Loan of musical instrument information

Doncaster's Music Service provides music to all ages and all backgrounds and believes that the opportunity to play a musical instrument should be available to every child, regardless of financial or social circumstances. This page contains information about the terms and condition for loaning/hiring musical instrument for your child's lessons in school.

Loan/hire of musical instruments

The Doncaster Music Service (DMS) maintains a stock of instruments, the cost of which may be beyond parents’ means, however please note we do not hire recorders*, guitars*, ukuleles*, percussion or keyboards (*Unless the lessons are part of the "Let's make music" programme, if in doubt please ask your school). New pupils will not be charged during the academic school year in which they begin (see terms and conditions below). Students who have been using their own or a school instrument for more than one year and transfer onto a Doncaster Music Service instrument, will be charged from the term in which the instrument is loaned. Students taking part in the ‘Minority Instrument Scheme’ at selected schools will not be charged for the instrument for the duration of the project. All instruments are loaned to pupils at the same rate (includes instruments owned by DMS but practised only at school), £16** per instrument per term (**prices are subject to change), payable in advance (this averages at just over 92 pence per week for the year). A remissions policy will operate where applicable and more details about how to claim are included below and on the tuition/loan agreement form.

** We feel it appropriate to point out that some of the more affordable instruments (e.g. Beginner violins) are available to buy from around £55 and Doncaster Music Service runs an instrument purchase scheme approved by Customs and Excise, where instruments may be bought at a discount and free of VAT, provided certain conditions are met, savings are considerable. Further details can be obtained via Instrument purchase scheme.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF LOAN

All instruments are loaned in working order. Parents are required to ensure that instruments are kept in good order by providing items for upkeep, such as strings, cleaning cloths, reeds, rosin and lubricants as well as ensuring the instrument is routinely maintained/cleaned where/when necessary and to return the instrument undamaged when requested.
It is expected that pupils will attend their lessons regularly, practise and attend the William Appleby Music Centre when invited.
Doncaster Music Service will pay for routine repairs, however we cannot guarantee a replacement will be available during this time and unfortunately, no refund can be issued.
If a child ceases to play the instrument during a term, no refund will be given for the remainder of the term.
Instruments lost will be charged for at the cost of a new replacement regardless of whether the instrument was loaned at the termly rate or given based on remission.
Malicious damage will be charged for at the current rate of repair regardless of whether the instrument was loaned at the termly rate or given based on remission.
Invoices will be sent out at the beginning of each term, two weeks before the due dates of 1 September, 1 January and 1 April each year until a child ceases to play, leaves the area or purchases their own instrument. Please inform us in writing as soon as possible so you will not be charged for any subsequent terms.
In the event that the instrument is no longer required (e.g. if you buy your own or your child gives up) the instrument should be handed in to either to the Instrumental Tutor or Doncaster Music Service and NOT left at the school. An official receipt must be obtained or charging will continue until the instrument has been returned to Doncaster Music Service. Instruments should be returned in good working order.

CLAIM FOR REMISSION: This will change each financial year and is applicable from April 2020 at present.

You can only claim for remission if (please note evidence maybe requested to support the claim):

your child receives Free School Meals;
you or your partner receive Income Support or income-based Job seekers Allowance;
you receive Child Tax Credit, where the parent is not entitled to Working Tax Credit and income must not exceed the rate assessed by the Inland Revenue;
you or your partner receive support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999;
you receive State Pension Credit, provided the claimant is receiving the guarantee credit part of the State Pension Credit;
you receive Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2020 your household income must be less than the rate assessed by the Inland Revenue.

Please note evidence WILL BE requested to support the claim, this will be returned if not electronic. Remember to let Doncaster Music Service know at once if your circumstances change. We may also check information you give us, with other sections within the Council.

PLEASE PRINT THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS.

Please note, unfortunately we do not hire recorders*, guitars*, ukuleles*, percussion or keyboards. (*Unless the lessons are part of the "Let's make music" programme, if in doubt please ask your school).