Returning a Rental Instrument

Before you turn in a rental instrument, be sure to consider the following:

• The benefits of playing a musical instrument are numerous. They range from improved cognitive skills to social skills like teamwork and individual character development. Amid all the non-musical benefits, it's worth keeping in mind that playing a musical instrument is itself a valuable skill that can provide lifelong enjoyment. Don't give up without carefully considering the reasons for that decision.

• Most people continue to rent through the summer because it makes sense. Your instrument rental continues month-to-month throughout the year. Rather than regressing and having to re-learn, the young musician can continue to practice and improve. You continue to build up equity toward owning an instrument. And while everyone else is frantically making arrangements to get an instrument at the beginning of the school year, you can relax because your child will be prepared for the start of lessons.

• The first instrument tried may not necessarily be the right fit for your child. Many students end up finding the instrument they like through trial and error. Talk with your music teacher to see whether switching to a different instrument is an option. You can rent a different instrument from Ellman's Music Center.

• If your child's interest in playing an instrument has faded or they seem to be having difficulty playing the instrument, the issue may just be that the instrument needs a tune-up to get it back into great playing condition. Instruments need routine maintenance in order to work properly. Having the Ellman's Music repair shop check the instrument won't cost you anything, and it may renew your child's enjoyment of playing it.

• Any equity that you have accumulated will expire for that specific instrument. Once you return an instrument the equity you have accumulated toward purchasing an instrument of the same type is forfeited. The equity you've built could be used toward the purchase of not just the instrument you have been renting but also toward a more advanced (intermediate or pro model) instrument of the same type.
  

• Returning the instrument to Ellman's Music Center will end your rental contract. There is no option to put a contract "on hold". You are welcome to rent again but will need to go through the same process as you did when renting originally. It will be a different instrument (serial number), the rental rate could potentially change, and the purchase price of the instrument will likely be higher than one you originally had.