Part 1: Choosing the right Instrument

Congratulations, your child is interested in studying music! If you’ve never played a band instrument, or it’s been a while, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by everything you need to do. This article is meant to help explain your options in renting or buying a musical instrument for your child’s use in a school or private lesson program.

Remember: the ultimate goal of involving your child in music isn’t necessarily to hear them play Carnagie Hall. Studies have shown that children who learn to play a musical instrument do better in school, develop language and math skills sooner, and learn the value of teamwork faster than non-playing kids.

Don’t get frustrated! If your child only plays for a few years, learns to read music, and participates in a few concerts, you will be getting almost all of the cognitive benefits of early music education. As a parent, your goal should be to do everything possible to motivate and sustain your child’s interest in making music. Choosing the right instrument is a great first step.

Although there are no “right” or “wrong” choices, your music teacher will evaluate the child’s aptitude, and suggest an instrument. Most schools have a “wish list” where a student lists his first and second choice for an instrument, and teachers are generally able to accommodate these requests. Finally, the needs of the band may dictate which instrument your child plays. If she doesn’t get her first choice, don’t be discouraged! Many students learn the basics of music on one instrument, then branch out to play many others over their musical career.

Part 2: Where do I get my instrument?

School Rentals

Some schools own their own instruments and loan them to students for a nominal fee. These are generally quality used instruments that have been professionally serviced. If you’re lucky enough to get one of these, grab it! There often aren’t enough to go around, so sign up early.

If your child is selected to play a larger brass instrument like French Horn, Tuba, Euphonium, or  Baritone Saxophone, the school will generally provide it. “Low Brass” instruments are prohibitively expensive to rent. If the instrument is too large to bring on the bus, many schools will provide a “home horn” the student can keep at home, and a “school horn” that is shared between several students during the school day.

Family & Friends

Perhaps an older sibling, relative or friend has the instrument you need. These can be a great, low-cost way of getting your child involved in music. Before starting, however, be sure to show the instrument to your music teacher, or take it into a professional repair shop for evaluation. They can tell you if the instrument is of good quality.  If it has been in storage for more than a few months, it may need some adjustments, parts, or a good cleaning. Be especially wary of a moldy smell when you open the case, as you don’t want  to spread mold spores.

Online

Some parents go online to find a used instrument. This can be hit-or-miss, as the cost to repair and clean it can be more than buying or renting a quality used instrument locally.

Either way, let a professional look it over before giving it to your child. If it’s not adjusted properly, or has worn parts, your child will be fighting to play it correctly, and may become frustrated or develop bad playing habits to compensate for the instrument’s shortcomings.

Part 3: Renting an Instrument

Since nobody can predict which students will take to band, and which won’t, most parents opt to rent an instrument before buying. Your child’s teacher can recommend a professional dealer. Rental programs can be broken into two major categories, both of which have pros and cons:

"Rent to Rent" Programs

The most common category in Western New York is “Rent to Rent”. This is generally the least expensive way to get started. Like renting a car, you pay a yearly or monthly fee, and get to use the instrument during that time. When the rental period is over, you must return the instrument, or pay another fee to re-rent it. The major drawback to “Rent to Rent” is that the same instruments tend to be rented over and over for many years. Like a rental car, the previous users don’t have any ownership, and might not take great care of the instrument. Nobody likes to learn on a beat-up horn!

"Rent To Own" Programs

In a “Rent to Own” contract, the rental payments may be applied to purchase the instrument. It’s like making a car payment, rather than renting a car. The main advantage of a “Rent to Own” program is that you’ll start off with a newer instrument and end up owning it, although the price to rent is a few dollars higher per month.

Should I buy “Rental Insurance?”

No matter how you got your child’s instrument, chances are that it will need some service during the course of the year. Find out up front how this service will be covered. Some schools will pay for repairs, but others require the parent to maintain the instrument. Most professional music shops will service their own rentals. Some will include an”insurance” charge in the price, and will fix everything that goes wrong. Others will offer insurance as a separate item. Insurance commonly covers theft of the instrument, as well as accidental damage. We recommend that you ask for insurance if it is offered, and find out exactly what is covered under the policy.

We hope this article has helped you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call McClellan Music at (716) 886-5902. If you’d like specific pricing and information about McClellan’s rental program I invite you to read the next article posted on this website.

Please check out our new YouTube page, soon to be filled with educational videos for students, parents and pros!  Here is a short welcome from our general manager, Ian.  Be sure to Like the Facebook page to stay up to date and check back often for new content!

