Parents often worry about what happens if their child decides not to continue with orchestra. It is a reasonable concern. Children try new activities all the time, and not every one of them becomes a long-term commitment. One of the main reasons families choose to rent an instrument is flexibility, especially when the future is uncertain.
At Northland Violins and Von’s Violin Shop, the answer to this question is straightforward. Yes, you can return a rented instrument if your child quits. The rental program is month to month so families are not locked into long-term contracts or forced to keep an instrument they no longer need.
How Northland’s Rental Agreements Work
Northland Violins’ rental agreements are month to month. There is no fixed end date and no minimum rental term. The rental continues only for as long as the instrument is kept.
If a student decides to stop playing, the rental does not need to run until the end of a semester or school year. The instrument can be returned when the family is ready, and the rental simply ends at that point.
This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of renting rather than buying, especially for beginner students. It’s also an advantage over other instrument rental stores.
Returning the Instrument In Person
For most families, returning a rented instrument is simple. Instruments can be returned directly to Northland Violins or Von’s Violin Shop in person. This is the most common and easiest return method.
When the instrument is returned, the rental account is settled through the return date. Once the instrument is checked in, the rental ends.
Parents do not need to give long advance notice or wait for a contract period to expire. Bringing the instrument back is all that is required.
What Happens to the Payments Already Made
It is important for parents to understand how rental payments are handled. Rental payments are considered rent, meaning they pay for the use of the instrument during the time it was rented.
When an instrument is returned, there is no refund of rental payments already made. This is not a penalty. It reflects the fact that the instrument was used during that time.
Stating this plainly helps avoid confusion. Families are not charged extra for returning an instrument, but prior rental payments are not returned because they covered the period of use.
If You Are Not Able to Return In Person
It is also important to note that double basses cannot be shipped and must be returned in person.
Damage, Wear, and Condition at Return
Normal wear is expected on rental instruments. Small cosmetic marks or signs of regular use do not prevent a return. If the instrument has sustained damage, how that damage is handled depends on whether optional rental insurance was in place during the rental period.
This topic is covered in detail in a separate post, but returning an instrument does not automatically mean a problem or a penalty. The goal is simply to return the instrument and close out the rental properly.
Other Options Besides Returning
If a child is unsure about continuing, returning the instrument is not the only option. Because rentals are month to month, families may choose to keep renting for a while longer if they are undecided.
Some families also decide to purchase the instrument instead of returning it. Northland Violins offers a rent-to-own option that allows rental payments to apply toward buying the instrument, according to the rental agreement terms.
These choices are always optional. Returning the instrument is never blocked or delayed because a family has not decided to buy.
Why This Flexibility Matters
Children’s interests change. Schedules change. Teachers change. A rental program that assumes every student will play for years does not reflect reality.
Northland Violins’ rental program is structured so families can support their child’s interest in music without taking on unnecessary risk. If orchestra becomes a lasting passion, great. If it does not, returning the instrument is straightforward and stress free.
This approach removes pressure from the beginning of the process and allows students to try music without fear of being stuck.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can return a rented instrument if your child quits. Rentals at Northland Violins are month to month, and instruments can be returned when they are no longer needed. Rental payments cover the time the instrument was used and are not refunded, but there is no additional penalty for returning the instrument.
Families can choose to continue renting, return the instrument, or explore purchasing when and if it makes sense for them.
Learn More or Ask Questions
If you have questions about returning a rental instrument or want to understand how the process works in your situation, you are welcome to learn more by calling, emailing, or coming into Northland Violins. We are happy to explain your options and help you decide what makes the most sense for your family.
Renting should feel flexible and supportive, especially when plans change. Northland Violins is built around that idea.