Home Musical Instrument Hire

Music Instrument Hire for Individuals

Kent Music has a wide range of musical instruments for hire. Our aim is to make good quality musical instruments available to students at very reasonable rates, saving the expense of buying an instrument. If you would like to hire an instrument, please follow the links to apply below.

Whether you have hired or own your instrument, take a look at our handy Instrument Care Guide for hints, tips and advice on making the most of your instrument. 

Musical instruments for hire

Violin 

Viola 

Cello 

Double Bass 

Guitar 

Harp 

Flute 

Clarinet 

Saxophone 

Oboe 

Bassoon 

Cornet 

Trumpet 

Trombone 

Tenor Horn 

Baritone Horn 

French Horn 

Euphonium 

Tuba 

Drum Kit 

Side Drum 

Djembe 

Samba 

Electric Guitar  

Bass Guitar 

Amplifier 

Electric Drum Kit 

Keyboard 

How to Apply

Applications for instrument hire for the new academic year are now open.

New and existing students can register via the button below. You will need to register for an account with our online platform upon completion of your application if you don’t have one already. Please read our terms and conditions for musical instrument hire before making an application.

On completion, your application form will link electronically with your account on our online platform for your convenience. You can also apply for lessons, courses and more at the same time! 

Prices for hires in the 2022 – 23 academic year, starting from 1 September 2022:

The price for hiring an instrument depends on which one you choose (see table below).

To reward our students, hirers who are receiving Kent Music lessons will receive a 35% discount for instrument hire. You can find out more about lessons with us on our Music Lessons page.

Prices are charged per full term (Autumn, Spring and Summer). You will be charged a full term’s hire if you start or end your hire part-way through the term.

 

Instruments:
BAND A BAND B BAND C
Guitar (Any Size) Baritone Horn Bassoon
Keyboard Bass Guitar & Amp Electronic Drum Kit & Amp
P-Bone Cello (Any Size) Double Bass (Any Size)
P-Trumpet Clarinet Euphonium
Saxophone (Soprano) Cornet Harp (Lever)
Viola (Any Size) Acoustic Drum Kit Oboe
Violin (Any Size) Electric Guitar & Amp Saxophone (Tenor)
Flute Tuba
Flute (Curved Head)
French Horn
Saxophone (Alto)
Tenor Horn
Trombone
Trumpet
Prices (Per Term):
BAND A BAND B BAND C
Full price: £35.00 Full price: £40.00 Full price: £45.00
Discounted price: £22.75 Discounted price: £26.00 Discounted price: £29.25

Instrument Hire FAQs

If we haven’t covered your question in the FAQs below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Music Resources team on 01622 358442 or email musicresources@kent-music.com

How do I choose an instrument?

We offer a huge number of instruments for hire which can be overwhelming. Choosing a suitable instrument can depend on basic factors such as age and height – you wouldn’t pick a tuba for your 6-year-old, for instance! But, don’t worry, our experienced Music Resources team is on-hand to give you any guidance you might need.

You can call us on 01622 358442 or email us at musicresources@kent-music.com. Please note that the hire of instruments is subject to availability.

How long can I hire an instrument for?

You can hire an instrument for as long as you like! Our minimum hire period is one term (Autumn, Spring, Summer) but our Agreement with you continues until you decide that you don’t want to hire an instrument anymore.

Just make sure that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can organise the return of the instrument – we ask for a minimum of half a term’s notice.

Do I need to be a Kent Music student to hire an instrument?

No, you don’t! We can organise instrument hire for you whether you have lessons with us or not. However, the price of your instrument hire will be discounted if you are a Kent Music student. See more information on this in our cost breakdown.

Can I hire an instrument if I am an adult?

Yes – go for it! We welcome hirers of all ages and abilities. It’s never too late to give playing an instrument a go!

How and when do I pay?

You don’t need to pay anything until you receive an email invoice from us. We will invoice you at the beginning of each full term (Autumn, Spring and Summer) or within two weeks of your hire if your agreement starts later in the term.

You can log into your Kent Music account to make payment and keep track of your activity, or we can accept card payments over the phone.

Can I receive Financial Assistance for hiring instruments?

Kent Music offers a Financial Assistance scheme for students aged 5 to 18 years who are living in and attending school in Kent (excluding Medway). You can find out more on our Financial Assistance page. If Financial Assistance is granted, you will be entitled to hire one musical instrument free of charge per student.

How do I apply?

You can apply for instrument hire here, or via the ‘Apply Here’ buttons on this page. Once you have set up your Kent Music account and completed a form, we will process your application and get an instrument ready for you.

Can I hire more than one instrument?

Yes, you can! You will be charged per instrument for hire.

What if the instrument I have applied for is out of stock?

If the instrument you have applied for is out of stock, we will put you on a waiting list and inform you as soon as an instrument is available.

The Music Resources team will also be able to suggest alternative instruments or direct you to other providers who may be able to assist you in the meantime.

How do I get my instrument?

Once your instrument is ready, a member of the Music Resources team will contact you to arrange the collection of the instrument from our office in Ashford. Collection is by appointment only.

Will I need to buy reeds, strings, or other consumables?

Depending on the instrument you hire, Kent Music will provide you with the following items free:

1 x reed

1 x pot of grease

1 x set of strings (already on instrument)

1 x bottle of oil

1 x cloth/pull-through

1 x chin rest

1 x rosin

You will be responsible for purchasing all subsequent items yourself.

What do I do if my instrument is broken or lost?

If your instrument is broken, please contact the Music Resources team immediately on 01622 358442 or email musicresources@kent-music.com.

Do not try to fix the instrument yourself! Kent Music repairs all fair wear and tear free of charge, but we will need to charge you for the repair or replacement of any instrument that is damaged or lost.

With this in mind, we strongly recommend that you insure your instrument. You can either add it to existing contents insurance or by taking out specific musical instrument insurance, e.g. Allianz Musical Insurance.

How do I return my instrument?

If you no longer wish to hire your instrument, please contact the Music Resources team on 01622 358442 or email musicresources@kent-music.com.

We will arrange an appointment with you to return the instrument to either our office at Kent Music, Units 25 & 26, Creative Enterprise Quarter, Javelin Way, Ashford, TN24 8FN.

Please note, you must give us half a term’s notice before ending your hire agreement.

School Instrument Hire

Music Resources Kent is responsible for over 20,000 instruments across the county. We offer schools a wide range of instruments to hire for Music Plus (subsidised), projects, bands, orchestras and tuition starting from as little as £0.40 per instrument per term. Hire includes free deliveries and collections and an in-house repair and replacement service.*

Prices for instrument hire in the 2022-23 academic year can be found here: 2022-23 Price List

Please contact us at musicresources@kent-music.com to find out more about hiring instruments for your school.  

*Please note that further charges will apply where accidental damage or loss are concerned 

Please read our terms and conditions for school instrument hire.