Purchases – Rentals

Rentals

Understanding Rent-to-Purchase vs. Rent-to-Own

What’s the Difference—and What Does It Mean for You?

We offer two types of rental agreements at Brighton Music Center, and understanding the difference can help you plan for your student’s musical journey.

Step Ups & Appointments

Like-New Rentals – Rent-to-Purchase

Most of our rentals fall under this category. When you rent a like-new instrument (band or orchestra), your monthly payments build rental equity, but this works a bit differently:

  • The equity is not general credit and cannot be used to purchase the rental instrument itself. That instrument will return to our rental fleet for future students.
  • Instead, the equity can be applied toward the purchase of an instrument of the same type (for example, a violin rental builds equity toward a performance-level violin—not a flute or drum set).

This model provides flexibility – your rental supports your student as they learn, and when the time is right, you can use that built-up equity to step up to a better, long-term instrument.

Brand-New Rentals (Band Only) –
Rent-to-Own

When you rent a brand-new band instrument (such as flute, trumpet, clarinet, etc.), you’re enrolled in a rent-to-own program. That means:

  • Every payment goes directly toward full ownership of the exact instrument you’re renting
  • Once the final payment is made, the instrument becomes yours—no additional steps
  • Early pay-off discount: 20% off the remaining balance

This option is ideal for families who want to invest in a new instrument from the beginning and commit to long-term use.

Important Things to Know About Your Rental Contract

At Brighton Music Center, we want to make sure every parent and student understands how our rental program works—especially when it comes to building rental equity. Here are a few essential things to keep in mind to make the most of your contract:

1. Equity Accumulates with a Continuous Contract

Your rental equity only builds if your account stays active and uninterrupted.
If you return your instrument for the summer and re-rent in the fall, your new contract will start over at zero.

Tip: If your student plans to continue next school year, keep the rental over the summer. It’s the best way to preserve your equity for future purchase options.

2. Equity is Tied to One Student and One Instrument Type
  • Equity is not transferable between students (siblings or otherwise)
  • Equity cannot be combined across multiple contracts
  • If a student switches to a different instrument, their original contract continues and equity keeps building—as long as the account remains open
3. This Is Not Store Credit

Rental equity is not general credit and cannot be used toward just any purchase. It can only be applied toward:

  • Purchasing an instrument of the same type you’ve been renting
  • Not toward accessories, lessons, or unrelated instruments
4. Rental Equity Terms by Instrument Type
  • Band Instruments: Equity builds over up to 36 months, and can be applied fully toward a qualifying purchase
  • Orchestra Instruments: Because students often need to size up, we allow 100% of equity to be used—up to 50% of the retail price of the instrument being purchased
    • Example: If you’ve built $1,500 in equity and are purchasing a $2,000 violin, you may apply up to $1,000 toward the purchase
5. Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.

We know this can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the world of student instruments. Give us a call, send us a message, or stop in—we’re happy to walk you through your specific contract and help you plan your next steps.

New Brighton (724) 843-9380

Pittsburgh (412) 821-5908