Instrument hire
In this section:
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Useful links
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Hire an instrument
We hire instruments to pupils learning an instrument at our Music School or in their school with a Music Service teacher.
Hiring an instrument can be a more affordable way to learn and get used to an instrument without making a commitment to buy your own.
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We hire most instruments including string instruments, woodwind and brass. We do not hire keyboards or drum kits.
Hire fees
Hire fees from September 2023 to July 2024 are £26 or £13 for families on a low income (proof required*) per term.
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* Proof of low income is required to qualify for subsidised fees. Please send copies of housing benefit or reduced Council Tax letter to the Music Service office. The Council Tax single occupancy 25% discount doesn’t apply.
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How to hire​
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Your son/daughter’s music teacher will fill in a hire form and give it to your son/daughter, stating which instrument and size of instrument is suitable.
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Your son/daughter will bring the form home for you to complete your contact details.
Example of the form that the music teacher will provide (PDF)
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Contact us (music.service@walthamforest.gov.uk / 0208 496 1584) to arrange collection of your instrument from:
Waltham Forest Music Service
The School Lodge
Woodbury Road
Walthamstow
E17 9SB
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Return an instrument
If your child is no longer having lessons with us, please return the instrument to our office.
We welcome your feedback on our instrument hire scheme and lesson, please take a few minutes to fill in this short form:
https://forms.gle/f6svu6a3rxFtGQJCA
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Buy an instrument
The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS) supports young musicians by making instrument buying more realistic and affordable. If your child is learning with WFMS you may be eligible to buy an instrument through us and save the VAT (20%). To take advantage of this, speak to your child's instrumental teacher about what make and model to consider. Then contact us to discuss the next steps.
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Care for your instrument
Musical instruments should be looked after carefully so that your music sounds at its best … and also because they’re expensive to repair or replace!
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Here are some tips to help you take care of your instrument:
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Make sure your instrument case has your name on a label, so it’s easier to identify and doesn’t get lost.
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Take care opening and closing the case – making sure the catches are properly closed so the instrument doesn’t fall out.
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Open your case on a flat surface, ideally the floor, so that the instrument doesn’t fall out.
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If your instrument is damaged, ask your music teacher for help – don’t try to fix it yourself.
Your child's music teacher will give your child detailed advice on how best to look after their specific instrument.
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Useful links
Music Mark have compiled some guides on how to maintain your instrument, including tuning a violin for beginners, oiling valves on a brass instrument and setting up a music stand for the first time.
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Yamaha's instrument guide explains the evolution, mechanisms,
and playing methods of a range of instruments from timpani to tuba and many more in-between.
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