As a child, I played flute starting in 6th grade and on through high school. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I would recommend music to anyone.
However, I remember my parents going through the school music plan and making monthly payments on my flute for years!
So, when my son and daughter chose to play instuments in 6th grade–I decided to go outside the box to save on their instuments. Here’s how I bought 3 instruments for about $300.
My son was first to enter 6th grade and he decided to play the trumpet. The music program through the school wanted $1800 for a new trumpet. By looking on ebay–I found a nice used one for just under $150.00 shipped–using buy it now, as we needed it fairly quickly.
A couple years later— son switched to choir and never picked up the trumpet again—I didn’t mind, as I wasn’t making payments on his trumpet…and he had gotten his money’s worth out of it.
When my daughter entered 6th grade, she decided to play the flute. For a new flute through the school music program, I was again looking at $1400.
This time–I posted on Freecycle and found a used flute for her for $0.00, yep nothing! However, I did have to take it into the shop to be re-padded and tuned for just under $100.00.
3 years later—daughter had worn out that flute and we needed another one. Again, I went onto ebay and found a bunch of used ones. I bid pretty low on an action and didn’t win. After a couple more tries–I won one for $58.00 shipped!
So—all together—through my children’s music years—I got a trumpet and 2 flutes for a total of $308.00. If I would have bought new through the school’s music programs–I would have spend over $3,000 on just 2 instruments. Buying used on my own saved me over 90% and I got an extra instrument in the deal!
Saving Money: Musical Instruments is a post by Coupon Kutters Blog
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Good point to check local thrift stores!
The trick there would be to find out in advance what you child would like to play.
And–great score on your find! At that price–you don’t mind the kids playing with it….a great educational toy for them to play around with!
PS In nice weather–it’s great to have them give you an Outdoor Concert!
Thanks for sharing! Musical instruments are so expensive! I played trumpet in high school and actually get it out and let my kids use it every now and then. This fall, I found a trumpet at Goodwilll (half off $40, minus my $5 coupon for the month)-$15 plus tax. Now, it has a small dent but otherwise sounds great!