Instrument Loans

musician holding trombone and reviewing score while other brass musicans play

The Schulich School of Music has a large inventory of Performance and Music Education instruments which are available for loan from the buildingdirector.music [at] mcgill.ca (Building Director’s Office). All instruments are available, free of charge during the academic year, to students who need them for an accredited course.
 

Building Director's Office:
Opening hours
: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm


FAQs

Who can borrow an instrument during the academic year?

Instruments are available for loan to full-time students of McGill University who are either music majors, taking practical instruction or are taking an ensemble in the Schulich School of Music. During the school year, students who fall within these categories are permitted to borrow an instrument from the Building Director’s Office upon signing the Instrument Loan Contract: https://forms.office.com/r/9t7RL39W6w

During the academic year (September 1st-April 30th) there is no fee associated with the borrowing of instruments for students, however, in some cases insurance will be required at the discretion of the Building Director’s Office.

How do I get an instrument?

All instruments must be signed out through the Building Director’s Office (E-222, E-223 or E-224). Anyone wishing to sign out an instrument must first fill out the Instrument Loan Contract https://forms.office.com/r/9t7RL39W6w Please note that there may be a 24 hour delay to receive certain instruments. Last minute requests will not be accepted.

What is the Instrument Loan Contract?

The Instrument Loan Contract must be signed by yourself and approved by your teacher (coach, conductor or Ensemble Research Manager) in order to borrow an instrument from the Schulich School of Music. This contract contains pertinent information regarding the agreement of all loans such as; the date the instrument was signed out to you, the reason for the loan, the instrument and accessories you are responsible for as well as the date it is due back in the Building Director’s Office.

By signing the Instrument Loan Contract you take on full responsibility to ensure that the instrument is returned to the Building Director’s Office in the same state it was lent to you. Please make sure to read the Instrument Loan Contract carefully.
If you have any question ask them before signing.

What About Summer Equipment or Space Rentals and Loans?

Instruments

During the summer months (May 1st - August 18th) McGill Music students are permitted to rent instruments from the Schulich School of Music for a fee.

  • Summer rental fee for 2023: $80.00 /week, $225.00 / month, $165.00 August 1st -18th.
  • Paying the fee grants you the sole use of an instrument throughout the period paid. We accept cheques made out to McGill University.
  • Instruments borrowed during the summer months must be kept on school premises. A storage space will be assigned for the instrument. It must be left there at all times when not in use. If you wish to take the instrument off the premises permission must be obtained in advance. Proof of insurance must be provided before the instrument can leave the faculty.

Practice Space

Practice space may be rented between May 1st until August 18th. The rental of practice space is available to any individual wishing to make use of a piano or practice space during the summer months. Use of space is based on a first come, first served basis and is available from Monday to Sunday during building hours.

  • Students of the Schulich School of Music may use the practice floors free of charge during the summer.
  • Individuals not associated with the Schulich School of Music must pay a rental fee of $80.00 /week, $225.00 / month and $165.00 August 1st to August 18th.
  • Rentals run from the date of activation.

We accept cheques made out to McGill University. Please drop by room E-223 in the Strathcona Music Building.

When are instruments signed out/due back?

Instruments that are on loan to students during the Fall semester may be signed out during the first week of classes and must be returned after the assignment has been completed. In the winter semester, instruments are available the first week of classes and must be returned after the assignment has been completed. It is not permitted to take instruments outside of the school and must be stored in a location assigned by the Building Director's Office. Instruments must be signed out or renewed every semester.

What do I do if I no longer need an instrument in the middle of a semester?

Once an instrument is no longer needed it is the student’s responsibility to immediately return the instrument to the Building Director’s Office.

If the instrument is being shared and you no longer need it, the Building Director’s Office must be informed. Until that time you remain jointly responsible for the instrument.

Do I have to share my instrument with other students?

Depending on the availability of and demand for certain instruments you may be required to share an instrument with several other students. There are a limited number of instruments and therefore we cannot always accommodate a one student per instrument ratio.

When sharing is necessary it is imperative that a schedule is posted within the locker in which the instrument is stored. This schedule will help to avoid conflicts regarding instrument use. Please be sure to adhere to the schedule and make changes as necessary.

When sharing an instrument it is important to understand that responsibility for the care and safe return of the instrument is shared amongst all users.

Am I responsible for an instrument I sign out?

When signing an Instrument Loan Contract , you accept full responsibility to return the instrument to the Building Director’s Office, by the agreed upon date, in the same condition that it was borrowed. You are responsible for the instrument in the event of it being lost or stolen and you are expected to take all reasonable precautions to safeguard it. Faculty instruments are required to stay within the building. Should a student need to take an instrument off the premises a request must first be made to the Building Director’s Office.

Where do I keep the instrument I am borrowing?

Whether you are borrowing an instrument for a Performance or Music Education course you must keep it in the assigned instrument storage room when you are not using it.

 

For more information, please contact us by email at buildingdirector.music [at] mcgill.ca or by telephone at 514-398-8333.

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