Better Than Rent Student Instrument Program
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Your Student's Musical Journey Starts Here

School-approved instruments, flexible options, and expert support to help your student succeed from day one.

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Back-to-School Made Easy with Better Than Rent

Starting band or orchestra shouldn’t be complicated or costly. That’s why Schmitt Music’s Better Than Rent program makes it easy for families to get quality teacher-approved instruments with peace of mind. Enjoy flexible monthly payments, full repair coverage, and the ability to apply your equity toward ownership; all with no long-term commitment. It’s the smart way to start your student’s musical journey.

  • Better Than Rent Instrument Program

    Start playing for as little as $5. Our Better Than Rent portal makes selecting an instrument simple and fast. With educator-approved choices, quick checkout, and delivery or pickup options.

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  • Manage Your BTR Account

    Already a customer? Stay in control of your account with our convenient online hub. Update your payment information, view BTR details or change your billing preferences all in one place.

    MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT

  • Ready-to-Play Used Student Instruments

    Give a quality instrument a second life with one of our Band Director Approved Ready-to-Play Used Student Instruments. Sourced from program returns and trade-ins, each instrument undergoes a rigorous inspection.

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Explore Schmitt Music

The Worlds's Finest Pianos

Steinway & Sons Premier Dealer
A brass saxophone with a brown leather neck strap, displayed on a brown tufted leather bench alongside a white Select Jazz box, a cleaning swab and a black mouthpiece

Saxophone Accessories

Keyboards
A box of Dominant Tension brand violin strings and rosin resting on sheet music, styled next to a Viola on a wooden stand against a plain light gray wall.

String Instrument Accessories

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Steinway & Sons Minneapolis-St. Paul Skyline Grand Piano

This breathtaking Steinway grand features the Twin Cities' skyline traced in elegant white gold etching. The design highlights iconic landmarks that define the region: the St. Paul Cathedral, Como Conservatory, the Stone Arch Bridge, and Schmitt Music's iconic sheet music mural. This is more than an instrument; it is a single, unique work of art.

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Save Big on Pre-Owned Instruments!


Explore quality pre-owned band, orchestra, and keyboard instruments, inspected and ready to play. Great for students, professionals & collectors alike.

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Brands we know you'll love.

music notes mural

Over 125 years of serving Music Makers

Anyone engaged in the creation or performance of music is a Music Maker. From young students learning their first note, adults rediscovering a passion, or to the experienced professional performer. We serve all those dedicated to continuously learning, creating, and expressing themselves through music.

Our History

Staff Picks

From the newest trends to exceptional classics, we try everything we carry. Here are our favorites.

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Lake City Bari Saxophone

Schmitt Music Exclusive

Lake City Music Instruments & Accessories
Student learning to play the violin, violin lesson

Private Music Lessons

STEP

Steinway Teacher & Educator Program
Cello recital in auditorium

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  • Orders Delivered to Your School

    We work closely with many schools in Minnesota and around the Midwest. If your child attends one of those schools, we offer free delivery for online orders right to the school.

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  • Shipping with Care

    From instruments to accessories, we understand that each product is very important. That's why we take extra care to make sure your order will arrive in perfect performance condition.

    See Our Shipping Policy