One of the most common questions parents ask when their student joins orchestra is straightforward:
How much is this going to cost each month?
The good news is that renting an orchestral string instrument is usually very affordable, especially compared to purchasing an instrument outright. Renting also provides flexibility as students grow and progress.
Below is a simple breakdown of what families can expect.
Monthly Rental Costs by Instrument
Rental prices vary by instrument size and type, but here are the starting monthly rates at Northland Violins:
- Violin: starting at $25 per month
- Viola: starting at $25 per month
- Cello: starting at $45 per month
- Double Bass: starting at $65 per month
These rentals are designed specifically for students and include properly set-up instruments suitable for school orchestra programs.
What’s Included in the Rental?
While exact details vary by instrument, rentals typically include:
- The instrument itself
- A bow
- A protective case
- A cleaning cloth
- Rosin
- Professional setup and maintenance
- Shoulder rest for violins & violas
This ensures students can begin playing right away without additional upfront purchases.
Optional Instrument Insurance: $5 Per Month
Accidents happen—especially when instruments are being transported to and from school.
For just $5 per month, parents can add instrument insurance to the rental. This coverage means:
- Accidental damage is fully covered
- Repairs or replacement are provided at no charge
- Even extreme accidents are covered (Like running over the instrument with your car)
If something happens to the instrument, it is repaired or replaced without added cost or stress.
For many families, this small monthly fee provides valuable peace of mind.
Why Renting Often Costs Less Than Buying
Renting helps families:
- Avoid large upfront expenses
- Adjust instrument size as students grow
- Try orchestra without long-term commitment
- Budget with predictable monthly payments
- Credit toward purchase of the instrument.
For beginning students, renting is usually the most economical and flexible option.
A Note About Growing Students
Children frequently outgrow their instruments, sometimes faster than expected. When renting from Northland Violins, or Von’s Violin Shop size exchanges are included, allowing students to move to the correct size instrument as they grow without additional rental charges.
Final Thoughts
Renting an instrument keeps costs manageable while giving students access to quality instruments that fit properly and perform well. With clear monthly pricing and optional insurance, families can focus on their student’s musical growth instead of worrying about unexpected expenses.