Loan an instrument for your Music Service activity

If you're learning music with Suffolk County Music Service you might be eligible for an instrument loan.

You can loan an instrument for free in 2020-2021 if you meet one of the following criteria:

have lessons in school with a Music Service tutor
are part of a Suffolk Youth Music activity
have online and/or one to one Instrumental and Vocal Tuition with the Music Service, in or out of school

This offer is only for the academic year 2020-2021, to assist us all as we move through the Covid-19 recovery period.

Instrument loan is free in 2020-2021 for all pupils continuing or joining tuition with the Music Service. Pupils must use the instrument for an activity that they are engaged in with a Music Service tutor. For example, instrumental lesson or ensemble activity.

From September 2021 all instruments will need to be hired from the Music Service. Please refer to our instrument hire page for further details.

I am not eligible for a loan. How can I get an instrument?

You can hire an instrument from Suffolk County Music Service. Charges will apply for any customer who wishes to hire an instrument or resource from us who is not engaged in lessons or SYM activity with Suffolk County Music Service. Find out the costs, instruments available and to apply for an instrument hire.

If you wish to purchase an instrument you can also find out about the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme.

How to request a loan instrument

A parent/carer must request an instrument for their child using the online instrument loan request form.

Before you complete the form please read the instrument loan conditions (below) and the instrument care guidance.

Instrument loan conditions

Cost

Instrument loan is free of charge for up to three terms for academic year 2020-2021, except for the cost of consumable items and in the event of loss or damage.

We will notify you of any outstanding charges incurred throughout your loan period.

From September 2021 all instruments will need to be hired from the Music Service. Please refer to our instrument hire page for further details.

How long can I keep the instrument for?

Our loan system operates on an academic yearly basis and we will contact you toward the end of the loan period to outline further options.

Factors that influence whether your child is entitled to a free instrument loan include instrument availability and tuition provided by Suffolk County Music Service.

When does my loan period start?

The loan period starts from the date you receive your instrument. You are responsible for the instrument from this date.

If my child changes school can they take the instrument with them?

If your child moves to another school and is able to receive lessons provided by Suffolk County Music Service at that school, or they continue with either lessons or Suffolk Youth Music activities with us directly, they can keep the instrument.

If not, the instrument might need to be returned to Suffolk County Music Service. Please contact us to discuss your options.

What happens if the instrument is lost or damaged?

In the event of loss or damage not attributable to 'fair wear and tear', Suffolk County Music Service will ask you to bear all or part of the cost of replacement incurred by Suffolk County Music Service.

You must not authorise any repairs or maintenance yourself, nor should you attempt to carry out any repairs yourself. We nevertheless hope that you will support your child with routine care in accordance with our instrument care guidance.

In the event of any problems with the instrument, in the first instance please contact your child's County Music Service tutor.

Insurance

The Music Service does not provide insurance cover for your instrument. We strongly recommend that you insure it for the replacement value shown on your Instrument confirmation email. You may add it to your normal household insurance policy or may choose to insure it separately.

How do I return the instrument?

We will contact you before the end of your loan period with options on how to return your instrument. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you haven't heard from us within 8 weeks of your loan end date.

Do not return the instrument to your child's school. They will not take responsibility for it because it belongs to Suffolk County Music Service.

Please make sure that the instrument is returned in good condition, complete with its accessories and in its original case.

Maintenance and consumable items

You will be required to bear the cost of consumable items such as strings, rosin and reeds.

Suffolk County Music Service will pay for routine maintenance.

What do I do if my child stops having lessons?

Please contact us to get the latest information on how to return your instrument.