Heidi shows some innovative ways to clear the saliva out of the French Horn after practice.

Bethany shows you how to properly rosin a Cello bow (also works for violin) and when to get a re-hair.

Q: How much does it cost to rent an Alto Sax?

A: $39.99 per month, or $189.99 for the initial school year rental (paid in advance).

Many beginning band parents prefer to start with a school year rental, because it represents a 60% discount on the monthly rental.  Also, it may take the full first year for your child to decide if they want to continue with band.  

Q: When do I need to return the Alto Sax?

A:  Never (or whenever you’re done with it).

If you rented month-to-month, each $39.99 rental payment is applied to purchase of the Alto Sax. If you’ve rented for the entire school year, and wish to continue past July 1st, the agreement will automatically convert to a month-to-month rental, with the initial $189.99 payment and all subsequent $39.99 payments applied toward purchase of the Alto Sax.

Of course, you are under no obligation to purchase the Alto Sax, and may return it at any time to stop the rental.

Q: Can I re-rent for the next school year at the $189.99 rate?

A: Yes, but the previous year’s $189.99 rental payment won’t count as equity toward purchase.

Some parents prefer to re-rent at the initial school year rate. In those cases, we treat the rental as a new agreement, and all previous equity is forfeit.

Q: How long must I rent before I own the Alto Sax?

A: Between 22 and 42 months (depending on the price of the Alto Sax and the rental plan chosen)

Most of our Alto Saxs are new, one, or two years old. The list price is typically between $900 and $1,400, depending on the model and condition.

For example, If you rent a $900 Alto Sax monthly at $39.99 per month, It will take: ($900 / $39.99 = 22 months) to pay it off.

If you rent a $1,400 Alto Sax for the initial 12 month rate of $189.99, and then switch to monthly, after the initial year’s rental ($1,400 - $189.99 = $1,210.01) there will be a balance of $1,210.01 on the Alto Sax. Months 13 to 42 at $39.99 per month ($1,210.01 / $39.99 = 30 additional months) will pay off the at the end of month 42.

Q: Can I pay off the Alto Sax Early?

A: Yes! And you get a 30% discount for doing so.

At any time you can purchase the Alto Sax and receive a 30% discount off the remaining balance.

For example, if you’ve rented a $900 Alto Sax for 10 months, your balance would be $500.10   ($900 – ($39.99 X 10 months = $399.90)  = $500.10).

You could take an additional 30% off of the balance, and pay only $350.07 to own the Alto Sax. ($500.10 X 30% = $150.03 discount). ($500.10 (balance) – $150.03 (discount) = $350.07 (payoff amount).

Q: Are there any taxes or other fees involved?

A: Yes, we must collect New York State sales tax on Instrument Rentals, and we highly recommend a Loss Damage Waiver coverage plan for new rentals.

At this writing, New York State and Erie County Taxes are 8.75 percent of the purchase. In the case of a Alto Sax Rental, this comes to:

Rental Period            Rental Rate    LDW Rate      Taxes              Total

Initial Year                    $189.99           $29.99             $19.25            $239.23

Monthly                        $39.99             $7.99               $4.20               $52.18

Q: How much does it cost to rent a Tenor Sax?

A: $59.99 per month, or $259.99 for the initial school year rental (paid in advance).

Many beginning band parents prefer to start with a school year rental, because it represents a 64% discount on the monthly rental.  Also, it may take the full first year for your child to decide if they want to continue with band.  

Q: When do I need to return the Tenor Sax?

A:  Never (or whenever you’re done with it).

If you rented month-to-month, each $59.99 rental payment is applied to purchase of the Tenor Sax. If you’ve rented for the entire school year, and wish to continue past July 1st, the agreement will automatically convert to a month-to-month rental, with the initial $259.99 payment and all subsequent $59.99 payments applied toward purchase of the Tenor Sax.

Of course, you are under no obligation to purchase the Tenor Sax, and may return it at any time to stop the rental.

Q: Can I re-rent for the next school year at the $259.99 rate?

A: Yes, but the previous year’s $259.99 rental payment won’t count as equity toward purchase.

Some parents prefer to re-rent at the initial school year rate. In those cases, we treat the rental as a new agreement, and all previous equity is forfeit.

Q: How long must I rent before I own the Tenor Sax?

A: Between 16 and 37 months (depending on the price of the Tenor Sax and the rental plan chosen)

Most of our Tenor Saxs are new, one, or two years old. The list price is typically between $1,000 and $1,800, depending on the model and condition.

