Is my rental instrument going to be new?
Most of our rental instruments are like new. We strongly recommend renting a previously rented instrument, as they are fully shop adjusted to playing condition. This is also a great way for your child to get used to handling the instrument before they get a brand new one. Mouthpieces are cleaned, sanitized, and sealed for your protection. Your rental payments may apply towards the purchase of a new instrument. If you would like to hear about purchase options, please visit your local Music & Arts store or contact us at 888-731-5396 for further details.

What brand will my rental instrument be?
We offer educator-approved, major brand instruments such as Yamaha, Selmer, and Eastman. When you rent from us, you will receive a quality instrument that meets the requirements of your school's music program.

What comes with the instrument rental?
Each wind instrument will come with a case, a mouthpiece, a ligature and cap (if needed), a single reed, and a bottle of valve or slide oil, or cork grease. Each percussion instrument comes with a case, stand(s), a practice pad, and sticks or mallets. Each string instrument comes with a case, a bow, and rosin.

What is in a "starter kit"?
The starter kit contains items that you need to get started with the instrument, such as a cleaning kit, music stand, and a name tag. The cleaning kit is like the "toothbrush" for your instrument, while a music stand is critical to successful practice at home. You will save money by buying them together as a kit.

Are the accessories a one-time purchase or monthly expenses?
Accessories and music books are a one-time purchase. You may need to purchase additional items if you exchange instruments. If you elect to return the instrument, you will keep the accessories and books you have purchased.

How do I order a rental?
Rent online in a few easy steps!
After clicking on "Rentals" from the homepage:

  1. Locate your school by entering the school’s name or select Private School, Home School, or Personal Use. If you rent from one of our stores, scan the store-provided QR code to begin.
  2. Follow the simple prompts to make your instrument selection, select your delivery location, tell us when you need the instrument and enter your billing details.

Why do you need my child's school information?
Your child's teacher may recommend and/or require certain instrument brands and supplies. We work closely with educators to gather this information and populate it for you, to ensure you receive the correct products.

What if I can't locate my school in the school finder?
Please be sure you are searching for your school using its "full official" name, not by abbreviations that may be better known in the community. For example, a school may be known as Wright Middle, but its "full official" name may be Frank Lloyd Wright Middle School. Frank Lloyd Wright Middle School should be used to search. Select your state to narrow search results. If you are still having trouble finding your school, please contact us at 888-731-5396, or send us an email at https://www.musicarts.com/emailUs.

What if I don't see my instrument?
Your instrument type may not be part of your school’s program. Please contact us at 888-731-5396 should you have any questions.

How can I make additional purchases?
During the rental process, once the instrument and educator suggested items are added to your cart, simply select Continue Shopping towards the top of the page.

What is the Initial Plan Period?
The initial plan period is the number of months covered by your first payment, which may be discounted or extended from time to time.

What happens after the Initial Plan Period?
After the Initial Plan Period ends your credit card will be charged automatically (EZ Pay system) for the monthly recurring rental rate plus associated optional Liability Damage Waiver (LDW) and taxes until you return the instrument and/or opt to purchase an instrument.

Do you offer a maintenance plan?
Yes, our optional LDW plan provides worry-free coverage of essential maintenance while you are renting. LDW covers certain repairs at no charge to you unless the damage is due to your willful act or negligence, in which case our standard repair rates apply. The LDW does not include damage to finishes, cosmetic damage to cases, case feet, string breakage (after the first 14 days of rental), reeds, drumsticks and mallets, heads, bow hair, rosin, brass and woodwind mouthpiece loss, neck straps, ligature loss and caps. ALL REPAIRS MUST BE DONE BY A COMPANY-APPROVED TECHNICIAN. The LDW is void if payments are past due.

LDW also covers loss of or damage to the instrument due to theft or fire. For theft, you must furnish us with a Police Report showing forced entry within 72 hours of the loss. The LDW does not cover disappearance from the school band or orchestra room or lockers. Homeowner's insurance does not usually cover the instrument. Without LDW, you are financially responsible for loss, theft, damage to or destruction of the instrument.

Why do I need a credit card to rent?
Rental billing is managed through EZ Pay. After the initial trial period payment, recurring rental payments will be made automatically via EZ Pay with the credit card provided. Please note, we do not send billing statements.

Why are there multiple preauthorization charges on my credit card?
Your credit card will be preauthorized (sometimes referred to as a "pre-auth") when you sign the rental agreement but will not actually be charged until your Initial Trial Period begins. For instance, if you sign a rental agreement at the beginning of the summer and your Trial Period begins with the school year in the fall, you may see multiple preauthorization charges on your credit card in the intervening months.

The purpose of the temporary preauthorization charge is to ensure that funds are available for your monthly rental payments. It is a common practice among banks and the length of the hold can vary from bank to bank. Music & Arts does not have the authority to remove the preauthorization charge. However, these holds will be removed by your local bank once the Initial Trial Period begins.

Can I use a gift card, coupon, or military discount towards my rental?
Since our initial plan periods and monthly payments are designed to be affordable, they cannot be discounted. Additionally, gift cards and coupons may not be applied to rentals.

