Most instruments (except for guitar, drums and piano) are available for hire through the Music Department for at least the first year of tuition. It is expected that all boys, by the time they move into Senior School will have obtained their own instruments. Limited hire may be available to new boys. Larger and more expensive instruments may be hired for the duration of a boy’s time at Scotch College. Parents are encouraged to consider the purchase of an instrument as soon as possible. Advice about the purchase of good quality musical instruments is available from the Music Department.

Percussion equipment, drum-kits, pianos, guitars and bass guitars are not available for hire and must be purchased before or during the first week of lessons. Percussion students are required to purchase a small “kit bag” containing a variety of sticks and mallets as soon as lessons commence. Some of the more expensive and larger instruments are available for hire throughout a boy’s musical life at school.

During the period of hire, a student will be responsible for the care and upkeep of the instrument and the cost of repairs or replacement if there is any damage or loss. If an instrument is lost or damaged, the Music Department must be informed immediately. In the case of instrument loss or theft, a police report number will be required. Upon cessation of hire, the instrument must be returned to Music Administration in order for hire charges to cease. Instruments cannot be returned to classroom teachers or other administrative staff.

Storage of Instruments

There are various storage facilities in the various sub-schools. Please ensure that instruments are stored correctly and neatly and that all due care is taken with other instruments. Parents may consider taking out private insurance cover for their son’s own musical instrument(s).

Instrument Hire Fees

This fee is $350 per annum (non-refundable) per instrument. The hire fee, which is charged to School Accounts at the beginning of each year, enables the instruments to be maintained and upgraded as required. Charges will be adjusted if a boy commences lessons later in the year. There is a subsidised fee of $175 for the loan of an instrument for Year 3 Fellowship students or Year 6 students participating in the Year 6 music course as a beginner student.

Instrument accessories such as valve oil, cork grease, rosin and strings (along with method books and practice journals) are available from any good music retail store.

*Please note that while the free programmes in Years 3 and 6 includes free tuition and subsidised instrument hire, consumable items such as reeds, strings, oil, etc. will need to be purchased separately from appropriate music retail stores.