Instrumental Loans

Students receiving tuition at the Saturday Programme are offered the opportunity to participate in the Instrument Loan Programme. These instruments have a potentially long lifespan, provided that they are properly cared for. All musical instruments are fragile and require great care, both when being handled, and when not in use. They should always be treated with respect, and please remember they are expensive. You may find the following points useful in order to optimise the potential benefits of this facility offered by the Saturday Programme.

Instrumental Loan Agreement

If you are borrowing an instrument from the Saturday Programme, you will be asked to sign an Instrument Loan Agreement. This is an important agreement between you and HMDT Music outlining your responsibilities while you are using one of our instruments. It is important to remember that if you damage or destroy an instrument, you may be denying use of the instrument to a future student. Please take this responsibility seriously and explain it to the student so they understand the importance of taking care of the instrument properly.

The terms of the agreement are as follows:

1. Parents/carers whose children are loaned instruments will be liable for any damages to the instrument. This does not include routine maintenance. Please be aware that this instrument is valuable. Therefore, we must ask you to look after the instrument and store it in a dry place away from extreme temperatures, such as next to a radiator or cold draughts. We would also strongly recommend that you make sure the instrument is covered by your household insurance policy.

2. Repairs will be charged at professional rates by one of our approved repair vendors.

3. It is at the discretion of HMDT Music as to whether an instrument is deemed damaged or in need of maintenance. Our assessments will always be honest and fair.

4. It is understood and agreed that the instrument herein described is the sole property of HMDT Music, and must be returned if so requested.

The Terms and Conditions you will be asked to sign up to are:

• Report all instances of loss, damage or maintenance required to HMDT Music immediately,before any action is taken to repair the instrument;

• Pay for damage caused by carelessness, accident or neglect;

• Reimburse HMDT Music the full cost of replacement of the instrument should it be lost or stolen;

• Return the instrument if instructed to do so, before the end of term;

• Return the instrument on the last day of term if not returning the following term. If you fail to return the instrument as requested, you agree to be liable to pay a charge of £20 per week for EACH instrument overdue;

• Ensure the instrument is correctly cleaned, cared for and stored;

• Pay the non-refundable instrument loan fee each year, for the use of the instrument and to cover general maintenance costs;

• Take the instrument for regular service. PLEASE NOTE: HMDT Music will ONLY cover the costs of normal maintenance NOT REPAIRS. Any repairs required during the process of normal maintenance will remain your responsibility.

• DO NOT repair an instrument without the pre-approval of HMDT Music. If you fail to notify HMDT Music of repairs and/or do not gain pre-approval for repairs, such repairs will be at your own expense.

• The condition of the instrument will be reassessed EACH academic year for the duration of the loan.

INSTRUMENT CARE

You will be responsible for the safe-keeping of the instrument, and will be required to sign an “Instrumental Loan Agreement”, provided by HMDT Music, and pay a loan fee.

• Always ensure that the instrument is packed away in its case when not in use.

• Do NOT allow anyone else (brothers, sisters, etc.) to play with the instrument.

• Do NOT expose the instrument to any extremes of temperature (e.g. storing it near to a radiator etc.).

• If anything appears to be wrong with the instrument, do NOT attempt to repair it – contact the office and make sure the senior manager or tutor sees it at the first opportunity.

• Parents/Carers will be asked to pay for any necessary repairs caused by mistreatment or lack of care of instruments.

• Insurance – given the high cost of musical instruments, you must ensure that the instrument on loan to you is adequately covered by insurance. It is possible that a standard home insurance policy may give you cover (although, depending on the detail of your policy, this may not give cover outside your home) in particular not in the car if left there.

  There are several companies that specialise in insurance for musical instruments (e.g. Allianz), from whom comprehensive cover can be obtained at a very reasonable cost. If you require advice about insurance, please contact the Senior Manager.