At Shropshire Music Service, we offer an affordable instrument hire scheme so your child can begin without the need for a big upfront purchase.
Our hire collection includes a wide range of instruments, all well maintained and ready for use. You can choose from:
When your child starts lessons, we’ll provide full details of the instruments available to hire, along with clear information about costs and how the process works.
Our friendly team can also help you decide which instrument best suits your child’s age, size, and interests – whether that’s something light and portable like a flute or ukulele, or a larger instrument such as a cello or trombone.
Each instrument is well maintained, cleaned, and ready to play, so your child can get started straight away.
Hiring removes the barrier of financial commitment.
It gives pupils the freedom to explore, try different instruments, and discover their real passion.
When they’re ready, families can choose to purchase a personal instrument, confidently informed by the experience of using a hired one.
Instrument hire with SMS makes beginning music accessible, flexible, and pressure-free, so your child can focus on enjoying music, not worrying about the cost.
Of course you may have questions that you would prefer to talk to us about.
Please call 01743 874145 to have a chat with our friendly team who can help guide you.
Hiring an instrument through Shropshire Music Service is a simple and affordable way to get your child started in music.
We know parents often have practical questions about how it all works – from choosing the right instrument to caring for it at home.
Here are some of the most common questions we’re asked about our hire scheme.
If your query isn’t covered here, our friendly team will be happy to help, just visit our contact page to get in touch.
Hiring is simple. When you complete your lesson sign-up form, it includes a section for instrument hire. Just tick the box for the instrument your child would like to learn. Once we receive the form, we’ll confirm availability and cost, prepare the instrument, and arrange delivery to your child’s school or, if you prefer, collection from our music centre.
Each instrument is fully cleaned, serviced, and ready to play before being loaned out. We’ll also provide care tips to help your child look after it at home. For larger or more specialised instruments, collection from our centre may be preferred.
We keep costs as low as possible to make learning accessible to all families. Hire prices vary slightly depending on the instrument type and size, but full details are always shared before you commit. Payments are made termly, and there are no hidden charges.
Instrument hire is designed to be flexible: you can keep it for as long as your child has lessons, and easily return or swap it if needed.
We offer a wide range of instruments suitable for all ages and abilities, including:
All instruments are high quality, regularly maintained, and supplied in good condition with the necessary accessories such as cases, mouthpieces, or strings. Disposable items, for example, reeds and valve oil, are not included for hygiene reasons.
We understand that small accidents can happen, especially when children are learning.
If something breaks or stops working properly, contact us as soon as possible – please don’t try to fix it yourself. For serious damage or loss, we’ll discuss next steps and options for replacement. We simply ask families to take reasonable care of all instruments while they’re in use.
Yes, flexibility is a big part of our hire scheme. If your child wants to try a different instrument or needs a larger size (for example, moving from a smaller to a full-size violin), we can arrange an exchange quickly and easily.
You can also return an instrument at any time if lessons stop or switch to a different focus. Our goal is to make sure every child has the right instrument, at the right time, for their learning and enjoyment.
Not necessarily. Many pupils continue with hired instruments for several years. However, once your child is confident and committed, you may choose to purchase one of your own. Our tutors can offer advice on what to look for and where to buy, ensuring you get good value and quality.
Hiring first gives your child the freedom to explore and find what they truly enjoy without pressure or expense. When they’re ready to take the next step, we’ll help make the transition smooth and informed.