For example, If you rent a $1,000 Tenor Sax monthly at $59.99 per month, It will take: ($1,000 / $59.99 = 16 months) to pay it off.

If you rent a $1,800 Tenor Sax for the initial 12 month rate of $259.99, and then switch to monthly, after the initial year’s rental ($1,800 - $259.99 = $1,540.01) there will be a balance of $1,540.01 on the Tenor Sax. Months 13 to 37 at $59.99 per month ($1,540.01 / $59.99 = 25 additional months) will pay off the at the end of month 37.

Q: Can I pay off the Tenor Sax Early?

A: Yes! And you get a 30% discount for doing so.

At any time you can purchase the Tenor Sax and receive a 30% discount off the remaining balance.

For example, if you’ve rented a $1,000 Tenor Sax for 10 months, your balance would be $500.10   ($1,000 – ($59.99 X 10 months = $599.90)  = $400.10).

You could take an additional 30% off of the balance, and pay only $280.07 to own the Tenor Sax. ($400.10 X 30% = $120.03 discount). ($400.10 (balance) – $120.03 (discount) = $280.07 (payoff amount).

Q: Are there any taxes or other fees involved?

A: Yes, we must collect New York State sales tax on Instrument Rentals, and we highly recommend a Loss Damage Waiver coverage plan for new rentals.

At this writing, New York State and Erie County Taxes are 8.75 percent of the purchase. In the case of a Tenor Sax Rental, this comes to:

Rental Period            Rental Rate    LDW Rate      Taxes              Total

Initial Year                    $259.99           $39.99             $26.25            $326.23

Monthly                        $ 59.99            $10.99             $ 6.21              $ 77.19           

Q: How much does it cost to rent a Baritone Horn?

A: $59.99 per month, or $259.99 for the initial school year rental (paid in advance).

Many beginning band parents prefer to start with a school year rental, because it represents a 64% discount on the monthly rental.  Also, it may take the full first year for your child to decide if they want to continue with band.  

Q: When do I need to return the Baritone Horn?

A:  Never (or whenever you’re done with it).

If you rented month-to-month, each $59.99 rental payment is applied to purchase of the Baritone Horn. If you’ve rented for the entire school year, and wish to continue past July 1st, the agreement will automatically convert to a month-to-month rental, with the initial $259.99 payment and all subsequent $59.99 payments applied toward purchase of the Baritone Horn.

Of course, you are under no obligation to purchase the Baritone Horn, and may return it at any time to stop the rental.

Q: Can I re-rent for the next school year at the $259.99 rate?

A: Yes, but the previous year’s $259.99 rental payment won’t count as equity toward purchase.

Some parents prefer to re-rent at the initial school year rate. In those cases, we treat the rental as a new agreement, and all previous equity is forfeit.

Q: How long must I rent before I own the Baritone Horn?

A: Between 16 and 37 months (depending on the price of the Baritone Horn and the rental plan chosen)

Most of our Baritone Horns are new, one, or two years old. The list price is typically between $1,000 and $1,800, depending on the model and condition.

For example, If you rent a $1,000 Baritone Horn monthly at $59.99 per month, It will take: ($1,000 / $59.99 = 16 months) to pay it off.

If you rent a $1,800 Baritone Horn for the initial 12 month rate of $259.99, and then switch to monthly, after the initial year’s rental ($1,800 - $259.99 = $1,540.01) there will be a balance of $1,540.01 on the Baritone Horn. Months 13 to 37 at $59.99 per month ($1,540.01 / $59.99 = 25 additional months) will pay off the at the end of month 37.

Q: Can I pay off the Baritone Horn Early?

A: Yes! And you get a 30% discount for doing so.

At any time you can purchase the Baritone Horn and receive a 30% discount off the remaining balance.

For example, if you’ve rented a $1,000 Baritone Horn for 10 months, your balance would be $500.10   ($1,000 – ($59.99 X 10 months = $599.90)  = $400.10).

You could take an additional 30% off of the balance, and pay only $280.07 to own the Baritone Horn. ($400.10 X 30% = $120.03 discount). ($400.10 (balance) – $120.03 (discount) = $280.07 (payoff amount).

Q: Are there any taxes or other fees involved?

A: Yes, we must collect New York State sales tax on Instrument Rentals, and we highly recommend a Loss Damage Waiver coverage plan for new rentals.

