We hire instruments to all children and schools in Dorset at a very low cost. You can hire a wide range of instruments from £63 per year with funding support available to cover up to 100% of the cost for eligible pupils.
Most instruments are in stock and are available for collection. We arrange collections by appointment from our store in Blandford. Other collection locations can be organised at special request.
You can rest assured our instruments are 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 are unable to refund your hire cost if you return your instrument before the end of the hire period).
Cost of hiring an instrument
Our instruments are hired at two prices, depending on the value of the instrument.
- £63 - for example: violins, clarinets, alto saxophones, trumpets and trombones
- £126 - for example: electric guitars, drum kits, oboes and bassoons
Find more information on the availability and cost of instrument hire
Our hire costs can be reduced for eligible students through our Help with Fees funding support.
Hire an instrument
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.
Help with instrument hire fees
Your child is eligible for help with our instrument hire fees if they:
- are eligible for Free School Meals, or are a Looked After Child or Child in Care of Dorset Council, or are a refugee
- are registered with a Dorset school or academy (or live in Dorset but go to school in another county)
This support does not cover children who attend nursery or nursery school.
Financial support for pupils eligible for Free School Meals:
- we can offer financial help of up to 50% for our instrument hire
- this support is available for one instrument only
Financial support for pupils who are refugees, or who are a Looked After Child or Child in Care of Dorset Council:
- we can offer financial help of up to 100% for our instrument hire
- this support is available for one instrument only
Find out about help with music fees from Dorset Music Service and how to apply.
'Next Steps' free instrument hire
Continue to play after our Classroom Instrumental Learning programme.
We offer a free 12 month instrument hire for pupils who have completed a Classroom Instrumental Learning programme provided by Dorset Music Service. This reduction is for one instrument for one 12 month hire period only. Subsequent hire periods will be at full price unless students are eligible for our Help with Fees funding. Bookings have to be made by your child's school. Please contact them to find out more details.
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 | Not applicable |
Sizing cellos and double basses
| 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
| 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!
Bassoon types
Choose the right bassoon based on age, size and experience level:
- mini bassoons are best for beginners aged 7 to 11 years
- short-reach bassoons are used by most students aged 12 years and above
- full size bassoons are the type used by professionals and are for advanced students
Buying a musical instrument
Although we don't sell instruments, our team of 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
The assisted instrument purchase scheme is 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.