Musical Instrument Hire Policy
1. Purpose
This policy sets out the terms and conditions for hiring musical instruments from Joy Through Music. It is intended to ensure that instruments are looked after appropriately and remain available for students participating in our group music lessons.
2. Eligibility for Instrument Hire
Instrument hire is available to customers whose students are participating in lessons provided by Joy Through Music, subject to instrument availability.
Instruments are provided for the purpose of supporting the student's participation and practice in their music lessons.
3. Hire Period
Instruments are hired for an agreed period and must be returned by the end of the hire period or when the student's participation in the relevant programme ends, whichever is earlier, unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed.
Customers wishing to continue hiring an instrument may request an extension, subject to availability and any applicable changes to the hire fee.
4. Hire Fees and Payment
The applicable hire fee will be confirmed at the time of hire.
Hire fees must be paid in accordance with the payment schedule agreed with Joy Through Music.
Where payments are overdue, Joy Through Music may suspend the hire arrangement and request the return of the instrument.
5. Care and Use of Instruments
Customers are responsible for taking reasonable care of the instrument throughout the hire period.
The instrument should:
-
Be used appropriately and in accordance with instructions provided by the music service or manufacturer.
-
Be kept in its protective case when not being used.
-
Be kept in a safe, dry and suitable environment.
-
Not be altered, modified or repaired without prior permission.
-
Not be loaned or given to another person without prior agreement.
Where appropriate, students should bring their instrument to lessons in its protective case.
6. Damage, Loss or Theft
Customers are responsible for the instrument while it is in their care.
Normal wear and tear resulting from reasonable use is not considered damage.
If an instrument is lost, stolen, damaged through misuse, or damaged due to failure to take reasonable care, Joy Through Music may charge the customer for the reasonable cost of repair or replacement.
Customers must notify Joy Through Music as soon as possible if an instrument is lost, stolen or damaged.
In the event of theft, customers may be asked to provide details of the circumstances and, where appropriate, a police crime reference number.
7. Faults and Repairs
Customers should not attempt to repair or arrange repairs to a hired instrument without prior approval.
Any fault or suspected defect should be reported to Joy Through Music as soon as possible.
Where a fault is due to normal wear and tear or a pre-existing defect, Joy Through Music will determine the appropriate repair or replacement arrangements.
Where damage has resulted from misuse or neglect, the customer may be responsible for the associated costs.
8. Return of Instruments
Instruments must be returned by the agreed return date and in a reasonably clean and serviceable condition, allowing for normal wear and tear.
All accessories supplied with the instrument, including cases, mouthpieces, straps, stands or other equipment, must also be returned.
Customers should ensure that the instrument is securely packaged or protected when returning it.
Failure to return an instrument or its accessories may result in additional charges equivalent to the cost of the instrument.
9. End of Lessons or Cancellation
If a student stops attending Joy Through Music lessons, the customer must notify the music service and arrange the return of the hired instrument.
The hire arrangement does not automatically continue after the student's lessons have ended unless this has been specifically agreed.
Any outstanding hire fees or charges must be settled when the instrument is returned.
10. Inspection
Instruments may be inspected when issued and returned.
Joy Through Music reserves the right to assess the condition of an instrument following its return and to identify any damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.
Where a charge is proposed for damage, loss or missing accessories, the customer will be informed of the reason for the charge.
11. Responsibility for Personal Belongings
Customers are responsible for the safe storage and transportation of hired instruments.
Joy Through Music is not responsible for loss or damage to an instrument while it is in the customer's possession, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.
Customers may wish to check whether their household or other insurance provides cover for hired musical instruments.
12. Changes to the Policy
Joy Through Music reserves the right to amend this policy from time to time. Customers will be notified of any significant changes that affect their existing hire arrangement.
13. Agreement to the Policy
By accepting a hired instrument, the customer confirms that they have read and agreed to the terms of this Musical Instrument Hire Policy and accept responsibility for the instrument for the duration of the hire period.
Music Service: Joy Through Music
Contact: info@joythroughmusic.co.uk
Effective from: 04/10/26