At this writing, New York State and Erie County Taxes are 8.75 percent of the purchase. In the case of a Baritone Horn Rental, this comes to:

Rental Period            Rental Rate    LDW Rate      Taxes              Total

Initial Year                    $259.99           $39.99             $26.25            $326.23

Monthly                        $ 59.99            $10.99             $ 6.21              $ 77.19           

Q: How much does it cost to rent a Cello?

A: $39.99 per month, or $169.99 for the initial school year rental (paid in advance).

Many beginning band parents prefer to start with a school year rental, because it represents a 65% discount on the monthly rental.  Also, it may take the full first year for your child to decide if they want to continue with band.  

Q: When do I need to return the Cello?

A:  Never (or whenever you’re done with it).

If you rented month-to-month, each $39.99 rental payment is applied to purchase of the Cello. If you’ve rented for the entire school year, and wish to continue past July 1st, the agreement will automatically convert to a month-to-month rental, with the initial $169.99 payment and all subsequent $39.99 payments applied toward purchase of the Cello.

Of course, you are under no obligation to purchase the Cello, and may return it at any time to stop the rental.

Q: What happens if my child outgrows the Cello?

A: Just bring it in to us and we'll swap it out for the appropriate size.

Student Cellos come in fractional sizes. From 1/8 to Full size. We'll measure your child to start off with the best fit, but you can trade up (or down) in sizes whenever you choose. All of the rental payments will go toward purchase of a full size cello, if you decide to apply your equity to purchase. Please call McClellan at (716) 886-5902 before you come in, to ensure we have the right size in the store.

Q: Can I re-rent for the next school year at the $169.99 rate?

A: Yes, but the previous year’s $169.99 rental payment won’t count as equity toward purchase.

Some parents prefer to re-rent at the initial school year rate. In those cases, we treat the rental as a new agreement, and all previous equity is forfeit.

Q: How long must I rent before I own the Cello?

A: Between 19 and 30 months (depending on the price of the Cello and the rental plan chosen)

Most of our Cellos are new, one, or two years old. The list price is typically between $750 and $900, depending on the model and condition.

For example, If you rent a $750 Cello monthly at $39.99 per month, It will take: ($750 / $39.99 = 19 months) to pay it off.

If you rent a $900 Cello for the initial 12 month rate of $169.99, and then switch to monthly, after the initial year’s rental ($900 - $169.99 = $730.01) there will be a balance of $730.01 on the Cello. Months 13 to 30 at $39.99 per month ($730.01 / $39.99 = 18 additional months) will pay off the at the end of month 30.

Q: Can I pay off the Cello Early?

A: Yes! And you get a 30% discount for doing so.

At any time you can purchase the Cello and receive a 30% discount off the remaining balance.

For example, if you’ve rented a $750 Cello for 10 months, your balance would be $530.10   ($750 – ($39.99 X 10 months = $399.90)  = $350.10).

You could take an additional 30% off of the balance, and pay only $245.07 to own the Cello. ($350.10 X 30% = $105.03 discount). ($350.10 (balance) – $105.03 (discount) = $245.07 (payoff amount).

Q: Are there any taxes or other fees involved?

A: Yes, we must collect New York State sales tax on Instrument Rentals, and we highly recommend a Loss Damage Waiver coverage plan for new rentals.

At this writing, New York State and Erie County Taxes are 8.75 percent of the purchase. In the case of a Cello Rental, this comes to:

Rental Period            Rental Rate    LDW Rate      Taxes              Total

Initial Year                    $169.99           $29.99             $17.50            $214.48

Monthly                        $39.99             $7.99               $4.20               $52.18

Q: How much does it cost to rent a Flute?

A: $21.99 per month, or $139.99 for the initial school year rental (paid in advance).

Many beginning band parents prefer to start with a school year rental, because it represents a 47% discount on the monthly rental.  Also, it may take the full first year for your child to decide if they want to continue with band.  

Q: When do I need to return the Flute?

A:  Never (or whenever you’re done with it).

If you rented month-to-month, each $21.99 rental payment is applied to purchase of the Flute. If you’ve rented for the entire school year, and wish to continue past July 1st, the agreement will automatically convert to a month-to-month rental, with the initial $139.99 payment and all subsequent $21.99 payments applied toward purchase of the Flute.

Of course, you are under no obligation to purchase the Flute, and may return it at any time to stop the rental.

Q: Can I re-rent for the next school year at the $139.99 rate?

A: Yes, but the previous year’s $139.99 rental payment won’t count as equity toward purchase.

