Instrument Loaning

We are so pleased to be able to offer our Foundation Scholars instrument loaning as part of their participation in the programme.

Find out more about instrument loaning below. You can then complete the Instrument Loan form at the bottom of the page when you are ready.

• Who can hire an instrument?

  At the moment, children who are a part of our Foundation Scholars programme can hire an instrument from us. If your child is offered a place on our Foundation Scholars programme, we will contact you to arrange an instrument hire.

  We regret to inform that we cannot offer instrument loans to people outside of this programme. We hope to offer this service more widely in the future.

• Length of an instrument loan

  You can loan an instrument from us for the entire duration your child is a Foundation Scholar.

• Cost

  The cost of an instrument loan is free to our Foundation Scholars thanks to the generosity of our donors.

• What instruments can we loan?

  We offer most standard instruments such as touch sensitive keyboards, violins, violas, cellos, clarinets, flutes, trumpets etc.

  If your child is interested in learning a more specialist instrument, we may be able to source it subject to funding.

• Responsibilities

  It is your responsibility to keep the instrument we loan to you in good shape, free of damage.

  Your child must bring their instrument to every lesson (unless they learn piano, which might be a struggle…)

  You should not lend your instrument to anyone as you will retain responsibility for the instrument.

• Terms and Conditions

  By signing the instrument loan form, parents accept the following following terms and conditions for the loan of instruments:

  • An instrument will only be issued once a signed hire agreement form has been received.

  • Pimlico Musical Foundation can recall a hire instrument at any time.

  • We strongly advise parents to check that their household policy includes cover for instruments and if necessary add it specifically to the policy. For any necessary repairs, advice must always be sought directly from the Pimlico Musical Foundation initially.

  • In the event of damage or loss due to negligence, Pimlico Musical Foundation reserves the right to charge the full cost of repair or replacement.

  • An instrument should never be left unattended in a vehicle or overnight away from home.

  • Pimlico Musical Foundation will pay for incidentals such as replacement strings, rosin and bow repairs/rehairing (for string instruments), reeds and cork grease (for woodwind instruments), valve oil and slide cream (for brass instruments), adapters (for keyboards).

  • The loan instrument must be returned by you to Pimlico Musical Foundation at the end of your child’s participation with the Foundation Choir.

Complete Instrument Loan Form

Complete Form

Tips on looking after your instrument

• Always keep your instrument in its case when not in use. Make sure case handles, hinges, locks and zips are working properly.

• Never put anything on top of your instrument, and never store anything on top of your instrument inside its case.

• Don’t leave your instrument in extreme temperatures, as fluctuations can warp and damage your instrument.

• Don’t leave your instrument in a car.

• Don’t leave your instrument unattended, whether inside or outside of its case.

• Keep your instrument clean of fingerprints and everyday dust and residue. Do this by wiping your instrument down with a clean, soft, non-treated cloth before storing. Speak to your individual instrumental teacher about the best way to clean your particular instrument (e.g. woodwind instruments may need to be cleaned inside from time to time).

• Never attempt to repair an instrument at home. Speak to Pimlico Musical Foundation staff if you are concerned about any problems with your instrument.