Instrument Hire

Instrument Hire

Sutton Music Trust has a large number of musical instruments available for hire to pupils who attend a school within the London Borough of Sutton. Our instrument loan service is a key part of the Music Trust’s commitment to helping young people access affordable instrumental tuition.

The instrument hire scheme is extremely popular, and the demand is very high. Therefore, we can only operate on a strict first-come, first-served policy. Instruments are only available to students in Sutton schools or students who are members of a Sutton Music Trust ensemble.

Instruments available for hire

Strings: Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone

Brass: Tenor Horn, Bariton Horn, Tuba, Euphonium, Trumpet, Trombone, Cornet

We do not hire Pianos, Keyboards, Bass Guitars, Ukuleles or Drum Kits.

How do I hire an instrument?

Hiring an instrument with Sutton Music Trust can be completed in three simple steps:

Step 1 – Apply  

You can apply for an instrument hire here.   

Once you have submitted an online application, the hiring process could take up to seven to ten days before the instrument is ready to be collected from our offices.  We will contact you to arrange an appointment time for collection when the instrument is ready.

Step 2 – Pay 

Upon collection, we will require an upfront payment of £37, covering your first terms hire.

Once hired, you are liable for the instrument. Whilst we expect general wear and tear from playing the instrument. In the instance of a write-off, loss or theft, we would pursue payment for the total value of the instrument. As such, we strongly recommend insuring your instrument. You can find our full Terms and Conditions here

Step 3 – Take Away  

You have now got your instrument! Your tutor will explain how to tune, clean, and maintain your instrument   

Have an issue with your instrument? Want to change the size or bring it back? Just apply for your return or exchange on our registration form.

How do I collect an instrument?

If there is an instrument available, you will need to collect it from Sutton Music Trust, Floor 1, Cantium House, Railway Approach, Wallington, SM6 0DZ

Hire instrument collections can only be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays (by appointment only). We are unable to facilitate walk-ins.

We do not have the resources to deliver instruments to schools.

For further information on Instrument Hire, please contact us.

Instrument hire charges (Sept '23 - Aug '24)

Our instrument hire fee is calculated on a fixed-term basis across all our instruments.

Termly Hire Fee

Standard: £37.

Free School Meals Discounted Price: £10

Please note that you will have to produce a form of identification with your current address on before you can hire an instrument.