Many parents have their first experience with music when their child comes home and says, “I want to join band or orchestra.” We hope to give you some helpful information for getting your child started in music. There are several factors you should consider when shopping for an instrument.

Rental/Purchase Program Flexibility

When trying to choose whether to rent or buy an instrument, let us make a suggestion: rent. Instrument rental is a very safe, low-cost, low-risk way to give your child the opportunity to participate in music. Questions which may occur to you are:

• How do I know which instrument my child should play?
• How much will it cost?
• What if my child tries it and does not like it?
• What if he wants a different instrument?
• What if I want to buy it?

Vendor Expertise

We at Kidder Music Service feel it is important to have a sales staff skilled in helping students to try and choose an instrument.  In addition, our rent-to-own program allows exchanging one instrument for another, returning the instrument if the child decides they do not want to pursue music education, and taking an early pay discount if the parent decides to purchase.  Rental rates vary depending on the instrument, but most used instruments start as low as $16.00 per month. The most important part of a good rental program is that it allows the parent to have many options and enough time to make an informed decision.

Maintenance & Repair Service

Some other important factors in choosing a vendor and instrument are:

• Does your vendor service it, or is it sent away?
• Does the vendor have the supplies required by your child’s music director?
• Is this instrument one that has been approved by the music teacher?

Kidder Music Service representatives see the music directors weekly, and make sure that we have the brands they prefer and the supplies they require. In addition, we have qualified technicians on staff to keep your instrument in working order.

Quality—Let the Buyer Beware

Beginning students need a quality instrument. It is extremely important to their success. There are some mass merchants and internet sites selling low quality instruments as “great bargains” to unsuspecting parents. These instruments may look the same as name brands; however, the quality is considerably lower. Many incorporate pot metal, which has a lower melting point, making some repairs, such as soldering, impossible. Parts are not available for some of these instruments, further reducing the possibility of repair. Many of them do not play in tune. Manufactures of these instruments do not care if your child succeeds or fails, or if the instrument performs properly. The most important thing you can do, whether buying or renting, new or used, is to get name brand, quality instrument. Set your child up for success, not failure. If you are unsure about a brand, ask your music director or a music store if it is serviceable.

Remember, the bitterness caused by poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price.