Instrument hire conditions

Terms and conditions for Suffolk County Music Service's instrument hire scheme.

Hire is available to schools, children and young people, subject to stock availability.

Keeping us informed

Any change to your contact details must be made to Suffolk County Music Service as soon as is practically possible.

You can do this by email to county.musicservice@suffolk.gov.uk or phone 01473 263400 (Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, closed Bank Holidays).

Terms and conditions

How much does it cost?

The table below shows the standard and reduced hire costs for 2025 - 26 for our most commonly hired instruments. Other instruments and prices available on request.

Standard Instruments	Full hire cost per term	Reduced (50% discount) hire cost per TERM - If taught by a SCMS Tutor booked though SCMS in School or a Music Centre	Reduced (50% discount) hire cost per YEAR - If taught by a SCMS Tutor booked though SCMS in School or a Music Centre	Children in Care (CiC); Looked After Children (LAC); Previously Looked After Children (PLAC); Free School Meals (FSM)
Guitar	£18	£9	£27.00	Free
Clarinet (Eb)	£22.50	£11.25	£33.75	Free
Violin	£22.50	£11.25	£33.75	Free
Viola	£22.50	£11.25	£33.75	Free
Cello	£33.50	£16.75	£50.25	Free
Clarinet (Bb)	£33.50	£16.75	£50.25	Free
Cornet	£33.50	£16.75	£50.25	Free
Flute	£33.50	£16.75	£50.25	Free
Trombone (Tenor)	£33.50	£16.75	£50.25	Free
Trumpet	£33.50	£16.75	£50.25	Free
Baritone Horn	£45	£22.50	£67.50	Free
Saxophone (Alto)	£45	£22.50	£67.50	Free

How long can I keep the instrument for?

You can hire an instrument for as long as you like!

When does my hire period start?

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

How do I pay?

At the start of your hire you will be sent an email informing you of the cost and payment details.

If payment for the hire ceases, the instrument must be immediately returned to Suffolk County Music Service at Black Tiles Centre

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

Yes! But the hire cost may increase if they no longer receive tuition from a County Music Service Tutor.

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 may 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 of their instrument of which your child's tutor can advise you on.

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 recommend that you insure it and can advise you on the the replacement value of your child's instrument on request. You may add it to your normal household insurance policy or may choose to insure it separately.

How do I return the instrument?

At the end of the agreed hire period the instrument should be returned to Suffolk County Music Service. This may be via a County Music Service Tutor, by returning directly to our HQ at Black Tiles Centre, Blacktiles Lane, Martlesham, Woodbridge, IP12 4SS, or at an alternative agreed site by prior arrangement.

The instrument should be returned in good condition, complete with its accessories and in its original case.

Maintenance and consumable items

Your child's instrument will likely come provided with any consumables required to get started. However, you will be required to bear the cost of any future consumable items such as strings, rosin and reeds.

Suffolk County Music Service will pay for routine maintenance.