Is it better to rent or to buy an instrument?
Renting is an affordable way to try an instrument without a purchase investment, and with no obligation to buy. 100% of rental payments apply towards purchase of an instrument, you can exchange to another instrument of equal or greater value, and you can return anytime. We offer special early purchase discounts exclusively available to our rental customers. For details on instrument rentals, you're assured of getting a quality educator-approved instrument, which allows the student the greatest chance of success. Borrowed instruments from family or friends may need expensive repairs to make them playable.

Can I exchange or return my instrument?
You can exchange your rental instrument for another rental instrument, subject to certain restrictions, and you can return your instrument at any time.

Does my rent go towards purchasing an instrument?
Yes, while you are renting you accumulate credit toward the purchase of an instrument. When you are ready to purchase, please visit your local Music & Arts store or contact 888-731-5396 for specific details.

How long will it take to pay off my instrument?
On average it will take 36 months to pay off your instrument if you continue to make the low monthly rental payments. If you wish to take advantage of your early purchase discount, please visit your local Music & Arts store or contact us at 888-731-5396 for specific details.

How do I pay off my instrument?
If your child is staying in band or orchestra, you may want to consider purchasing your instrument early. We offer special early purchase discounts exclusively available to our rental customers. If you wish to take advantage of your early purchase discount, please visit your local Music & Arts store or contact us at 888-731-5396 for specific details.

When will I own the instrument?
We own the instrument until you make all rental and other payments required under your contract or exercise your early purchase option. Note that in some states you may not purchase the instrument you are renting but may transfer equity to another comparable instrument; see your contract for specifics and restrictions. If permitted, any applicable manufacturer’s warranty will be transferred to you at the time you acquire ownership.

Will a payment be processed when I update my EZ Pay card for my rental?
No, a $0 authorization will be made to verify the validity of the card. No payments will be processed with this card until your next payment date for the rental.

Will updating my EZ Pay card for one rental change all other rental payment methods?
No, updating the EZ Pay card is on a per rental basis. If you’d like to update other rentals, you must do so on an individual basis.

What if I have a past due balance on my rental?
Allow up to 7 days for any past due balances to be charged. To make a payment now, please visit your local Music & Arts store or call Customer Service 888-731-5396.

What if I need to update only the billing address of the EZ Pay card?
You will still need to enter in the full card number and expiration. The billing address will be auto populated, and you will have the ability to change any parts of the billing address necessary.

What if I need to update only the expiration date of the EZ Pay card?
You will still need to enter in the full credit card number as well as the updated expiration date.

Can I use the EZ Pay card for MusicArts.com purchases?
Yes, this card will be added to your payment methods and can be used for future purchases on the website.

Can I update EZ Pay for a rental order with an existing card on my MusicArts.com account?
Yes. You will still need to enter in the full details of the card on the specific rental you are looking to update.

Who can update their EZ Pay card for their rental at MusicArts.com?
Customers that rented online on or after January 1, 2019, can update their EZ Pay card on MusicArts.com. If your rental was created before this date, or if you are unable to access your account online, please contact Customer Service at 888-731-5396 to update your EZ Pay Card.

How long will it take to receive my rental instrument?
Ship to Home: Orders are processed for shipment within 48 hours and are estimated to arrive within 1-5 days, based on your location.
Ship to Home Summer/Fall Delivery: If you selected summer or fall delivery, your instrument will be shipped prior to the date requested by the music teacher.
Pick Up at School: Your instrument will be delivered to your child's school at the time and day requested by the music teacher.
Pick Up at Store: Your instrument is typically available same-day. The store will contact you when your instrument is ready for pickup (usually less than 48 hours).

Do you offer Free Shipping for Instrument Rentals?
We offer free ground shipping for all rentals excluding Alaska and Hawaii.

Do you offer Express Shipping for Instrument Rentals?
We offer express shipping to all states excluding Hawaii if you choose the Earliest Available Option delivery time.

What do I do if I get the wrong instrument?
Should you receive an incorrect or damaged item in shipment or school delivery, please contact us at 888-731-5396 within 72 hours.

Am I able to exchange my instrument?
Yes. You may exchange for another rental throughout the life of the agreement. See your rental contract for exchange terms. Should you wish to exchange your instrument, please visit your local Music & Arts store or call 888-731-5396 for specific details.

How do I return my instrument?
You may return your instrument rental at any time. To start your return, please visit our Instrument Rental Return page for step-by-step instructions and available return options.

What if my instrument needs repair?
All repairs must be done by a company-approved technician. Should your instrument need repair, please take it to one of our stores or rental affiliates. If you are not located close to a store location, send us an email at https://www.musicarts.com/emailUs for specific instructions. Unless you purchased the LDW, our standard repair rates will apply for all damage in excess of normal wear and tear.

What if my child outgrows the violin, viola, cello or string bass?
We offer free exchanges when your child is ready for a larger instrument! Please visit one of our locations or contact us at 888-731-5396 when you are ready to exchange.

Who do I contact if I have questions about my account?
Please visit your local Music & Arts store or contact us at 888-731-5396.

What do I do if my instrument is lost or stolen?
Please contact us immediately at 888-731-5396 if your instrument has been lost or stolen.