Home Musical Instrument Hire

Individual Instrument Hire

Kent Music has a wide range of musical instruments available for individual hire (subject to availability). Whether you are just starting out, a seasoned player, or simply fancy trying something new, we’ve got you covered!

We understand that purchasing a musical instrument can be a big financial commitment which is why we provide good quality instruments for hire at reasonable rates. Hiring saves you the expense of buying an instrument and can allow you to try an instrument out before making that commitment.

Instruments & Hire Prices

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

Did you know that you can save money on instrument hire by signing up for lessons too! Kent Music students receive a 35% discount on hire! You can find out more about lessons with us on our Music Lessons page.

Hire prices for the 2023 – 24 academic year:

Instruments:
BAND A BAND B BAND C
Guitar (Any Size) Baritone Horn Bassoon
Keyboard Bass Guitar & Amp Double Bass (Any Size)
P-Bone Cello (Any Size) Electronic Drum Kit & Amp
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: £38.50 Full price: £44.00 Full price: £49.50
Discounted price: £25.03 Discounted price: £28.60 Discounted price: £32.18

 

We also stock a small selection of more specialist instruments which are available to hire by special arrangement. For more information, send us an email to musicresources@kent-music.com

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

How to Apply

Just click the button below! Once you have completed your application, you will need to register for an account (if you don’t have one already). You can also apply for lessons, courses and more at the same time! 

Please read our Terms and Conditions for musical instrument hire before making your application.

School Instrument Hire

Music Resources Kent is responsible for roughly 20,000 instruments across the county. We offer schools a wide range of instruments for hire to support projects, bands, orchestras and tuition starting from as little as £0.45 per instrument per term. Hire includes free deliveries and collections and an in-house repair and replacement service.*

2023/2024 School Hire Price List

We also offer instruments to support whole class Music Plus projects (funded opportunities). From September 2023, schools will be charged a £36.00 administration fee per class set.

To see what other services are available to your school, visit School Support.

Email us to find out more.  

*Please note that further charges will apply where accidental damage or loss is concerned. See Terms and Conditions for more information.

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 at musicresources@kent-music.com.

How do I care for my instrument?

You can find tips of how to care for your instrument in our handy guide!

How long can I hire an instrument for?

You can hire an instrument for as long as you like! You don’t need to re-apply each year. Our minimum hire period is one term (Autumn, Spring, Summer) but our Agreement with you continues until you decide that you no longer need to hire an instrument.

Just make sure that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can organise the return of the instrument! Remember that if you return an instrument part-way through a term, you will still be charged for a full term.

How long does it take to process my application?

Depending on the time of year and number of applications received, it can take a couple of weeks for us to get back to you. The beginning of the academic year is a particularly busy period so give yourself plenty of time to apply before your lessons are due to start.

How do I choose an instrument?

We offer a large number of instruments for hire and choosing the right one for you 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 email us at musicresources@kent-music.com. Please note that the hire of instruments is subject to availability.

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.

I've applied for Kent Music lessons so do I still need to apply for an instrument?

Unless you already have an instrument….yes! You will need to apply for instrument hire too! Applying for lessons does not automatically mean that you have applied for hire. Make sure to apply for instrument hire in good time before your lessons start so that we can get an instrument ready for you.

I've applied for instrument hire but still need to book lessons. What do I do?

You can apply for instrumental lessons with us too! To find out more about lessons click here. Kent Music students will receive a 35% discount on instrument hire.

I'm on the waiting list for lessons and instrument hire. When will I receive my instrument?

If you have applied for Kent Music lessons and instrument hire and are on the waiting list for lessons, we will only process your hire application once a lesson offer has been accepted by you. Please let us know as soon as you have received your lesson offer so that we can get your instrument ready for you.

You are welcome to start your hire before your Kent Music lessons have been set up but hire will be charged at the full rate.

How do I apply for school hire?

You don’t need to complete an application form for school instrument hire. You just need to email musicresources@kent-music.com with your requirements.

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 you start later in the term.

You can log into your Kent Music account to make payment and keep track of your activity.

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.

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.

Where do I collect my instrument from?

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.

If you have applied for Kent Music lessons as well, we will process your application once you have received and accepted a lesson offer.

Can I buy my instrument?

Unfortunately, are not able to offer a ‘hire to buy’ scheme. If you are in a position to purchase an instrument, our Music Resources team can make recommendations. Please email musicresources@kent-music.com.

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 (individual hire only)

1 x pot of grease

1 x bottle of oil

1 x cloth/pull-through

1 x chin rest

1 x shoulder rest (individual hire only)

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 email the Music Resources team immediately at 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 your existing contents insurance or take 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 email the Music Resources team at musicresources@kent-music.com.

We will arrange an appointment with you to return the instrument to our office.

Remember that if you return your instrument part-way through a term, you will still be charged for the full term.