-A quality instrument costs more but it saves money in the long run and it will make you practice more because the sound and feel of holding it is more pleasurable.

If you’re buying an instrument for a child, you can pick a cheap one but if you want a better sound and more of a chance for the child to want to practice everyday, you want something better. A $150 cheap violin is unlikely to last long and may not sound inspiring.  It might not even play!!  There's usually about $200 of work to bring it up to standards of the teacher and then you have a souped up poor instruments.  And if it breaks down, you will have to buy another one because it's not repairable (basically you will end up spending more money than you would spend buying a quality, better violin).  A $150 clarinet is disposable (can't repair it), probably won't sound at the same pitch as the other students in class, and it will be hard to play.

Really?   You might ask yourself:  "Isn't it okay for my student to have a cheap instrument?  They're just starting out, what does it matter?"

Let's talk about SOUND:

Sound is made up of the Resonance and Timbre.   Resonance will primarily affect the type and quality of the sound produced.  The Resonance of an instrument comes from the artistry and workmanship built into it.   The artistry and workmanship of Golden Music's quality instruments have over a 200 year history of how they are built/the history of their initial origin is over 2000 years.   

Those cheap instruments are made by workshops without this depth of knowledge or practice, as well as purposefully cutting corners and using cheap materials to make it quicker and less expensive.

Sound "quality" or "timbre" describes those characteristics of sound which allow the ear to distinguish sounds which have the same pitch and loudness.   While a cheap instruments is making the same "note" as the quality instruments, the timbre can be screechy, harsh, not pleasing. 

Let's talk about PLAYING IN TUNE:

A big problem is that the cheap instruments can be very hard to make sound at the same pitch as the rest of the class.  This is quite a burden for the young child to try to work with.  Even a seasoned player has to struggle to make these sound on the same pitches as everybody else.

Let's talk about FEELING: 

How It Feels To Hold It. 

Think about a hobby, work or passion you have and a tool you use for that?  Even gardening, a hand shovel form Walmart costing $3 is un balanced, might bend if you hit a rock, doesn't feel good to use... compared to the $40 one from Ace Hardware...  You can compare this to cars also - the cheap $150 online instruments are cars that don't even run...  our competition's instruments (those the teacher has accepted to come to rental events) are like Pintos - they run, but there's no finesse, no support, no style...  they will get you there - then there's Golden Music's quality instruments.  We give to you the finest student instruments made in the world - Yamaha and Buffet band instruments and strings instruments hand picked by the owners from small family workshops from around the world.  Our instruments are like a very good Honda / Suburu - safe, comfortable, has features you need for a beginner driver...   

Described by one seasoned musician from our community...   "as a musician myself, I like to use the words "it feels like butter" - doesn't make a lot of sense, but when I play a good instruments every thing is easier, it feels good to use, it feels smoother, it feels like it's working with me to make the sounds I want to express..."

Invest Your Coffee Money Into Music for Your Kid...

    ...The intangible gain of your child learning to play an instrument comparable to the cost of buying one cup of coffee a week is a no brainer in favor of MUSIC!    Think about how much you spend on a cup of coffee out once a week, $6?  That is enough to give your family a lifetime of music and sound.

Golden Music offers a rent-to-own program where you are able to rent-to-own (or just rent) a high-quality instrument for about just $30 a month for most instruments.  You will eventually own the instrument but are never required to keep it. 

The Everlasting Gift of Music - because the music your child learns is a voice of beauty and sound that they can speak through from the first day of class (well not so beautiful to us - but to their own precious hearts - they are speaking) and who's to say?  This is their beautiful child's voice speaking through this instrument of sound.    Many, many schools are providing excellent music education for your child at the school.  Now is the time to focus on giving your child this opportunity.  

Extensive research studies have proven that children display long-term positive results from learning to play a musical instrument.  Here's to mention a few:

   -their confidence levels rise

   -their reasoning skills strengthen

   -helps increase comprehension and math skills, coordination

   -provides better capacity for memory abilities.

