Instrument purchase advice

For students having lessons in school, with an NMPAT teacher, orchestral instruments are loaned free of charge for the first year of tuition.  Students would normally need to have their own guitars and keyboard (some schools may have instruments you could borrow).

If you decide to purchase your own instrument, many schools will operate the “assisted purchase scheme”, allowing you to buy musical instruments without paying VAT.  This is at the discretion of the school and they are under no obligation to do this – please contact your child’s school directly for more information.

NMPAT are unable to purchase instruments without paying VAT, but our teachers can provide advice if you are buying an instrument for the first time.  Please see the information below, and talk to your child’s teacher directly if you have further questions.

The prospect of purchasing a musical instrument can be daunting with so many makes and models available.

There are some well known makes of instruments which you will find in each section below.  You will be able to get an idea of a guide price by looking at the websites of various different retailers – we can also provide a list of our usual suppliers as a guide to where you might like to look – please talk to your teacher or email office@nmpat.co.uk 

There are many cheap instruments available, and parents are warned to be particularly careful about buying unbranded, budget instruments. These do not represent value for money and a poor instrument will inhibit your child’s progress.

If you are in any doubt about the suitability of an instrument, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s instrumental teacher or the relevant Head of Department for advice:

Head of Brass: John Bickerdike jbickerdike@nmpat.co.uk

Head of Strings: Beth Gifford bgifford@nmpat.co.uk

Head of Woodwind: Andy Kirkwood akirkwood@nmpat.co.uk

Well known makes for brass instruments include:

  • Yamaha
  • Jupiter
  • Besson
  • John Packer

There are many other makes, and reputable dealers will be happy to tell you about instruments which are comparable to those listed.

Flutes

Well known makes for flutes include:

  • Yamaha
  • Jupiter
  • Buffet
  • Pearl
  • Trevor James

Clarinets

Well known makes for clarinets include:

  • Yamaha
  • Jupiter
  • Buffet
  • Le Blanc
  • Selmer

There are many other makes, and reputable dealers will be happy to tell you about instruments which are comparable to those listed.

Financial Support

NMPAT are committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate in the arts.  Find out how we can help support you and your family.

Saturday Music and Arts Centres

Brackley and Cheney
Daventry
Duston (Northampton)
Holloway (Northampton)
Kettering
Nene Valley (Oundle)
Towcester
Wellingborough
Y-Not Arts
Youth Theatre