Instrument Rental Programs 2004-2005

Guidelines for Parents

This document has been prepared to help parents understand how the Instrument Rental Night Program works and what to expect when attending. The program is provided as a service for parents looking to obtain instruments for their students to participate in the Elementary Instrumental Music Program. Instrumental Rental Nights are optional and will not be available in all schools. Each instructor will be happy to answer any questions parents might have about this program.

Instrumental Music Program

The Instrumental Music Program in Jefferson County Public Schools is an elective program that offers the student specific musical training with an instrument. This program begins in the elementary grades and continues through middle school and high school. Through this study the student will gain a better understanding and appreciation of music, will have opportunities for creative expression, and will be offered the opportunity to develop skills of self-discipline and teamwork through cooperation and group participation, as well as having an emotional outlet. This program is designed to provide the opportunities to develop musical understandings evolved from actual musical performance, to provide selected activities that ensure the systematic introduction of musical concepts, and to provide the opportunity to experience varied musical roles. The Jefferson County Instrumental Program provides a planned, sequential curriculum for reaching these goals.

Instrument Rental Night Program

Each school has a limited number of district-owned instruments available for rent through the district. Therefore, the instruments for the instrumental music program must be provided by the students. The purpose of an Instrument Rental Night is to provide an opportunity for parents and students to shop for an instrument from area music instrument dealers that provide good quality instruments with professional support for repairs and maintenance. A rental night is also designed to provide an equal and fair opportunity for music instrument dealers to come together to show parents what they have to offer. This provides an opportunity for parents to make an educated decision regarding which dealer best meets their needs.

Though the Instrument Rental Night is held on school grounds, parents are signing a contract with individual music instrument dealers and are not renting or purchasing instruments from the school district.

Things to think about when renting and/or purchasing an instrument:

1. Remember students are just beginning to play an instrument. Most string students will not start on a full size instrument. Make sure the dealer you rent or buy from offers a good option for upgrading quality and size of instruments as students continue to play. In the event your student does not continue to play, make sure you can return the instrument after the first year.
2. Deal with reputable music instrument dealers. Make sure the music instrument dealer will stand behind what they have contracted with you and that they have repair facilities available. If they do not have repair facilities, determine how the instrument will be repaired if it gets damaged.
3. Consider putting the instrument on your homeowners/renters insurance policy. Ask if the contract with the music instrument dealer includes instrument insurance or repair coverage.
4. Think about checking out what several different dealers in the area have to offer. Each Instrument Rental Night in the district will have at least three local music instrument dealers represented.
5. Ask each music instrument dealer what is and is not included in the contract (string replacement, stands, books, supplies, repair insurance, rent to own policies, etc.).
6. There are many brands of instruments available but certain ones are more consistent in tone quality and have better maintenance records. The Internet is a great way to research different brands of instruments.
7. Make sure you get the accessories that your instructor has requested. This will help ensure long instrument life and good practice habits.
8. If you are considering having your child use an older instrument, which has been in your family or loaned to you by friends, it is essential that the instrument be in good playing condition to avoid problems and to improve the possibility of success. Your instructor will be happy to check over the instrument before the first music lesson or recommend a place to take the instrument to be checked.
9. Think very carefully before you purchase an instrument for a beginning student. Most music instrument dealers will apply monthly rental payments toward the purchase price of an instrument.
10. When you are ready to purchase an instrument, your instructor can be of assistance in helping you choose the instrument that best suits your needs.