Instruments

Purchase of instruments

The Music staff are concerned that students should have the best quality and value in music instruments. As with all specialist equipment, there is a range of qualities. We consider value for money, quality of sound, quality in workmanship, re-sale value and versatility in playing a wide range of styles to be important when buying an instrument.

Please consult the music co-ordinators in each section of the School for recommendations and advice on selecting the instrument most appropriate to the age and experience of the student concerned.

Students take more pride and care with their own instrument. Ownership increases the motivation that needs to be sustained over the whole year.

Hire of School instruments

The Music School has a limited number of musical instruments available for hire. Beginner orchestral string students have the opportunity to hire a School instrument for one year, depending on availability.

All students are expected to have their own instruments after the initial one year hiring period, in order to allow the School to make the instruments available for use by younger students. It is important to have sufficient School instruments available to allow the music program to continually start new students.

The large instruments may be available for hire on an extended basis; for example bassoon or baritone saxophone. For those students who play the larger instruments that are inconvenient to bring to School daily, the Music School may be able to make individual arrangements; for example tuba and double bass. Parents are not expected to hire or purchase these until players are very advanced.

The large percussion instruments are made available for use at School free of charge, though students will have to provide their own mallets and beaters. Only a limited number of instruments are available for hire and applications on the appropriate form will be processed in order of receipt if the student is eligible. Please discuss this with the Director of Music.

Guitars and pianos are not available for hire.

Hire/Purchase Scheme for new instruments

Woodwind and Brass Instruments

A special and unique plan has been organised for the benefit of parents and Carey students of the Introductory Instrumental programs in Year 7 for woodwind and brass instruments. Please note that saxophones are not included in this program.

Hiring of instruments has been outsourced. The instruments hired are new, serviced free and covered by a comprehensive insurance policy covering accidental damage, loss or destruction. The brands of instrument have been chosen carefully for their good quality and reliability, particularly in relation to the valve/key action.

Hire is a flat monthly rate for one year. Students will be given application forms once the process for selection of instrument and interviews are conducted.

Carey students at any year level who play woodwind and brass instruments outside the free tuition introductory program at School may hire any band instrument through the scheme. The monthly hire fee for these instruments is based on a sliding scale determined by the overall cost of the instrument.

Forms from the supplier are available from the Music Office. This scheme is made available through the School, but parents deal directly with the supplier. Payment can be monthly or each semester.

Orchestral stringed instruments

Students in Year 7 who are eligible to participate in the free introductory orchestral string program have free lessons but will be required to pay a fee to hire a School instrument or purchase their own.

Purchasers are advised to buy a recommended brand instrument from a local music retailer; several have their own in-house hire purchase schemes.

The double bass may be hired as a School instrument for one year.

Pianoforte, guitar and drum kit

All other instruments including pianoforte, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and electric bass must be owned by the student. Please seek advice about recommended brands from the Director of Music.

Students who learn percussion, including drum kit, will be encouraged to purchase certain equipment depending on their stage of development. A kit of percussion mallets and sticks are required items.

Drum kits should not be purchased without advice from the teacher. Other percussion instruments used by the students are owned by the School and are used at School. Percussion students must be members of a concert band and will have regular practice on these instruments.

Bulk price new instrument purchase

The Music School arranges each year for students to purchase a new instrument at a special discount price. This occurs in February and at the end of the year. This arrangement is in tandem with the instruments obtained in the hire purchase scheme. A select range of instruments is recommended for purchase by parents. These are of the minimum quality important for the progress of your child. To avoid disappointment, please purchase a recommended brand and model instrument.

Please contact the specialist teacher or the Music School office for further information and the names of the preferred supplier. Students who have their own instrument will be given preference in entering the introductory program.

Insurance and care of instruments

Whilst every effort should be made to keep instruments secure, instruments should also be insured for all risks. In most cases, these can be included as an item on household insurance policies. Where the instrument is above a certain value, specialist insurance companies will need to be approached. Instruments should not be taken to classrooms or left on open racks around the School. Instruments should be locked inside student's own locker or put into the special cupboards especially set aside for music instruments. At the Kew campus, the individual instrument cupboards are on the Ground and 1st floor of the De Young Centre for Performing Arts.

Conditions for hiring a School instrument

The School reserves the right to change these conditions. The conditions that apply are those printed on the back of the Hire Contract.

I/we accept full responsibility for the proper care of the instrument hired from Carey Baptist Grammar School Ltd. The instrument can only be used for School events unless prior permission has been obtained from the Director of Music.
I/we will take all reasonable care of the instrument to avoid theft and damage. The instrument must not be left out but always locked away in its case and out of sight when not in use. The instrument must not be left in places subject to heat such as in vehicles, household heaters and heater vents, and direct sunlight.
In case of loss or severe damage to the instrument, I understand that the purchase of a replacement instrument will be at the expense of the hirer. The cost of repairs as a result of negligence will also be the responsibility of the hirer. Any repairs must be approved by the School. However, repairs as a result of fair wear and tear will be excepted. Replacement reeds and replacement strings will be a continuing expense. Other consumable items will be the responsibility of the hirer.
The fee for Hire of School Instrument for both semesters will be billed to your April and July accounts, where a fee applies. Please see the Schedule of Music School Fees for the rates.

Instrument hire levy

There is a flat charge billed every half year for all School owned instruments. There is an additional hire levy for the December/January holiday period and instruments hired just for the School term holidays alone. These details are available on the Schedule of Music School Fees published annually.