Conservatorium instrument loans

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music has a selection of musical instruments available for loan to current FAM students, including strings, woodwinds, brass and early music instruments for use in course-related activities.

All instrument loans are subject to the recommendation of your teacher and approval of the responsible academic staff member and organized by the Technical Resources – Instrumentation and Equipment Department.

All instrument loans require payment of a $200 refundable deposit, which must be paid prior to collection. Personal study instrument loans also require payment of a $100 non-refundable loan fee per semester or part thereof.

Instruments hired for use within the following MCM ensembles are exempt from the $100 loan fee: Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra, Concert Band, Wind Symphony Orchestra, Saxophone Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, String Ensemble.

How to organise an instrument loan

  • Seek support of the responsible academic staff member; subject coordinator, teacher, ensemble director or convenor of instrument area, who may recommend a particular instrument to you.
  • Complete the following form with your details, pay the applicable hire fees, and upload your payment receipt.

    Apply now
  • Once your request has been approved your instrument can be collected from the Music Equipment Store Room:
    Store Room Opening Hours:
    Mon-Fri 9:30am - 12:30pm & 3:30pm - 4:30pm
  • You will then be permitted to take the instrument off campus for practice during the semester and keep it safely at your address.
Please Note
  • Students are responsible for looking after the instrument for the duration of the loan period and ensuring that the instrument is kept safe and in good repair.
  • Students are not permitted to pass the instrument on to anyone else.
  • Instruments must not be left in motor vehicles, unlocked rooms or left unattended.
  • All instruments must be returned personally to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Front Office or the Instrument Loans Manager.

Instruments must be returned by the due date to the Music Equipment Store Room during standard opening hours. Reminders will be sent via our Cheqroom loans app. A penalty of $100 will be imposed immediately when an instrument is overdue, with an addition charge of $5 a day imposed for each day that the instrument is late.

  • Upon inspection and return of the hired instrument, a request to refund your deposit will be made on your behalf and will require 2-4 weeks for processing.

Pianos for home practice

The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music has arranged a special service with a piano supplier to support FAM students who have moved to Melbourne to study, with no piano at home. Students may gain access to a quality upright piano for the whole academic year (March to November) at a heavily discounted rate.

The service is available from approximately $95 per month including GST, plus the removal and tuning cost.