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.

I’m looking for a store that has a long history working with my school and teacher and shows commitment to my community...

Building community is what Golden Music is about:  we support partnership in our support of your needs, the teachers, school districts and broader community.  We help teachers with their recruiting efforts every fall.    Golden Music is rooted in your community, partnered with your school, and dedicated to helping your child’s teacher and you with any tools, service and knowledge to create a wonderful experience.

 -How do I know I’m getting the appropriate instrument that works with what the teacher and school require? 

We know and work with your teacher throughout the year to create the instrument package and supplies they want your child to have.

-How do Golden Music and our staff build community?

We believe the best way to support the local music community is to participate in that community.  We’ve built relationships with nearly every school in the area, so we have their needs and yours at top of mind.  We consider all teachers as lifetime partners, from getting their first job, to helping run programs and retirement after that (even in their later, golden years, the music teachers never quit giving and being involved in teaching children btw!).  

Building community is what Golden Music is about:  we support PARTNERSHIP with the teachers, school districts and broader community.  We help teachers with their recruiting efforts every fall.  We support school events throughout the year.  We join rallies and efforts for funding for music programs at the local, regional and national levels.   We make donations of time and instruments ongoing and when asked to programs in need.

           Our first recruiting event, August 7, 2019, Dartmouth Elementary

-I'd rather support a program that is locally owned and operated...

We are residents nearby the store and plan Golden Music as a generational company, passing ownership to our employees and children.  You are our community and we care.  

Rent-to-Own with a store that is rooted in your community:

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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.

“Music is important because it allows people to be creative and it offers more life to people.” – K. B.

“Music is important in my life because it gives me something to do.  I think it is important to the world because it helps people feel better and can give them hope.” – J. K.

“Music is important in my life because I always have something to sing along to and relate to.  It is important to the world as a whole because it brings us together.” – A. G.

“Music is the highlight of my day!  After a rough day, I like to listen to music to lift my spirits.”– M. W.

“Music gives you something to listen to on long drives.” – H. R.

“Life without music would be boring… no background music for movies, and life would sound dull.” – A. Z.

“I think music is important because music is a way that people can express themselves and if people couldn’t express themselves there would be a lot more violence in the world.” – A. S.

“Music, without it there would be silence, less joy, and darker times.” – B. S.

“Music puts the life and excitement into the world.  Music is a part of my everyday life, from the radio in the morning to chorus and band class at school.  Without music, I wouldn’t be who I am today.– S. P.

“I play a lot of video games, so I hear a lot of music with it.  I may not notice, but the music provides more depth to the situation.” – M. M.

“Music is important to my life because it makes dancing and singing a lot easier. It also makes life interesting and hardcore!” – E. C.

“Music is important to people’s lives because it makes things better when things aren’t going right in the world.” – T. M.

“Music isn’t important in my life, it IS my life.  From flute, to piano, to guitar, it pretty much controls my life.  In the case of the world, it unites it with happiness and continues and tells histories of civilization.” – S. P.

“Music is important in my life because music has cool beats, and music is fun and keeps me happy.” – R. M.

“Music is so much a part of my life that I don’t know what I would do if there was none.  The world is greatly changed by music.  People don’t notice, but music changes people’s moods, feelings, and even their actions.” – M. H.

“Music is very important in my life because I worship God when I play at church, and because it takes me away from doing stuff that is bad.” – K. B.

“Without music, there would be nothing to do.  There wouldn’t be video games, TV shows, or concerts to go to.” – M. P.

“When I am feeling bad, it helps me not feel bad.  Music is important in life because you need it for your national anthem.” – A. V.

“Music is important in my life because I listen to it everyday.  It helps me relax.” – M. J.

“Without band, I wouldn’t have met all of my friends here at Madison Middle School.” – J. L.

“Music is important because it is a way to express myself. It shows how someone feels.  It just adds to everything.” – L. H.

“Music is important to me because it expresses feelings and some of the beats get you into the mood of the music.” – E. G.

