Instrument Hire – Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern the hire of musical instruments owned by Stockport Music Service.
By hiring an instrument, the parent/carer ("the Hirer") agrees to the following terms.

1. Eligibility

1.1 Instrument hire is available only to pupils who are receiving instrumental tuition from a tutor employed by Stockport Music Service.

1.2 Continued hire of an instrument is conditional upon the pupil remaining in receipt of tuition from Stockport Music Service.

1.3 Instrument hire is subject to the availability of a suitable instrument. The Service cannot guarantee that an instrument will always be available.

1.4 If you are uncertain whether your child remains eligible for instrument hire, for example due to a change of school or teaching arrangements, you should contact the Music Service before applying.

2. Collection of Instruments

2.1 For new hires, instruments must be collected from:

Stockport Music Service
Werneth Young People's Centre
George Lane
Bredbury
Stockport
SK6 1DJ

2.2 You will be contacted once an instrument has been allocated to your child and invited to arrange collection.

2.3 Instruments will not be delivered to schools.

2.4 Payment may be made by card or cash at the time of collection, unless alternative payment arrangements have been agreed.

3. Hire Charges

3.1 For the 2026–2027 academic year, the hire charge is:

3.2 The hire charge covers the loan of the instrument only and does not include maintenance consumables or replacement accessories.

4. Consumables and Accessories

4.1 The Hirer is responsible for providing and replacing all consumable items required for the instrument, including but not limited to:

4.2 The Hirer will also be responsible for the cost of replacing any missing or damaged accessories supplied with the instrument, including, where applicable:

4.3 Current replacement charges are available from the Music Service office upon request.

5. Ownership and Care of the Instrument

5.1 The instrument remains the sole property of Stockport Music Service at all times.

5.2 The Hirer accepts full responsibility for the safekeeping, appropriate use and reasonable care of the instrument throughout the hire period.

5.3 The instrument must be used solely by the named pupil unless prior written permission has been obtained from Stockport Music Service.

6. Damage, Loss and Repairs

6.1 The Hirer is responsible for the cost of repairing any damage to the instrument beyond fair wear and tear.

6.2 If the instrument is lost, stolen or damaged beyond economical repair during the hire period, the Hirer will be responsible for reimbursing Stockport Music Service for the repair costs or, where appropriate, the full replacement value of the instrument.

6.3 Any damage, faults or loss must be reported to the Music Service as soon as reasonably practicable.

7. Insurance

7.1 Responsibility for insuring the hired instrument rests solely with the Hirer.

7.2 The Service strongly recommends that the instrument is covered under the Hirer's household insurance policy or another suitable insurance policy.

7.3 Whether or not insurance is obtained, the Hirer remains responsible for reimbursing Stockport Music Service for any loss or damage in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.

8. Return of Instruments

8.1 If the instrument is no longer required, or the pupil ceases to receive tuition from Stockport Music Service, the instrument must be returned promptly to the Music Service unless alternative arrangements have been agreed.

8.2 Instruments must be returned directly to Stockport Music Service. They must not be returned to the school or to the instrumental teacher.

8.3 The Hirer remains responsible for the instrument until Stockport Music Service has confirmed receipt.

8.4 If the Hirer does not wish to continue hiring the instrument into the following academic year, the instrument must be returned before the commencement of the new hire period. Failure to return the instrument may result in the Hirer being invoiced for the full replacement value.

9. Recall of Instruments

9.1 Stockport Music Service reserves the right to recall any hired instrument where operational requirements make this necessary.

9.2 Where possible, reasonable notice will be given before an instrument is recalled.

10. Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

10.1 Parents and carers may wish to purchase an instrument through the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS).
        The scheme enables eligible parents and carers to purchase a new instrument through Stockport Music Service under the relevant HM Revenue & Customs arrangements, allowing eligible purchases to benefit from VAT relief together with supplier discounts where applicable.
For further information about the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme, please contact Stockport Music Service on 0161 483 7636.

11. General

11.1 Stockport Music Service reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions for future academic years.

11.2 Any questions relating to instrument hire should be directed to the Music Service office before entering into the hire agreement.