Borrowing musical instruments
Learning an instrument can prove expensive because beginners often need to buy equipment before they know whether they will continue. Some schools and community centres are trying a different approach by lending instruments. The schemes are intended to (1) ________ music more accessible to families who might otherwise be unable to afford it. Learners can borrow an instrument for several months and then decide whether to (2) ________ with their lessons. Staff usually check each instrument carefully before it is (3) ________ out, and users are shown how to look after it properly. The service can also help beginners make a more informed (4) ________ about what suits them. A child who finds one instrument uncomfortable may be able to try another without putting parents (5) ________ additional expense. Demand, (6) ________, can be difficult to predict, especially at the start of a school year. Some centres therefore keep waiting lists and ask users to return instruments as soon as they are no longer (7) ________ use. Organisers say that even a small collection can make a real (8) ________ to participation.