Want to Learn an Instrument? New Hartford Public Library Lets You Borrow One for Free

Back-to-school season is expensive enough before your child comes home and announces they want to join the school band.

Between school supplies, new clothes, sneakers and everything else that seems to pop up in September, adding the cost of a musical instrument can be a lot, especially when you're not entirely sure that clarinet is still going to be their passion three months from now.

Fortunately, one Central New York library has a program that could make starting music lessons a whole lot more affordable.

New Hartford Library Lets Kids Borrow Musical Instruments for Free

The New Hartford Public Library participates in Make Music Happen!, a musical instrument lending program that allows patrons to borrow an instrument instead of buying or renting one.

Read More: Syracuse Makes List of America’s Most Beautiful College Towns

The program was created in 2018 by Holly Sagrestano as her Girl Scout Gold Award project to make music accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

And with a new school year beginning, the timing couldn't be better for families with kids who are interested in joining band, orchestra or simply learning to play an instrument.

Your Child Can Borrow an Instrument for Up to a Year

Musical instruments through the program can be borrowed for up to one year, giving kids plenty of time to learn, practice and figure out whether they actually enjoy playing before parents make a bigger financial investment.

For families with a first-time music student, that could potentially mean avoiding hundreds of dollars in upfront costs.

What Instruments Can You Borrow?

The New Hartford Public Library currently lists a pretty impressive selection of instruments available through Make Music Happen!, including:

• Cello
• Flute
• Violin
• Tenor saxophone
• Trumpet
• Keyboard
• Alto saxophone
• Trombone
• Drum set
• Electric guitar
• Euphonium
• Clarinet
• Acoustic guitar

That includes several instruments commonly used in school band and orchestra programs.

Read More: Syracuse Makes List of America’s Most Beautiful College Towns

Availability can change as instruments are checked out, so families interested in the program should contact the New Hartford Public Library to find out what's currently available.

A Back-to-School Money Saver for Central New York Families

Music programs can give kids an incredible opportunity to learn something new, but the price of an instrument can make that opportunity harder for some families.

It's also a pretty big investment when your child has never played before. Maybe they discover a lifelong love of music, or maybe that trumpet loses its appeal sometime around Thanksgiving.

Get our free mobile app

Either way, Make Music Happen! gives kids the chance to try.

So, if your child comes home during the first few weeks of school asking for an instrument, you may want to check the library before you check your bank account.