Making Music — Smarter and Cheaper

Music lessons and kids seem to go hand in hand — two of our five kids play instruments . . . the others play the radio. Over the years we’ve searched and landed some really good deals on instruments and also found some awesome instructors. Subscriber Donna Korzun from Dowagiac, Michigan offers some of her ideas (with our comments in italics) on how to get the most out of your musical instrument money . . . hey, these ideas don’t just apply to kids — some of you play instruments also.

1) Buy Used   Ebay, Craig’s List, auctions and garage sales often have great deals. Donna says that she bought a famous maker brand cornet for only $75.

We found the same thing when buying a trumpet for our son Roy. We went to music stores and pawn shops to try different trumpets. Once we knew the brand we wanted, we bought it on Ebay for much less. In 1994 Steve searched for six months to find a used Martin acoustic guitar and eventually found one at a downtown music shop. The guitar’s previous owner had traded it in. Steve bought a 1972 Martin D-41, which was selling new for $2700, for only $900.

Donna continues: If you are buying used check with your child’s band director for a list of approved instruments.

2) Buying New   New instruments can be found at local music stores as well as on Ebay. But a strong word of caution is needed here. Many salespeople are encouraged to sell certain lines and brands which may not be suitable for your child. Stick with the list from your band/orchestra director. There are many new instruments on Ebay and in stores that are made in China or India. Beware of these brands. They are often inferior instruments that may not play or be unable to play in tune. Many music repair shops will not work on these particular instruments. Also, do not be talked into upgrading to an intermediate or professional instrument. These types of instruments often require an advanced level of skill to play and will only frustrate the beginner.

3) Know your prices BEFORE you shop  

Doing lots of research before you buy will give you knowledge, and that knowledge will give you the power to know a great deal when you see one. Talking to a repair shop or an experienced musician can really help you know what to buy and how much it should cost.

4) Rent   This may not sound like a way to save money, but it can be for the following reasons:

a) If the instrument needs repairs you won’t have to pay for them.

b) If parents don’t have access to the needed funds to purchase the instrument the child can still play.

c) The student may be less enthused than the parents and /or may want to switch to another instrument later.

d) Just be sure to calculate the total rental price for the semester and be sure that it is less than the price of buying a good used instrument.

5) School Loaners   Check with your band or orchestra director to see if the school has any instruments that your student could use. Often tubas, baritones, bass clarinets and drums are provided by the school free of charge.

6) Repair saving   Make sure you and your student know how to properly care for the instrument to avoid costly repairs.

7) Private lessons   Use some of the money you save to purchase a few private lessons. These lessons can really spark a love for music by quickly building skills and confidence. Get names of teachers from your child’s band director and /or check with a local college for the names of students who may be teaching.

8) Practice, Practice, Practice   Remember that you WILL be enduring “squeeks” and “squawks” for quite some time. It is normal and to be expected.

We scheduled daily music practice as part of our MoneySmart Kids program. The kids knew when they had to practice and for how long. Some private lesson teachers provide a practice log where students can record their practice time. It is a helpful tool for the child to track their progress. Helping them remember to practice will help them to succeed.

9) Enjoy and Encourage   Enjoy your child and watch their musical skills blossom. Lavish large and regular doses of encouragement and they will excel.

10) Giving Back   Our son Roy plays trumpet and decided to volunteer at our veterans National Memorial Cemetery to play Taps at military funerals. We found a group called Bugles Across America who will give a used bugle to anyone who volunteers to play Taps (instead of a recording) at memorial services. We contacted the group and Roy now has a great bugle. You can learn more or donate here: BuglesAcrossAmerica.org

There are many benefits to music lessons. Between the math skills utilized, the discipline to practice, the joy of accomplishment and the awesome sound of a musical piece played well, you just can’t find many activities which are as beneficial.