Instruments (Hiring and Buying)
Hire an instrument from Sheffield Music Hub (available only through your Music Hub Leader or Accredited Teacher).
Hires, Repairs and Exchanges of Instruments 2024/25
Our address for instruments is Sheffield Music Hub, The Foundry, 1-3 Brown Street, Sheffield, S1 2BS.
Important information
Please note we operate on an appointment only basis for instrument hires, repairs, and exchanges. We ask parents/guardians to arrange this with a member of the team at Musichubrepairs&hire@sheffield.gov.uk before traveling as there is not a guarantee a member of staff will be here to assist you.
Parents/Guardians also need to allow at least 20 minutes for digital signing of instruments (especially at busy times).
We ask parents/guardians to please do not park on any double yellow lines around The Foundry as we are not liable for any parking fines if you do so. There is on street parking available around The Foundry.
Quick Guide to Hires, Repairs and Exchanges of Instruments
Private Hire:
- The student’s parent/guardian need to email Musichubrepairs&hire@sheffield.gov.uk
- The email needs to include the following:
- Child’s Name
- School
- Music Teacher
- Home Address
- Date of birth
- Parents/guardians mobile number
- Parents/guardians Email
- Instrument type (String instrument hire needs to take place after the initial lesson so the teacher can identify the correct size).
- Once the student is set up on our system (Eepos) a Sheffield City Council payment link will be sent by email for the hire (£35 per term or £90 for the year). Annual payments are not applicable for refunds.
- Once payment has been received an email will be then sent to the parent/carer advising that the instrument is now ready for collection on Mondays 5.00 - 7.00pm, Tuesdays, 9:30 - 4pm and Fridays 9:30am - 12pm.
- Parents/carers will visit The Foundry, sign electronically an agreement and then take away the new hire.
- All hires are subject to terms and conditions as per agreement on any damage or loss incurred on hire – please ensure you read this detail make sure you take the necessary insurances if required.
Exchanges/Repairs:
- The parent/carer emails Musichubrepairs&hire@sheffield.gov.uk
- The parent/carer is emailed to let them know the instrument is ready to collect from the Foundry.
- The parent/carer must attend with the instrument they wish to exchange/repair.
Returns:
- Please return your instrument to the Music Hub Office: The Foundry Studios, 3 Brown St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield, S1 2BS
- We are open Mondays 5.00 - 7.00pm, Tuesdays, 9:30am - 4pm and Fridays 9:30am - 12pm.
Instruments for hire:
- Alto and Tenor Saxophone
- Baritone
- Bassoon
- Cello
- Clarinet
- Cornet
- Double Bass
- Euphonium
- Flute
- French Horn
- Oboe
- Snare Drum
- Tenor Horn
- Trombone
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Viola
- Violin
Instruments not for hire:
- Drum kits
- Guitars
- Keyboards
- Recorders
- Ukuleles
Buying an instrument
From a music shop
You can buy an instrument from a shop or online. However, before doing so we recommend you take advice from your teacher and get a used instrument checked out by an expert.
Take it away scheme
Take it away aims to make musical instruments more accessible to children and young people by providing interest-free loans of up to £5,000.
To find out how it works and what you can buy visit the Take it Away website.
Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS)
The supply of musical instruments is standard rated for VAT purposes. The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS) enables pupils of local authority and academy schools to purchase musical instruments through their school net of VAT providing the sale to the pupil meets certain criteria. Details of this scheme can usually be found on instrument provider websites, from HMRC or your school.
Young Sounds UK
Young Sounds UK are a registered charity that supports young musicians. Please visit their website for more information.
