It's back-to-school time and you might be wondering…

- Where do I go for my child’s first instrument? 

 - I’m looking for a store that has a commitment to my community, what they do and a well thought out rent-to-own program.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOL TIES

Because we’ve been in business for 24 years, we have built our Rent-to-Own program with the input from our community, families, students, schools and teachers, to make it as easy and successful as possible.  We help parents just like you everyday to find the best instrument for their kids…after all, your success is our success! We want nothing more than to continue the love of music in our community, and nourish that love for years to come. 

These are Great Quotes!  They are all from 7th and 8th graders at Madison Middle School and other nearby schools in Appleton, Wisconsin.  The kids say things so clearly - seem better than the quotes from famous people.

“Music lifts up your soul and releases it.” – K. D.

“Music is what moves everyone, and without it, life would be pointless.” – D. D.

“Music is important because it can describe people, places, movies, or animals that words can’t.  Without music, the world would have a hard time understanding other things.” – B. P.

“Music is important because it helps you express yourself in ways that you can’t with normal talking.”– S. L.

“Music is important to me because it gives me something to look forward to everyday.” – K. K.

Pick an instrument your child loves!

One of the most important things to consider for your child, is simply, “What do they want to play?” Being personally invested in their music instrument choice is crucial to any young learner wanting to stick with it. We see many children show an early affinity to specific instruments, but after exposure to the other instruments in the group, often develop a passion for a different instrument.  Having a passion and love for an instrument makes the process of learning so full of ease and enjoyment because the practicing factor is just plain fun.  We encourage students to keep trying instruments until they find the one they love the most!  In our rent-to-own program, all of your rental credit moves to the other instruments.*

That being said, there are some recommended minimum starting ages:

Should I rent or buy?

Renting an instrument is flexible.  Our program has repair and maintenance coverage to keep the instrument in perfect playing condition.  We offer the ability to exchange the instrument at no cost, as well as special discounts on purchasing if you have decided you have the right instrument.  Also, you have the option to return it if the student should ever decide they want to follow another passion.  We have loaner instruments available to students with the maintenance agreement if the instrument needs repairs or maintenance.  You can apply all your equity to purchase, allowing you to eventually own an instrument if you wish.  Know that our rental fleet is maintained to the highest standards by our in house technician.

A little note from our owner Mary:

As we were helping what felt like the ten thousandth child try an instrument that we help the teachers in schools with their recruiting process with hundreds of hours of staffing, it occurred to me this fall.
Parents are able to give their children a gift through Golden Music's rent-to-own program, through the time and exposure in finding the instrument they are passionate about. It is a lifetime gift of music!

It takes several important steps to finding the RIGHT instrument. 
1) Have the ability to trade to other instruments 
2) It is important to have a high quality & well maintained instrument!
3) Make practice time a habit & have patience! 

SUCCESS PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT – FOUR PARTS

1. GO TO YOUR LESSON (SHOW UP TO CLASS)
2. Practice at home, 15 minutes a day for a beginner
3. Have a good teacher
4. Have a high quality instrument, tuned and ready to play

Numbers 1, 3 and 4 are taken care of by the parents, teachers and administrators.  We all see the benefits of music - the brain development, community connections, enjoyment, etc.  The best instruments you can afford will help your child succeed and make the practice more enjoyable.  A good instrument can make learning easier.

from Business Insider

Some researchers believe that learning to play an instrument directly causes increases in general intelligence. Others acknowledge that music training can cause small increases in IQ, and that there is indeed a relationship between music lessons and substantial differences in intelligence. But they also say significant differences in IQ are impossible to attribute solely to learning and experience, and they're more likely to be attributed to genetics.

Regardless, research shows a strong correlation between increased general intelligence and music lessons, and the longer the duration of musical training, the better the student's intellectual functioning.

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