Keeping Tempo: Students Benefit From Rent-to-Own Music Program

Thought about it... Thought about it... Yes! Band is absolutely, positively the heart and soul of your existence. Besides, your best friend and the cute co-ed with the amazing smile are both joining. Is there even a decision to be made? That would be which instrument you want to play!

Trumpet and clarinet are at the top of your list, but they’re also at the top of everyone else’s. Maybe your natural abilities and skills are more suited to trombone or flute — won’t really know until you try. So where does that leave you? Brian Haines, owner of Canby Music, has developed a Rent-to-Own program for band instruments with the novice middle-schooler in mind. A proud Conn Selmer dealer that carries all the top brands of student and professional brass, woodwind, orchestra, and percussion, Brian assures, “We have all the instruments needed for Band as well as all the accessories for purchase that go along with being in band: oils, reeds, drumsticks, even band books for class.”

Canby Music’s Rent-to-Own program has approximately 500 students enrolled throughout the area. The program offers used and new instruments, though quantities are limited for each. Most schools schedule a Band rental night after school starts, but students who already know which instrument they’ll play can rent from Canby Music ahead of time for better selection and options. Students enrolled in the Rent-to-Own program will have security and peace of mind (as will their parents), with a low monthly rental fee. For only $35 per month, a student can rent-to-own a brand-new violin, viola, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or percussion kit with appropriate hard case, with regular maintenance and standard repairs included. Other instruments like alto sax, baritone, French horn and cello are also available. See their website for a full list of instruments offered.

All monthly rental fees go directly toward the purchase of the instrument and most students will own their instrument in approximately two to four years. Instruments can be paid off early at a 20% discount, and can be switched out for a different student instrument or traded up for a higher-end or professional model, with all rental money up to a 12-month period going toward the purchase of the new selection. Traded and returned instruments are put back into the program and rented at a lower monthly rate. “Most of the time when we open the case of a used instrument, they think it’s new,” says Brian.

Each rental comes with two complimentary private lessons at Canby Music. The first one takes you through any necessary assembly, making your first sounds, and proper cleaning. The second, scheduled for a later date, covers any questions or struggles you may have with your instrument. “We can also pick up student instruments,” Brian says. “If someone is having a problem with their instrument, they can leave it with the teacher and we’ll pick it up, do whatever we need to, and get it back to them.” Now that’s service!

Canby Music is located at 590 NW 1st Ave. in Canby. For more information on Rent-to-Own phone 503-263-2263, email sales@canbymusic.com, or visit their website canbymusic.com.