Instrument Loan & Hire
We're happy to offer both an extended hire and loan scheme for people learning to play musical instruments in the city of Nottingham. For information on the loan scheme, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
Hiring an Instrument
You can hire any of the available instruments for the prices detailed below (cost is given per instrument).
Individuals can hire an instrument if they live or study in Nottingham City and are between 5 to 19 years old.
An Individual
£12 per term/£30 per year
Individual on Free School Meal/Pupil Premium
£6 per term/£15 per year
School subscribing to NMH services/engaging with NMH events/activities
£3 per term/£7.50 per year
Community group/school that does not subscribe/engage with any NMH activity
£12 per term/£ 30 per year
Use our safe & secure payment options below to complete your payment.
Further discount may be available for not-for-profit groups and organisations hiring large numbers of instruments.
Please note that the prices are reviewed on an annual basis.
These charges are payable directly to Nottingham Music Hub, which will invoice for the full amount at the beginning of the hire. The charge covers wear and tear – but does not cover deliberate or accidental damage, or loss of the instrument. Instruments that have been damaged (either deliberately or accidentally), lost or stolen will be charged for, and a replacement will only be issued once the payment has cleared.
Additional accessories, such as reeds or strings, beyond those which come with the instrument initially, are not included.
Instrument Insurance
Hirers are asked to insure the instrument as soon as it is received. Please contact your insurance company to see if it is possible to add it to your policy. They may need details of the instrument, including make, serial number and replacement cost, as well as the address of Nottingham Music Hub. This information will be on your contract.
Instrument Care
It is important to look after your instruments - guidance is available on request from Nottingham Music Service on instrument care. As mentioned before, the hirer is responsible for the purchase of consumables (strings, reeds etc.) during the period of the hire.
All applications will be considered on a case by case basis and Nottingham Music Hub's decision is final.
To request to hire an instrument please fill in our form here.
Free Loan Scheme
Nottingham Music Hub (NMH) has a free loan scheme available to:
- All schools receiving WCE or In Harmony provision from Nottingham Music Hub (instruments provided as part of the teaching contract)
- Students attending a Nottingham City Primary, Secondary or Academy who are either:
- Receiving follow on tuition in year 5 or 6 (where directly following on from the year 4 WCE or IH instrument)
- Receiving follow on tuition at secondary level (where studying the same instrument as at primary level)
- Students attending Nottingham Music Hub ensembles
Other individuals or schools may be eligible on a case by case basis at the discretion of NMS
Individual students or schools can apply by emailing alex.martin@nottinghammusichub.org.uk. Adequate insurance cover must be provided and the instrument must be returned when the student leaves school or ceases to learn the instrument.
Instrument Repairs
If you have an instrument on loan from us which needs servicing or repair you can bring it into our office at College Street and we will get it repaired for you. We will cover repair costs for wear and tear however, if the instrument has been damaged by the school or pupil using it, the school will be responsible for this cost. Email us at alex.holmes@nottinghammusichub.org.uk to ask for a repair form.
Instrument Purchases
If you take part in a city ensemble and wish to purchase your own instrument, then you may be able to purchase one through the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme. This scheme enables parents/pupils to purchase instruments without having to pay the VAT. LA (Local Authority) maintained schools can make use of this scheme for their pupils. For more information about how the scheme works or for recommended suppliers, please email alex.holmes@nottinghammusichub.org.uk
