about signing up for private music lessons outside of school, a decision you’ll inevitably have to make is whether to buy or rent your instrument. So how do you make this decision? The right answer will depend on a few different factors.

Rent or Buy Band Instrument? Give Yourself a Trial Period Before You Decide

A common path for new musicians (and children, in particular) is to rent the instrument for the first couple of months or even the first year, in order to get comfortable with playing it. Once the student is committed or gets to a more advanced level, then you might start shopping around to purchase. High school is a good time to upgrade to a new model, especially if your child is getting more serious about music.

Is it Cheaper to Rent or Buy Musical instruments?

The amount you pay, of course, will depend on the model, condition and type of instrument, so you’ll want to shop around and find one that suits your budget but is also still quality. If the decision is between renting a higher-end instrument, or buying a cheaper model, it may be better to begin with renting.

Band Instruments Rent or Buy – Why You Might Want to Rent

A good instrument can save your child from a lot of frustration, as well as help you avoid repair costs on an older or used model. Many rental contracts will cover you for things like routine repairs and maintenance. Some may also allow you to switch your rental to another instrument with no penalty, in case your child wants to learn something different.

Renting can be beneficial if your child isn’t sure whether they will stick with their instrument long-term. If that’s the case, renting allows them to try out different instruments without making a big commitment until they find one that works for them. It also means avoiding upfront costs since most rental plans involve monthly payments.

And in some cases, rentals include maintenance services from professionals who can keep your child’s instruments in top condition over time. Plus, many rental companies offer opportunities for upgrading your rented instrument as your child progresses from beginner level musicianship to intermediate or advanced levels!.

Buy or Rent Instruments – Why You Might Want to Buy

Of course, there are also advantages to buying your instrument, whether new or used. First, you’ll avoid costly monthly fees, which will save you money in the long-run. Second, owning an instrument can also be a source of pride for students, and drive home the fact that playing an instrument is a commitment. If you’re purchasing a used model, consider having your band director or music teacher take a look at the condition, to point out any potential defects or issues.

Take some time to think about your lifestyle, commitment level and budget as you decide which option is right for your family. Whether you end up buying or renting, make sure your child also knows the importance and basics of instrument maintenance, and you’ll set them on the path to musical success!

Do Musical Instruments Appreciate in Value?

Many musical instrument aficionados would love to believe that the instruments they cherish will increase in value over time, but unfortunately this is not necessarily the case. The truth is that while instruments can become more valuable as they age, it’s a complicated process.

Factors like the make and model, its condition, how popular the instrument is and how rare it is among collectors all play a role in its potential appreciation of value. Even if an instrument has remained perfectly maintained, restored or used over time, it may not be worth significantly more than when it was purchased-and this is especially true of new instruments. The best bet for turning a profit on a musical instrument is usually to find items that are special or hard to come by.

There is no right or wrong answer when deciding whether or not to rent or buy your child’s band instrument; every family situation is different and there are advantages both ways.

If your child is committed and wants something that they can call their own then buying might be the right fit for them while renting might make more sense if they aren’t sure how long they’ll stick with their new hobby. Either way—renting or buying—your goal should always be to get your young musician off on the right foot with a quality musical experience.

And if you’re still not sure about whether you should rent or buy your instrument, don’t be afraid to ask your child’s music instructor for advice. They’ll be able to gauge your child’s interest level and give you the best recommendation based on their years of experience.

– Suzy S., TakeLessons staff member and blogger

Haven’t booked your lessons yet? We’re offering one free lesson to new students who book in the next week – call us at (800) 252-1508 to find out more!