“I like that I can make people happy doing what I like.” – Z. Z.

“Without music, our life would be very, very boring.  It’s something that every culture has in common, no matter what.” – L. K.

“Music can bring peace, but it can also get me pumped.” – T. W.

“I can’t imagine Christmas without music.” – D. V.

“Music is an outburst of the soul.” – I. B.

“Whenever I am sad, I play my music and it makes me happy.” – K. Y.

“Life without music is like fasting for a teen – boring, painful, and dull.  Every morning I wake up to music filling my dreams until I realize that the wonderful melody is coming from my alarm telling me to get going.  That’s not only where this wonderful gift fits into my day.  Several minutes later, I take a shower with the radio cranked, but unfortunately my voice doesn’t flow to the song as well. In the car ride to school, again music and again I sing (too bad for my neighbors!). To make school worth living, there’s band – a time to let the mind wander, a time to relax and put my music skills to test.  Thankfully I play better than I sing!  Besides my music life, think about yours.  Your cell phone goes off and what do you hear – music. A parade with the melodious sounds, but then it’s taken away and the parade comes to a rest. Without the joy of music, there’s no point in life, unless life to you is no sound at all.” – M. M.

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:

Violin/Strings – Age 5 and up - Violin is another common starting instrument for children. Some children begin as young as 3, but 5 is usually the recommended age to begin due to finger dexterity and strength, as children will need to hold their violin up for a long time while they’re playing. Other string instruments to explore with your child are viola, cello, bass and harp.

Woodwinds/Brass – Age 9 and up

For woodwinds like the flute and clarinet, as well as brass instruments like the trumpet, the recommended minimum starting age is around 9 years old. These instruments require a certain level of lung capacity and power to reach the notes and play with proper technique. For those interested in saxophone, for example, one of the greatest considerations is on body size relative to the instrument, where 9 is also viewed as a good benchmark for physical size.

By the Way - It's Good For Your Brain  - Playing and learning an instrument is not just about the physical act of hitting the right notes, it is one of the only activities that engages both sides of your brain simultaneously!

 Piano – Age 5 and up - Piano is a very popular first instrument for many young learners. Starting at age 5 is generally recommended due to hand size, finger independence and strength and body position.

Guitar/Bass – Age 6 and up - The suggested starting age for guitar/bass guitar is around 6. Children that are younger than six may struggle to cope with the finger strength, flexibility and the hand-size required to ensure a firm pressing down on the strings and along the fretboard.

Emotional and Mental Development - Playing and learning an instrument is not just about the physical act of hitting the right notes, it is one of the only activities that engages both sides of your brain simultaneously!

Ready to find that perfect fit for you child? Give us a call at …. or stop by! We’d love to see you

• Some restrictions apply

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.

Pressure to fit in with the most popular crowd and styles may cause first-time musicians to hastily choose an instrument.  Starting with an instrument first through a rental program is a good way to let them explore options without a huge financial commitment.

Buying an Instrument: Stability

Buying an instrument is a little bit more of a commitment. In the long term, it can be less expensive than renting but you have fewer options regarding some of the flexibility. Here’s a quick run down of why I see folks buy an instrument:  If the student will play for more than three years, purchasing is a little more cost effective, however there are no exchange options available.

 with Golden Music's Rent-to-Own

Owning an instrument versus renting can mean costly repairs and missing class when it's under repair.  Rent-to-Own or Just Rent! fixes that. If you live nearby, just pop in, if you are further away or busy, we will pick up your instrument and bring you a loaner, fix yours and bring it back.  There’s no trouble and the maintenance plan covers all repairs due to normal use.  This is much easier than going online or finding someone for the repair in a rush, when you don’t know that much about the instrument and what it actually needs.  If you buy an instrument and it breaks, you have at least two weeks in a shop, and you have to drive to the store and back. That is 1/5 of your students class semester! With our program, we deliver you a loaner to your home or schools so you never miss a day of class!