It's a trial purchase plan where 100% of your payments* apply towards the price of owning your instrument, and you earn equity towards your next instrument. If your child chooses to stop band or orchestra or switch to a different instrument, you'll have the flexibility to change instruments or cancel your plan at any time. This ensures you're prepared for any unexpected turns in your child's musical journey.

*Less the Maintenance Plan costs 

Definitely! When you bring your instrument in to your local Schmitt Music store, you may easily exchange it for another student instrument in the BTR program, with no additional fees. Monthly pricing may vary by instrument type.

Although we are sorry to see you go, returning your instrument is quick and easy. Just drop off your instrument at your local Schmitt Music store, and payments will stop.

If your school is serviced by a Schmitt Music educational representative, we can pick your instrument up from the school, saving you a trip. Connect with your school band or orchestra director for more details.

As students develop their musicianship, they can outgrow the limitations of student instruments. Upgrading your instrument can be a huge help in continuing to develop your sound and skills.

Schmitt Music is proud to offer the industry-leading instrument specialty shops for step-up instruments. Connect with our instrument specialists in the Paul A. Schmitt Violin Shop, The Flute Gallery, The Clarinet Gallery, The Sax Shop, The Trumpet Shop and the Trombone Shop (for all low brass). Our specialist will work with your student to try a variety of instruments, and find the one best suited to their needs and preferences.

See below for details on how your Better Than Rent earned equity can apply to your next instrument.

When it's time to upgrade your band instrument, your equity is the value of the payments made in the first 12 months, excluding the cost of the maintenance plan. This equity will apply towards the purchase of a new qualifying performance-level instrument.

When it's time to upgrade your orchestra instrument, your equity is the value of 100% of the payments made to date, excluding the cost of the maintenance plan. This equity will apply towards the purchase of a new qualifying performance-level instrument.

Any accidental damages to the instrument that affect playing ability are covered by our Worry-Free Maintenance Plan. If you elect not to purchase the Maintenance Plan, repair costs are at the expense of the individual.

Visit any Schmitt Music store to receive a repair estimate, or enroll in the Maintenance Plan.

Probably not! Our team of educational representatives visit our partner schools, and will pick up and drop off instruments for repair, saving you the headache of another errand. Ed Reps can also deliver online orders, and ship-to-school instrument orders.

Schmitt Music educational representatives service over 1,000 schools across Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and Eastern Nebraska. Check with your director if you are unsure if your school is one of our partner programs.