Music has been proven to help raise grades, develop language skills, teach discipline and encourage independence and growth amongst students. It is no wonder than why so many middle and high schools offer band, orchestra, marching band and jazz band to their students. Some elementary schools also offer band normally limiting the instrumental choices to flute, clarinet, trumpet and percussion, allowing students to get used to reading music, counting beats and experimenting before jumping to some of the larger instruments. Because many students will change instruments before high school, many parents choose to rent instead of purchasing an instrument.

There are pros and cons to both renting and buying. Renting instruments allows for the renter to change their mind later - whether it be to switch instruments or due to decrease interest in music.  However, like with most purchases, renting an instrument can end up often costing more in the long run, as some stores include interest in the purchase. Other stores not only do not include interest but have a rent-to-own program where they will credit the rental price toward the instrument price if you end up buying it.

Buying an instrument reduces the need for an inconvenient monthly payment. Plus, any damages accrued won't cost out of pocket at a later date. However, it is a lot more money to come up with at one time and can be bothersome if the student changes their mind later. Luckily, there are multiple stores in the Puget Sound area that offer both renting and buying of instruments.

Music Centers, which has nine locations in Washington including Puyallup, Tacoma, Lacey, Olympia and Lakewood, offers band or orchestra instruments, guitars, amps, keyboards, drums, percussion, sheet music or school instrument rentals. They offer instrument rental on a month-by-month contract instead of a long-term commitment and the contract includes maintenance of the instrument. Music Centers can be reached at (800) 366-3599 or on the Web at www.musiccenters.com.

Ted Brown Music also has convenient locations throughout the Puget Sound. Ted Brown Music is a family owned and operated business that has been operating for 79 years.  Locations include Tacoma, Puyallup, Silverdale, Yakima and Richland. Ted Brown Music offers month-to-month music rentals. The rentals include the option to apply the amount paid toward purchase later. They can be reached on the Web at www.tedbrownmusic.com or by calling (800) 562-8938.

Yenney Mussic Co. is the oldest band instrumental rental store in Olympia. According to Bert, one of the store employees, they are "the cornerstone of band music rentals in Olympia."  Yenney Music Co. shop is located at 1404 Harrison Ave NW and can be reached at (360) 943-7500.

Other local music stores:

Highland Music Center
6814 6th Ave
Tacoma
(253) 564-8454

Music 6000
3738 Pacific Ave. S.E.
Olympia
(360) 786-6000

Hi Ho Music Center
405 W Stewart # C
Puyallup
(253) 845-7335