| What instruments do you rent to students? |
Our most commonly rented band instruments include flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, trumpets, and trombones.
Most schools provide larger or specialty band instruments such as oboes, bassoons, French horns, euphoniums, and tubas. Each district, school, and program are a little different so ask your child’s director for more specific information.
For orchestra, Bell’s Music Shop rents violins, violas, cellos, and basses.
We also carry beginner supply kits for all band and orchestra instruments. If you need an item not listed, please contact the store and we’ll be happy to assist you.
|
| Do I really need all these supplies? |
Yes. Supply lists vary by instrument and by school, and each music director determines which items are instructionally necessary for their program. Think of it like sports equipment—just as an athlete needs the right shoes or protective gear to practice and compete, music students need the proper supplies to fully participate and succeed in class.
|
| When will my student receive their instrument and supplies? |
-
School delivery: If you choose “Deliver to School,” Bell’s Music Shop coordinates directly with the school’s music director to ensure instruments and supplies are delivered before the first day of school. If your school has a summer band or orchestra camp, delivery timing will be adjusted accordingly.
|
| What is included in the maintenance plan? |
The maintenance plan covers normal wear and tear that occurs with regular use of the instrument. This may include items such as corks, pads, strings, stuck keys or valves, and minor, accessible dents.
Damage caused by misuse, loss, or neglect is not covered under the maintenance plan.
We recommend bringing the instrument in at least once a year for a general playing-condition check and cleaning, at no additional cost while the instrument is covered under the maintenance plan. This helps keep your student’s instrument playing its best all year long.
|
| How is the rental payment broken down? |
Each rental payment includes a rental (principal) amount, a maintenance fee, and applicable sales tax on both. Instrument supplies are a one-time purchase and are not included in the rental payment. No interest is charged on Bell’s Music Shop rental agreements.
|
| When is my first rental payment due? |
If you set up your rental before the school year begins, your first rental payment is collected at the time the rental is set up and covers the first month of rental.
You will not be charged again until September, when recurring monthly payments begin.
Ongoing monthly payments are scheduled on your choice of either the 1st or the 15th, regardless of whether the rental is set up online or in store.
|
| How are rental payments scheduled? |
If you set up your rental before the school year begins, your first payment is collected at the time of rental and covers the first month (August). You will not be charged again until September, when regular monthly payments begin.
All rental contracts require automatic payments set up using the credit or debit card you provide. Monthly payments are scheduled on your choice of either the 1st or the 15th of each month.
If a payment does not go through, you will have 10 days to correct the issue before a $10 late fee (plus tax) is applied. We will continue to attempt payment until the balance is current.
|
| What are the benefits of participating in band or orchestra? |
Participating in band or orchestra offers students much more than learning how to play an instrument. Music education helps students build discipline, focus, and time-management skills while encouraging creativity and self-expression.
Students also learn the value of teamwork, responsibility, and goal-setting as they practice, perform, and grow together. Many parents find that music gives their child a strong sense of belonging and confidence, especially during the middle school years.
Most importantly, band and orchestra help students develop a lifelong appreciation for music—whether they continue playing for years or simply carry the experience with them beyond the classroom.
|
| What are the advantages of renting an instrument instead of buying? |
Renting allows families to get started with a lower upfront cost, which is especially helpful for first-time music students. Rental programs also include maintenance coverage, helping reduce unexpected repair expenses during the rental period.
Rentals also offer flexibility. If your child decides music isn’t the right fit, the rental agreement can be cancelled at any time with no penalty by returning the instrument.
Families who wish to keep the instrument long-term also have the option to pay off the rental early. When you choose to pay off the remaining balance, Bell’s Music Shop offers a 20% discount on the remaining base balance. Please note that once the rental contract is completed, the maintenance plan ends, and any future maintenance or repair costs become the responsibility of the instrument owner.
|
| What if my instrument needs repair? |
You may bring the instrument to either Bell’s Music Shop location to discuss any repair needs. No appointment is required.
Our staff will review the instrument and provide an estimate for repair costs and turnaround time, if applicable. All repairs are completed at our Fort Worth (Haslet) service center. Instruments dropped off at our Keller location can be transported as needed; please allow a few additional days for transport.
Repairs covered under the Rental Maintenance Plan are completed at no charge. All service performed is documented so we can reference the instrument’s repair history in the future.
|
| What should I do with my student’s instrument at the end of the school year? |
If your student plans to continue in band or orchestra, you may keep renting the instrument over the summer. Many students enjoy having extra time to practice and stay comfortable with their instrument before the next school year.
If your student is not continuing in the music program, you may return the instrument at any time. Rental contracts may be cancelled at any point with no penalty or cancellation fee by returning the instrument to Bell’s Music Shop. Simply bring it to either location—no appointment is needed—and you will receive a receipt.
Please do not leave instruments at school.
Instruments must be returned directly to Bell’s Music Shop. Rental charges continue until the instrument is returned to one of our locations, as school staff and music directors are not responsible for returning rental instruments.
|
| What if my student is ready to step up to a higher-level instrument? |
As students grow and improve, their needs can change. Just like an athlete may move from beginner equipment to higher-quality gear as their skills develop, music students sometimes benefit from stepping up to a more advanced instrument.
|
| How do fractional instrument sizes work? |
Stringed instruments are available in fractional sizes to accommodate growing students. As your child grows, you may exchange the rented instrument for the appropriate larger size. Size exchanges do not interrupt your rental or affect the rental credit you’ve accumulated. Band instruments are not available in fractional sizes, so this sizing option applies to stringed instruments only.
|