Some parents prefer to re-rent at the initial school year rate. In those cases, we treat the rental as a new agreement, and all previous equity is forfeit.

Q: How long must I rent before I own the Flute?

A: Between 3 and 4 years (depending on the price of the Flute and the rental plan chosen)

Most of our Flutes are new, one, or two years old. The list price is typically between $750 and $900, depending on the model and condition.

For example, If you rent a $750 Flute monthly at $21.99 per month, It will take: ($750 / $21.99 = 34 months) to pay it off.

If you rent a $900 Flute for the initial 12 month rate of $139.99, and then switch to monthly, after the initial year’s rental ($900 - $139.99 = $760.01) there will be a balance of $760.01 on the Flute. Months 13 to 46 at $21.99 per month ($760.01 / $21.99 = 34.56 additional months) will pay off the Flute with a final payment of $12.35 due at the end of month 46.

Q: Can I pay off the Flute Early?

A: Yes! And you get a 30% discount for doing so.

At any time you can purchase the Flute and receive a 30% discount off the remaining balance.

For example, if you’ve rented a $750 Flute for 10 months, your balance would be $530.10   ($750 – ($21.99 X 10 months = $219.90)  = $530.10).

You could take an additional 30% off of the balance, and pay only $371.07 to own the Flute. ($530.10 X 30% = $159.03 discount). ($530.10 (balance) – $159.03 (discount) = $371.07 (payoff amount).

Q: Are there any taxes or other fees involved?

A: Yes, we must collect New York State sales tax on Instrument Rentals, and we highly recommend a Loss Damage Waiver coverage plan for new rentals.

At this writing, New York State and Erie County Taxes are 8.75 percent of the purchase. In the case of a Flute Rental, this comes to:

Rental Period            Rental Rate    LDW Rate      Taxes              Total

Initial Year                    $139.99           $19.99             $14.00             $173.98

Monthly                        $21.99             $5.99               $2.45               $30.43

Q: Can I rent an Open Hole Flute from McClellan?

A; Yes! We offer Open Hole Flute rentals, but only on the month-to-month plan, and at a slightly higher monthly rental. Please call the store at (716) 886-5902 to order an Open Hole Flute rental.

Q: How much does it cost to rent a trumpet?

A: $21.99 per month, or $139.99 for the initial school year rental (paid in advance).

Many beginning band parents prefer to start with a school year rental, because it represents a 47% discount on the monthly rental.  Also, it may take the full first year for your child to decide if they want to continue with band. 

Q: When do I need to return the Trumpet?

A:  Never (or whenever you’re done with it).

If you rented month-to-month, each $21.99 rental payment is applied to purchase of the trumpet. If you’ve rented for the entire school year, and wish to continue past July 1st, the agreement will automatically convert to a month-to-month rental, with the initial $139.99 payment and all subsequent $21.99 payments applied toward purchase of the trumpet.

Of course, you are under no obligation to purchase the trumpet, and may return it at any time to stop the rental.

Q: Can I re-rent for the next school year at the $139.99 rate?

A: Yes, but the previous year’s $139.99 rental payment won’t count as equity toward purchase.

Some parents prefer to re-rent at the initial school year rate. In those cases, we treat the rental as a new agreement, and all previous equity is forfeit.

Q: How long must I rent before I own the Trumpet?

A: Between 3 and 4 years (depending on the price of the trumpet and the rental plan chosen)

Most of our Trumpets are new, one, or two years old. The list price is typically between $750 and $900, depending on the model and condition.

Q: Can I pay off the Trumpet Early?

A: Yes! And you get a 30% discount for doing so.

For example, if you’ve rented a $750 Trumpet for 10 months @ $21.99 per month, your equity would be $219.90.

The balance remaining on the Trumpet would be $530.10   ($750.00 –  $219.90 = $530.10).

You could take an additional 30% off of the $530.10 balance, and pay only $371.07 to own the Trumpet outright.

Q: Are there any taxes or other fees involved?

A: Yes, we must collect New York State sales tax on Instrument Rentals, and we highly recommend a Loss Damage Waiver coverage plan for new rentals.

At this writing, New York State and Erie County Taxes are 8.75 percent of the purchase. In the case of a Trumpet Rental, this comes to:

Rental Period            Rental Rate    LDW Rate      Taxes              Total

Initial Year                    $139.99           $19.99             $14.00             $173.98

Monthly                        $21.99             $5.99               $2.45               $30.43

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