A wide range of instruments
Unlock your musical potential with our hassle-free instrument hire service! Whether you’re a beginner looking to try out a new instrument or an experienced player needing a temporary solution, we have you covered. Our extensive inventory includes quality instruments available at affordable prices. Enjoy the flexibility of short-term or long-term hire, along with expert support to ensure you have the right instrument for your needs. Skip the high upfront costs of purchasing an instrument and start playing with our convenient and cost-effective instrument hire options.
Are you a School?
Enhance your school’s musical offer with our comprehensive instrument hire service! We provide schools with a wide range of musical instruments suitable for students of all ages and abilities.
What instruments can I hire?
Instrument Prices
The price of hiring an instrument depends on which one you choose. We are expanding the range of instruments on offer to hirers from September 2024. See the table for more information on prices for different instruments.
Did you know that you can save money on instrument hire by signing up for lessons too? Kent Music students receive a 35% discount on hire! You can find out more about lessons with us on our music lessons page.
| Instruments | Price per term | Price per term with Kent Music student discount |
|---|---|---|
| Clarineo Guitar (Any Size) Keyboard Keyboard (MIDI) Mandolin Oud P-Bone P-Trumpet Recorder (Bass) Saxophone (Soprano) Viola (Any Size) Violin (Any Size) | £40.50 | £26.33 |
| Accordion Baritone Horn Bass Guitar & Amp Cello (Any Size) Clarinet Clarinet (A) Cornet Drum Kit Electric Guitar & Amp Electric Violin & Amp Electro Acoustic Guitar & Amp Flute Flute (Curved Head) Piccolo Saxophone (Alphasax) Saxophone (Alto) Saxophone (Mezzo-Soprano) Tenor Horn Trombone Trumpet | £46.50 | £30.23 |
| Double Bass (Any Size) Electronic Drum Kit & Amp Euphonium French Horn Oboe Saxophone (Tenor) | £52.00 | £33.80 |
| Bassoon Clarinet (Bass) Trombone (Jazz) Harp (Lever) Tuba | £58.00 | £37.70 |
FAQs
How do I care for my instrument?
You can find tips of how to care for your instrument in our handy guide!
How long can I hire an instrument for?
You can hire an instrument for as long as you like! You don’t need to re-apply each year. Our minimum hire period is one term (Autumn, Spring, Summer) but our Agreement with you continues until you decide that you no longer need to hire an instrument.
How long will it take to process my application?
Depending on the time of year and number of applications received, it can take up to two weeks to process a hire application. The beginning of the academic year is a particularly busy period for us so give yourself plenty of time to apply before your lessons are due to start.
Do I need to be a Kent Music student to hire an instrument?
No, you don’t! We can organise instrument hire for you whether you have lessons with us or not. However, the price of your instrument hire will be discounted if you are a Kent Music student. See our hire prices for more information.
I’ve applied for Kent Music lessons, do I still need to apply for an instrument?
Unless you already have an instrument….yes! You will need to apply for instrument hire too! Applying for lessons does not automatically mean that you have applied for hire. Make sure to apply for instrument hire in good time before your lessons start so that we can get an instrument ready for you.
I’ve applied for instrument hire but still need to book lessons. What do I do?
You can apply for instrumental lessons with us too! To find out more about lessons click here. Kent Music students will receive a 35% discount on instrument hire.
I’m on the waiting list for lessons and instrument hire. When will I receive my instrument?
If you have applied for Kent Music lessons and instrument hire and are on the waiting list for lessons, we will only process your hire application once a lesson offer has been accepted by you. Please let us know as soon as you have received your lesson offer so that we can get your instrument ready for you.
You are welcome to start your hire before your Kent Music lessons have been set up but hire will be charged at the full rate.
Can I hire an instrument if I’m an adult?
Yes – go for it! We welcome hirers of all ages and abilities. It’s never too late to give playing an instrument a go!
How and when do I pay for my instrument?
You don’t need to pay anything until you receive an email invoice from us. We will invoice you at the beginning of each full term (Autumn, Spring and Summer) or within two weeks of your hire if you start later in the term.
You can log into your Kent Music account to make payment and keep track of your activity.
Can I receive Financial Assistance for hiring instruments?
Kent Music offers a Financial Assistance scheme for students aged 5 to 18 years who are living in and attending school in Kent (excluding Medway). You can find out more on our Financial Assistance page. If Financial Assistance is granted, you will be entitled to hire one musical instrument free of charge per student.
Can I hire more than one instrument at a time?
Yes, you can! You will be charged per instrument per term for hire.
What if the instrument I’ve applied for is out of stock?
If the instrument you have applied for is out of stock, we will put you on a waiting list and inform you as soon as an instrument is available.
The Music Resources team will also be able to suggest alternative instruments or direct you to other providers who may be able to assist you in the meantime.
Where do I collect my instrument from?
Once your instrument is ready, a member of the Music Resources team will contact you to arrange the collection of the instrument from our office in Ashford. Collection is by appointment only. If you are unable to get to Ashford, we may be able to make alternative arrangements for you.
If you have applied for Kent Music lessons as well, we will process your application once you have received and accepted a lesson offer.
Can I buy my instrument?
Unfortunately, are not able to offer a ‘hire to buy’ scheme. If you are in a position to purchase an instrument, our Music Resources team can make recommendations. Please email musicresources@kent-music.com
Do I need to buy reed, strings, or other consumable items?
Depending on the instrument you hire, Kent Music will provide you with the following items free:
1 x reed (individual hire only)
1 x pot of grease
1 x bottle of oil
1 x cloth/pull-through
1 x chin rest
1 x shoulder rest (individual hire only)
1 x rosin
You will be responsible for purchasing all subsequent items yourself.
What do I do if my instrument is broken or lost?
If your instrument is broken, please email the Music Resources team immediately at musicresources@kent-music.com.
Do not try to fix the instrument yourself! Kent Music repairs all fair wear and tear free of charge, but we will need to charge you for the repair or replacement of any instrument that is damaged or lost.
With this in mind, we strongly recommend that you insure your instrument. You can either add it to your existing contents insurance or take out specific musical instrument insurance, e.g. Allianz Musical Insurance. The Music Resources team can advise of the insurance value of the instrument.
How do I return my instrument?
If you no longer wish to hire your instrument, please email the Music Resources team at musicresources@kent-music.com.
We will arrange an appointment with you to return the instrument to our office. If you are unable to get to Ashford, we may be able to make alternative arrangements for you.
Got a question about instrument hire?
Can’t find what you’re looking for or want to speak to a member of the team? Give us a call on 01622 691212 or get in touch at the link below.
Financial Assistance
Cost should not be a barrier to accessing high quality music education. Find out if we can support your musical journey.