INSTRUMENT RENTALS
The first requirement for a successful student musician is a quality instrument that is in good working order. Even the most dedicated band student can have limited success if he or she is using a poor quality instrument. It is your responsibility to provide a QUALITY instrument in GOOD WORKING ORDER, complete with appropriate ACCESSORIES and CLEANING SUPPLIES.
I strongly recommend renting rather than purchasing an instrument for your beginning band student. Instrument rental programs offer your child flexibility in the beginning stages of their music education as they explore which instrument is the best fit for them. Once you know that your child is truly dedicated to their instrument and that it is a good fit, feel free to purchase one.
There are a number of music stores in the area that have instrument rental programs. Most students rent from Music & Arts, located on Providence Road in Charlotte (about 20 minutes away from UPA). They are also our in-house repair contractor, meaning that if you have rented from them, they handle everything at school so you don't have to. Mr. Bivens does require that you purchase the correct method book and accessories recommended. You will need a valid driver's license or identification card and a credit or debit card to complete a rental agreement. It's quick and easy to complete a rental agreement, so plan accordingly. There are no music stores in Charlotte, so we send our students to the Charlotte area for instruments. This means that the store you are renting from will be VERY BUSY at the start of school, so plan accordingly.
Other music stores in the area:
If you prefer to obtain an instrument for your child somewhere other than Music & Arts, please consider the brands listed below. Be careful: Instruments purchased online from vendors such as Amazon may not work as well and in most cases cannot be repaired should an inevitable problem occur.
There are a number of music stores in the area that have instrument rental programs. Most students rent from Music & Arts, located on Providence Road in Charlotte (about 20 minutes away from UPA). They are also our in-house repair contractor, meaning that if you have rented from them, they handle everything at school so you don't have to. Mr. Bivens does require that you purchase the correct method book and accessories recommended. You will need a valid driver's license or identification card and a credit or debit card to complete a rental agreement. It's quick and easy to complete a rental agreement, so plan accordingly. There are no music stores in Charlotte, so we send our students to the Charlotte area for instruments. This means that the store you are renting from will be VERY BUSY at the start of school, so plan accordingly.
Other music stores in the area:
- Music & Arts Arboretum - Hwy 51 & Providence Road (about 20 minutes from UPA)
- Music & Arts Park Rd. Shopping Center - 4209 Park Road (about 30 minutes from UPA)
- Sam Ash Music - West Tyvola Road off I-77 (about 40 minutes from UPA)
If you prefer to obtain an instrument for your child somewhere other than Music & Arts, please consider the brands listed below. Be careful: Instruments purchased online from vendors such as Amazon may not work as well and in most cases cannot be repaired should an inevitable problem occur.
- FLUTE - Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Armstrong
- CLARINET - Yamaha, Buffet, Selmer, Backun
- TRUMPET - Bach, Yamaha, Jupiter, King
- TROMBONE - Bach, Yamaha, Jupiter, King
- PERCUSSION - Yamaha, Pearl, Remo