Renting/Purchasing an Instrument
Parents/Guardians have several options when considering the rental or purchase of a musical instrument.
1. Rent through the Meriden Public Schools
2. Rent through a music store
3. Purchase a new or used instrument
(for Rental Forms, see the FORMS Page of this website)
1. Renting an instrument through the Meriden Public Schools is the most economical approach to acquiring an instrument for your student. Instruments are rented for a $60 annual fee and can be obtained by filling out the respective form on the FORMS PAGE. We do have a limited quantity of instruments, and instruments are of average quality. It is recommended that beginning students consider this option and more advanced students consider purchasing an instrument of their own.
2. Renting through a music store is a popular option for all levels of students. Information on this option can be obtained from local music stores or by contacting your music teacher. Please note when considering a store to rent from: Each school in the Meriden School District works with one or more music store for their repair needs. Schools often have music stores that come to the school to pick-up instruments in need of servicing. Students who rent from these stores can take advantage of pick-up and delivery at their school, warranty repairs and a free loaner instrument while their rental is being repaired. See your music teacher for recommendations and details.
3. Purchasing an instrument is a great option if you are careful. While there are great instruments on the market today, there are many "deals" out there that can be very deceiving. Here are a few suggestions to help ensure that you get what you son/daughter needs.
a. Do not purchase anything without consulting with a music teacher first. Make sure that you know exactly what your student needs before you shop. In many cases, the teacher may have suggestions on where to get the right product, where to get a deal or other advice that can help you get the correct instrument.
b. Purchase an instrument through a music store. Make sure you are getting a repair warranty along with your purchase as well. There are a lot of places that sell instruments these days. Many instruments sold at big box stores and other non-music stores will not be repairable by repair facilities and will end up not lasting very long.
c. Be very cautious when considering instruments through online auctions. There are a lot of false information and scams online. Only consider instruments through auction if you are well-versed on the product and you know exactly what you are getting.
d. Used instruments from the right store can be a great way to get a good instrument at a reasonable price. A used instrument that has been properly serviced can be as good or better than a new instrument. See your teacher for details.
