Instruments

There are two options for how to obtain an instrument for your child. You can either hire one through the Music Committee, or purchase your own.

Own instrument

If you choose to purchase an instrument, please avoid cheap new instruments (such as Aldi or eBay specials, etc.). This is due to lower quality materials and higher tolerances in manufacturing that these instruments have. Musical instruments are precision devices that have dozens of moving parts, all of which need to work perfectly. Rods, pins, and pads are often not properly aligned well in cheap instruments which leaves students having difficulty playing them, and any repairs being uneconomical or not possible. It will be easier for your child to learn on a good quality instrument.

As a general rule, you are better off with a good second hand instrument (eg. brands such as Jupiter and Yamaha) than a cheap new one .

For new starters, it is recommended to commence with a hired instrument from the school. If you would like to purchase your own instrument, please feel free to ask the conductor or music teacher for advice. 

The below local stores all stock a range of reputable new and used instruments:

• Tom Sparkes Instrument Repairers

• Turramurra Music

• In Tune Music

• Dural Music

Hiring an instrument

We have a wide range of professionally serviced instruments available for hire. The total cost of instrument hire is $200 per year with fees payable in advance at the start of Term 1 and Term 3.  The first hire fee payment of $100 is due before the instruments are distributed in the first weeks of Term 1.

Please note once an instrument is hired, we are required to professionally service and clean it on return so instrument hire fees are non-refundable. Should you purchase an instrument in Term 2 (for example) you are welcome to return the hired one by the end of Week 1, Term 3 and the second semester hire fee would not apply.

If you would like to contact our Instrument Coordinator with questions, please email instruments@bps.org.au.

Instrument Hire Terms and Conditions:

1. The instrument is to be used only by the student or their tutor to whom it is hired.

2. The student will take good care of the instrument and clean it regularly under the supervision of a parent/ carer.

3. Parents/carers are fully responsible for the instrument during the period of hire. Supervision and help with the maintenance of the instrument is the responsibility of the parent/carer and will be required to organise repairs for any damage caused due to carelessness or mishandling, dropping, or failure to properly maintain.

4. The instrument is not covered by insurance outside of the school grounds.  You are recommended to take out your own personal item insurance.

5. Before hiring, all instruments are serviced and are in full working condition. Any loss or damage must be reported immediately to the Instrument Coordinator. 

5. The instrument is not to be left unattended outside the student’s classroom during the school day and must be kept in classrooms.  The instrument is not to be left unattended in a car or direct sunlight as heat may permanently damage the instrument. 

6. The instrument is not to be left at the school overnight. 

7. The instrument is to be returned to the school on the ‘Instrument Return Day’ which is towards the end of Term 4. 

8.  If these conditions are not adhered to, the hire will be terminated and the instrument must be returned to school.