• General Questions About Renting Instruments

    • What instruments can students play?
      • Students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are given the option of flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, or bells.  Bells are for first year players that are interested in percussion (drums).  They will move on to the other percussion instruments (drums, cymbals, timpani, etc...) towards the end of their first year or the start of their second in the program.  5th and 6th grade students also have the option of playing a string instrument: violin, viola, cello, upright bass.  

     

    • Where do I rent an instrument?
      • We recommend using Music & Arts.  They offer quality instruments and will repair any damages that may happen at no charge.  There is also a rent to own program, so a portion of every payment goes towards owning the instrument.  You can rent online and have it delievered to the school or visit their store in Marlton to pickup the instrument there.  Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery if ordered online.
        • Website: https://www.musicarts.com/
        • Address: 742 W Rte 70, Marlton, NJ 08053
      • It is not recommended, but if you intend to buy an instrument please ask us first before making the purchase.  There are many "cheap" instruments for sale, but they are junk and, in the end, impossible for your begining player to succeed.  They will fall apart quickly and many times stores will not work on them because the parts do not match.
      • If you or a friend is loaning your child an instrument they already own you may also need to take it in to be restored.  Just like cars, instruments need tune-ups too.  Without consistent upkeep, it makes it difficult for even myself to play these used instruments.

     

    • What lesson book do they need?
      • Students will need the Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for their assigned instrument.  

     

    • When are lessons?
      • Lessons rotate on a two-week schedule.  This means that their lesson is on the same day every week, but alternates between two times.  This way, students miss only 30 minutes of a class every other week.  Students are responsible for completing any work not finished in class.    If a student is unable to keep up with their school work they may not be able to participate in lessons.

     

    •  Is there a concert?
      • Yes, our concert is on Thursday, May 21.  Dress is spring formal.  No color restrictions.  No jeans, sweatpants, flip-flops.  Follow school dress-code policy.

    Here are some great sites for a quick read discussing how you can help your young musician

    and how music helps our children.

    A Parent's Perspective: What Music Has Given Our Children

    3-Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Begin A Musical Instrument

    Learning To Play: Tips For Parents Of Young Musicians