I.S.O. Program
I.S.O. Program

Building a community of lifelong musicians!

Quality Instruments For Growing Musicians

Quality Instruments For Growing MusiciansQuality Instruments For Growing MusiciansQuality Instruments For Growing Musicians
Find A Partner Near You

Building a community of lifelong musicians!

Quality Instruments For Growing Musicians

Quality Instruments For Growing MusiciansQuality Instruments For Growing MusiciansQuality Instruments For Growing Musicians
Find A Partner Near You

About Us

Dedicated Music Professionals

Our goal is to make sure you or your child's musical experience is successful.  A successful music experience starts with the right instrument.  Just like in sports, dance, or other activities the right equipment can make all the difference.  Today consumers have many options when choosing a musical instrument.  It would be impossible for I.S.O. with our over 100+ years of combined experience to know everything about every brand of musical instrument.  This is why we have partnered with local music stores to help make your process of selecting the right instrument for your growing musician easier.

Common Situation #1

  

The Beginner – By far the most common situation; beginners are often                  told to get an instrument with little or no guidance on how important picking a quality instrument can be.  Because learning a musical instrument sadly is not free; students often need an instrument, supplies, and even books that parents or the beginning musician must pay for out of pocket. The cost of a good quality beginner instrument alone—using proper materials that allows the instrument to be adjusted, maintained, repaired, and most importantly PLAYS IN TUNE--can range from $600.00-$2000.00 depending upon the instrument. Over the years and based on our experience, we have seen an increase in student drop out because of the wrong beginning  instrument.  It is important to consult your teacher or a trusted musician or music store when purchasing or renting a musical instrument.

Common Situation #2

  

The Advancing/Intermediate Musician – More and more often, within 12-24 months of beginning an instrument, a student reaches a level of musicianship where their instrument becomes a serious barrier to their further advancement. We recommend parents consult with a teacher or trusted musician to make sure your child’s instrument is the best fit for their ability and continued growth--it may be holding them back

How Our I.S.O. Program Partnership Works

  

If you are unsure what the best instrument is for you or your child, or If you have been advised that your or your child's instrument maybe holding them back:

Contact an I.S.O. program partner for a free evaluation of your instrument.  If your instrument falls into one of many categories our partners will offer the following options to help get your child into the right instrument based on their experience 


Receive ISO Credit as follows

  1. 1-2 Months of free rent – An opportunity to decide whether renting or purchasing a better instrument works for your family at no cost to you.
  2. Receive $100 credit towards the purchase of a new instrument – Our partners are committed to getting a quality instrument into the hands of every musician.

Beginning Music FAQ's

1. What is the easiest instrument to learn?

The easiest instrument to learn is the one that the student actually wants to play, because

they will be more willing to practice. Each instrument has it's own unique challenges.

2. Should I rent or buy an instrument for my child?

This is a unique decision for each family and student. Renting offers great benefits

including low cost, low commitment, repair coverage, and even free exchanges. If they

decide they are going to stick with it, most music stores allow your rental payments to

apply toward the purchase of an instrument!

3. How much does an instrument cost to purchase?

A good-quality, teacher-approved instrument will range from $600-$2000, depending on

the type and brand. Violin will be in the lower range, while saxophones are in the higher

range, with everything else falling in-between.

4. Are rental instruments clean?

Most companies send their instruments through the repair shop between each

customer. There, the instrument is cleaned, play-tested, repaired (if needed), and

sanitized.

5. What if my child decides they don't like it?

Renting offers the maximum amount of flexibility if your student is just starting out.

Oftentimes you are able to switch instruments within your contract, or you can return it.

6. What if my child breaks the instrument or it is stolen?

Many companies offer repair and theft coverage. If you opt in to the coverage, the

company will oftentimes take care of it at low or no cost to you.

7. Does the rental come with everything we need to get started?

Each rental should come with the instrument, a case, and a mouthpiece/bow. Many

companies offer a package of additional supplies you will need for each instrument at

a discounted price.

8. Do we need to do anything else to the instrument?

It's important to make sure that after every practice session, the student uses a swab or

cloth to clear out any buildup or condensation. Check with your teacher to

learn how!

9. Can my student use an instrument we already have?

It depends. Just like a vehicle, an instrument requires regular maintenance (1-2 times per

year), and holds up better when it is being used regularly. If you have an instrument

already, we recommend that you have it evaluated by a repair shop and approved by

your teacher.

10. How do we choose which instrument is right for my child?

Many stores are making detailed videos that introduce the instrument to your child. You

can also speak to the stores directly, as many typically have an expert on staff.

Partners

Bertrand's Music

www.bertrandsmusic.com

888-780-1812

Event Details

Bertrand's Music

www.bertrandsmusic.com

 With 8 locations throughout Southern California and 35+ years experience. Their friendly and knowledgable staff is here to serve you not se...

Event Details

888-780-1812

Bertrand's Music Utah

www.bertrandsmusic.com

801-900-4404

Event Details

Bertrand's Music Utah

www.bertrandsmusic.com

Now In Midvale, UT 40+ years experience. Their friendly and knowledgable staff is here to serve you not sell you.  As "Partners In Your Musi...

Event Details

801-900-4404

N-Tune Music

www.ntunemusic.com

432-550-2263

Event Details

N-Tune Music

www.ntunemusic.com

Their 4 Locations in West Texas, arguable the mecca of music education N-Tune and their staff our experts at finding the right instrument fo...

Event Details

432-550-2263

music man

www.musicmaninc.com

800-785-5367

Event Details

music man

www.musicmaninc.com

 A family-owned and operated business supporting the music education needs of South Florida’s schools & families since 1976. We specialize i...

Event Details

800-785-5367

Pellegrino Music

www.pellegrinomusic.com

877-498-8400

Event Details

Pellegrino Music

www.pellegrinomusic.com

For fifty years, Pellegrino Music Center has been providing the best in musical instruments, instrument repair, music lessons, sheet music, ...

Event Details

877-498-8400

More Events

Partners Continued

Kidder Music

www.kiddermusic.com

800-322-2800

Event Details

Kidder Music

www.kiddermusic.com

We have been serving the musical needs of Central Illinois for over 45 years. Our staff is made up of active performers and educators who kn...

Event Details

800-322-2800

Contact Us

I.S.O. Program

San Diego, CA

info@instrumentswitchover.com

Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Copyright © 2025 ISO - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by