What the scheme is

The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme allows a school to buy a musical instrument for a pupil's use, with a parent or guardian contributing towards the cost. Where the scheme's conditions are met, the purchase can be made without VAT — which on a £600 instrument is a meaningful saving.

The scheme covers instruments and, in some cases, directly related accessories. It does not cover general music equipment.

Who can use it

• The pupil must be in full-time education at a participating school.
• The school must agree to take part and to buy the instrument.
• The instrument must be for the pupil's own use in their musical education.
• The school, not the parent, is the purchaser.

If you are a parent, the first step is always your child's school or music service. If they do not already run the scheme, they will need to agree to before anything else happens.

How it works with us

1. Choose the instrument. Come into the showroom, ring, or email with what you are looking for. We will confirm price and availability and give you a written quotation for the school.
2. The school applies. The school completes the application and confirms it will purchase the instrument under the scheme. 
3. We invoice the school. We supply the instrument to the school on the agreed terms, VAT-free where the scheme applies.
4. Setup and handover. The instrument goes through our workshop and is set up for the player before it is handed over.

Conditions

• Instruments supplied under the scheme go through the same workshop setup as everything else we sell.
• Manufacturer warranties apply as normal.
• The scheme is administered by the school. We cannot approve, decline or chase an application on the school's behalf.
• VAT relief applies only where the scheme's conditions are met. If they are not, VAT is chargeable at the standard rate.

Start an application

Email sales@tonedistrict.shop with the pupil's school, the instrument you are interested in and a contact for the school's music department, and we will send a quotation and the paperwork.

Schools and music services are welcome to get in touch directly on +44 7454 755958.