The majority of pupils who have lessons with Stockport Music Service are able to take advantage of the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS), a HMRC backed scheme that allows the music service, as part of the Stockport Council education team, to purchase instruments for pupils.  Using this scheme, there is a VAT saving to be made on the purchase price of the instrument being bought and there are often additional savings due to the volumes of instruments we purchase on our parents' behalves and the good relationships we have with our suppliers.

As it is an HMRC scheme, there are certain criteria to meet and these are;

• pupils must attend a state school, free school or academy

• the instrument must be appropriate for the student

• instruments must be portable and be used for lessons each week

• parents purchase the instrument outright with one payment before ownership is passed over to the pupil

If you are interested in the AIPS scheme, the first option is usually to talk to your child's teacher, as they can advise on the quality of instrument and any particular considerations for your son/daughter.  Then, armed with this information, you can call the office on 0161 483 7636 to check pricing before completing the form linked below.