5th grade instrumental music header

Get an Instrument

Families have a variety of options to get an instrument for their student.

Purchased or Rented Instruments

  • Instruments are available at local music stores either for purchase or on a continuous rental program. They can be rented month-to-month, and rental fees will apply to the purchase of the instrument, with return privileges at any time.
  • Following are the two vendors used in the Dubuque Community Schools. For these vendors, instruments will be delivered to the students at their Super Lesson or to your student’s school for their first day of lessons.

Schultz Strings (Orchestra)
1756 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids
319/895-8484
www.schultzstrings.com

West Music (Band and Orchestra)
2244 John F. Kennedy Rad, Dubuque
563/583-7333
www.westmusic.com

  • When renting STRING instruments, you must indicate what size instrument your student needs. This can be found on the bottom of the student’s “Instrument Exploration Form.”
  • NOTE: Do not purchase an instrument from a vendor other than what is listed above before checking with your instructor. A variety of non-music stores and/or websites offer substandard quality instruments, and the lack of repair options and overall poor build quality of some of these instruments can jeopardize your student’s experience. Providing your student with a quality instrument that can be repaired if needed gives them the best chance for success!

School-Owned Instruments

  • The district has a limited number of school-owned instruments available for student use.

2025-2026 Elementary Instrument Rental Fee:
$50.00 per year

  • Instrument rental is a waivable fee for families who are eligible and have completed a fee waiver application.
  • To be considered for a school-owned instrument, please complete the request when filling out the registration form online. NOTE: Due to limited inventory, submitting a request for a school-owned instrument does not guarantee your student will receive an instrument.

Used Instruments

  • Instruments do not need to be new! If you are using a used instrument, please bring it to your student’s director or a repair shop to ensure that it is in playable condition.