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Instrument Library

Bandology’s Instrument Library is a collection of instruments available to borrow for a semester, over the summer or during Band Camp! These instruments can be borrowed by students for a small $10 admin fee.

At Bandology, we are committed to the lifelong value of music through collaboration, community and education. When youth have access to affordable music education, more kids can experience these benefits, developing diverse and adaptable skill sets.

Sometimes families experience economic barriers that prevent them from renting, borrowing or purchasing musical instruments for their young musicians. Instrument purchases or rentals can cost upwards of thousands of dollars! However, the ability to practice an instrument outside of school significantly increases a child’s ability to develop their skill and academic success.

The Instrument Library provides youth from low-income households with the opportunity to choose from one of our 70+ instruments.

Instrument Gallery

Woodwind Instruments

Piccolo

Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Bass Clarinet

Bassoon

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Baritone Saxophone

Brass Instruments

Trumpet

French Horn

Trombone

Baritone

Euphonium

Tuba

Crossed out instruments are currently out on loan.

Percussion Instruments

Vibraphone

Xylophone

Glockenspiel

Concert Snare Drum

Full Drum Kit

Crash Cymbal Set

Timpani (set of two)

How the Instrument Library Works

Borrowing an Instrument
  • An instrument can be borrowed from the Instrument Library for a $10 admin fee. For 2025-2026, loans are restricted to residents of Halton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and the surrounding area who are age 19 or younger and currently enrolled in school on a full-time basis.
  • Look through the list of instruments we offer, and fill out the Instrument Library application form. In this form, you will be required to provide a reference to vouch for you, such as a music teacher or staff member at a community services organization. There is no means test.
  • A member of Bandology will contact you to confirm the availability of your chosen instrument.
  • If the instrument is in stock, you will receive an invoice for the admin fee. If you are based in Halton region, we will arrange for you to pick it up from our headquarters in Oakville. If you are based outside of Halton, we will arrange pickup or delivery of the instrument with you.
  • If alternate arrangements are required, please contact library@bandology.ca
  • If your chosen instrument is already loaned out, you will be placed on a waitlist.
  • If you are a teacher wishing to rent an instrument for your school, please contact library@bandology.ca for more information.
The Lending Process
  • You may borrow one instrument at a time.
  • The loan period is from the beginning of a school term to the last day before that term’s exams (September 8, 2025 – January 22, 2026, or January 29, 2026 – June 18, 2026). Instruments can also be borrowed during the summer, which is perfect for students attending Band Camp!
  • If you find that you no longer wish to play your borrowed instrument, you may exchange it for another instrument if available.
  • If an instrument or its accessories are lost or damaged, please contact us immediately. You may be charged a replacement fee. 
  • A reminder email will be sent at least one week before the instrument is due to be returned. A late fee of $10 per day up to a maximum of $50 will be charged.

“I borrowed a clarinet from Bandology’s instrument library and it was amazing to use. I’m excited to use it for the rest of the semester.”

Ayla, Band Camp camper

Are you a teacher and want to let your students know about the Instrument Library? Click here to download the flyer!

Caring For Your Instrument

Clean and well-maintained instruments sound and play so much better than dirty and worn-out ones. Please take good care of your borrowed instrument using the care guide found inside the instrument case. 

Supporters

The Oakville Lions Club has been a keen supporter of the instrument lending library since 2023. With their support, we are able to service and maintain instruments that have been donated to the library.

Donations

Have a used instrument collecting dust in the basement? Donate it to Bandology and empower a student in need with the gift of music!

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