We hire instruments to all children and schools in Dorset at a very low cost. You can hire a wide range of instruments from as little as £30 per year.
Most instruments are in stock and are available for collection. We arrange collections by appointment from our store in Blandford.
You can rest assured they'll be in top condition, as our specialist technician Dave Gassmann cares for our instruments to ensure their quality.
Instruments are hired out on an annual basis from the month of hire (we're unable to refund your hire cost if you return your instrument before the end of the hire period).
Hire an instrument from DMS
Complete our instrument hire request form to hire an instrument from us.
We'll contact you to confirm availability and arrange an appointment for you to collect the instrument (this will usually be on a Tuesday or Wednesday).
Collect your instrument from the Music Service offices in Blandford.
Cost of hiring an instrument
Find more information on the availability and cost of instrument hire on our instrument hire cost page.
Help with instrument hire fees
We can offer financial help of up to 50% for:
- our instrument tuition
- our instrument hire
- county ensemble membership fees
You could get help if your child meets all of the following criteria:
- is eligible for free school meals
- attends a Dorset school or academy
- is having instrument tuition in a group or a pair
- is learning one instrument
Find out about help with music fees from Dorset Music Service and how to apply.
Instrument sizes
This section is intended to give you a rough idea of the size of instrument your child will require. Please note that this is a rough guide only.
Sizing violins and violas
How to measure: with your child's arm fully extended and parallel to the floor, measure in centimetres from the neck to the middle of the palm.
| Size of instrument |
Arm measurement |
Average age of child |
| 1/4 violin |
47 to 51cm |
6 to 7 |
| 1/2 violin |
52 to 56cm |
7 to 8 |
| 3/4 violin |
57 to 60cm |
9 to 11 |
| 4/4 violin |
more than 60cm |
11 to 13 and over |
| 14" viola |
59 to 63cm |
N/A |
Sizing cellos and double basses
The chart below shows approximate sizing by age.
| Size of Instrument |
Age of Child |
| 1/4 cello |
6 to 8 |
| 1/2 cello |
8 to 10 |
| 3/4 cello |
10 to 12 |
| 1/4 double bass |
7 to 9 |
| 1/2 double bass |
9 to 13 |
Sizing guitars
The chart below shows approximate sizing by height and age.
| Guitar size |
Height of child |
Age of child |
| 1/4 guitar |
3'3" to 3'9" |
4 to 6 |
| 1/2 guitar |
3'10" to 4'5" |
5 to 8 |
| 3/4 guitar |
4'6" to 4'11" |
8 to 11 |
| Full size guitar |
5' and over |
11 and over |
Flute types
Smaller, beginner flute players, usually up to the age of around 9 to 10, can sometimes benefit from a curved head joint. This reduces the stretch that little arms have to make!
Buying a musical instrument
Although we don't sell instruments, our team or experienced and qualified staff are always happy to offer advice and guidance on the correct, most suitable instrument for you to buy.
We're not able to recommend any specific retailers of musical instruments.
Save the cost of VAT through the assisted instrument purchase scheme for instruments
This is a scheme where a school can buy an instrument on your behalf and save you the cost of the VAT. Specific conditions have to be met so please contact your child's school for details.
