What is AIPS?

Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme supports young musicians by making instrument buying more realistic and affordable.  Waltham Forest Music Service is able to offer instruments for sale to pupils, which may either be VAT free and/or benefit from educational discount.  

Why is AIPS so good?

  • The scheme encourages lifelong learning
  • Pupils can build a personal bond with their instrument and develop their playing
  • Ownership of instruments encourages the child, and feelings of pride, interest and involvement
  • To maintain maximum availability to beginners who will need to loan an instrument from us

Eligibility

  • The child must be in full time education at an local authority school
  • Or is learning privately in a non-borough school but is attending one of the Waltham Forest Music School Ensembles on the particular instrument.
  • The instrument must be appropriate to the students’ needs and abilities
  • The instrument must be portable
  • The instrument must change hands on educational premises
  • Evidence must be kept to show that the student has been receiving tuition from the Waltham Forest Music Service or other party described above and that the instrument that has been purchased is essential to his/her education
  • The instrument must be charged to the student/parents at or below the Music Service cost (excluding VAT), although the Music Service may make a small charge to cover administration
  • The Waltham Forest Music Service particularly encourages AIPS to children who are dedicated and enthusiastic in their music training
  • To ensure that the scheme is used appropriately instrumental teachers will be encouraged to recommend suitable students who will benefit from owning their own instrument
  • Due to the administration involved, Waltham Forest Music Service are only able to offer the scheme to those buying full size instruments

Here’s how it works…

  • First of all seek advice form the instrumental teacher on whether your child is suitable for the scheme and if so ask what make and model you should look at
  • Contact Waltham Forest Music Service to ensure that you/your child meets the criteria above
  • Visit a reputable music shop (Music Service can advise) and select the instrument that you would like to purchase
  • Complete and sign the Assisted Purchase Scheme form that we will send to you.  We will need details of the chosen instrument including the price
  • We will ask you for a deposit and arrange payment for the instrument either in one lump sum or easier instalments
  • When we have received the form and deposit payment we will order your instrument.
  • We will inform you when the instrument has arrived and is ready for collection from us at the Music Service office

Some Commonly Asked Questions.

  1. Must the instrument be new?
    No, it can be second-hand as long as it is purchased from a reputable shop.
  2. Can I buy more than one instrument under the scheme?
    Yes, provided the qualifying criteria are met (see above)
  3. Is there an upper limit on how much I can spend?
    No, but the rules of the scheme require that any instrument must be appropriate for the proficiency and ability of the child.
  4. My child has private lessons.  Can we participate in the scheme?
    Yes.  As long as the child attends a Waltham Forest Music School ensemble on the chosen instrument.
  5. Can I buy the instrument that I am currently hiring from Waltham Forest Music Service?
    No, these instruments are for hire use only.
  6. Can I buy a piano through this scheme?
    Sorry, HM Customs and Excise consider piano’s to be non-portable. Regulations have recently been relaxed and you are now permitted to buy an electronic keyboard through the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme.

Where Do I Enquire?

Contact us

Waltham Forest Music Service
12 Church Hill
Walthamstow E17 3AG

Tel 020 8496 1582
Fax 020 8503 6086
Email music.service@walthamforest.gov.uk

Opening hours (school term time only)

9am-5pm Monday-Thursday
9am-4.45pm Friday

You can now make an on-line payment if you are already on the AIPS by clicking here.

Click here for more information on Waltham Forest Music Services.