Back to School Musical Instruments & Music Equipment

From beginner guitars and digital pianos to keyboards, electronic drums, orchestral instruments, headphones and accessories, this collection brings together everything needed to start learning and keep progressing.

Not sure which instrument is right? Our experienced team of musicians can help online, by phone or at our Birmingham showroom.

Back-to-School Musical Instruments for the New Term

A new school year is a natural time to begin learning an instrument, return to music lessons or upgrade equipment that a developing player has outgrown.

The Fair Deal Music Back-to-School collection brings together carefully selected musical instruments and accessories for primary and secondary school pupils, college and university students, adult learners, teachers, schools and families.

Whether you need a first guitar, a digital piano for lessons, an electronic drum kit for quieter practice or an orchestral instrument for a school ensemble, our goal is to make choosing the right equipment easier.

Which Back-to-School Instrument Is Right for You?

Beginner Guitars and Starter Equipment

Learning guitar remains one of the most accessible ways to start making music. Our back-to-school selection includes acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars and suitable accessories for new and developing players.

A complete beginner guitar setup may require more than the instrument itself. Depending on the type of guitar, useful essentials can include:

• A suitable guitar amplifier
• A protective gig bag or case
• A guitar tuner
• A comfortable strap
• Instrument cables
• Picks and spare strings
• A guitar stand

Choosing an instrument with a comfortable neck, suitable body size and dependable setup can make the early stages of learning more enjoyable. Our team can help parents, students and returning players compare suitable options without paying for features they do not need.

Digital Pianos and Keyboards for Music Lessons

A digital piano or electronic keyboard can be an excellent choice for school music, private lessons, home practice and graded examinations.

Beginners may value built-in learning functions, simple controls and headphone connectivity. Developing pianists may benefit from a full-size weighted keyboard that provides a more realistic acoustic-piano response and supports long-term technical progress.

When choosing a piano or keyboard for lessons, consider:

• The number and size of the keys
• Weighted or touch-sensitive keyboard action
• Headphone connectivity for quiet practice
• Integrated speakers
• Bluetooth, MIDI or USB connectivity
• Compatibility with stands and pedal systems
• The space available at home

Selected Yamaha instruments may also qualify for the current Yamaha Play Now cashback campaign. Always check the individual product information and promotional terms before ordering.

Electronic Drums for Quieter Home Practice

Electronic drum kits are popular with students and families because they provide a responsive practice experience while helping to control sound levels through headphones.

They can be particularly useful in bedrooms, flats, shared homes and student accommodation. Features such as adjustable kits, built-in practice exercises, metronomes and USB connectivity can support both lessons and independent practice.

Do not forget the supporting equipment. A suitable drum throne, headphones, sticks, kick pedal and protective floor mat may be required depending on the chosen kit.

Acoustic Drums and Percussion

For school bands, rehearsal rooms and players who want the traditional feel and projection of an acoustic instrument, an acoustic drum kit may be the better choice.

Our wider drums and percussion selection also includes practice pads, cymbals, hardware, sticks and percussion instruments suitable for lessons, ensembles and live performance.

Orchestral and Folk Instruments for School Lessons

The start of the academic year is a busy period for school orchestras, concert bands, music services and private tuition. Students may be beginning lessons on instruments such as the violin, flute, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone or recorder.

A dependable beginner instrument should be comfortable to play, properly assembled and suitable for the student’s age and level. Choosing solely by price can sometimes make learning more difficult, so our team can help explain the practical differences between entry-level and intermediate models.

Microphones, Recording Gear and Music Technology

Music education now extends beyond traditional instrumental lessons. Students studying music technology, production, podcasting or content creation may need equipment for recording and monitoring at home.

A starter home-recording setup might include:

• An audio interface
• A suitable microphone
• Closed-back recording headphones
• Studio monitors
• A microphone stand
• Audio and USB cables
• Recording software

Our team can help students identify compatible equipment and build a practical recording setup around their available space, computer and budget.

Essential Music Accessories for School and College

The right accessories help protect instruments, support regular practice and prevent last-minute problems before lessons or performances.

Useful back-to-school music accessories can include:

• Instrument cases and padded gig bags
• Music stands and instrument stands
• Headphones for private practice
• Tuners and metronomes
• Spare strings, reeds, sticks and picks
• Straps, cables and power supplies
• Keyboard stands and piano benches
• Cleaning and maintenance products

Check any equipment list supplied by a teacher, school or college before ordering. Requirements can differ according to the course, instrument and stage of learning.

Music Equipment for College and University

Students beginning a music-performance, production or technology course may need portable equipment that works across accommodation, rehearsal rooms, classrooms and performance spaces.

Compact keyboards, portable digital pianos, modelling amplifiers, electronic drums, audio interfaces and good-quality headphones can all provide flexible solutions where space is limited.

Before buying, check whether the course provides shared equipment and whether any particular technical specifications are required. This helps avoid duplication and ensures the equipment will support assignments, rehearsals and recording projects.

Preparing for Autumn Lessons, Rehearsals and Performances

Back-to-school preparation is not only about the first lesson. The autumn term can quickly bring rehearsals, school concerts, graded examinations, college performances and seasonal events.

Choosing reliable equipment now provides more time to practise, become familiar with new features and resolve any setup questions before important performances begin.

Returning musicians can also use the new term as an opportunity to rebuild a regular practice routine, join a band, start lessons or rediscover an instrument they previously enjoyed.

Buying a First Musical Instrument

A first instrument should encourage the player to practise rather than create unnecessary frustration. It needs to be appropriate for the player’s size, ability, musical interests and learning environment.

Before choosing, consider:

• What style of music interests the player?
• Will the instrument be used for school or private lessons?
• Has the teacher specified a particular size or type?
• How much practice space is available?
• Will headphones or quieter practice be important?
• Does the instrument need to be transported regularly?
• Which accessories are required from the beginning?

Buying an instrument that offers some room for progression may provide better long-term value than choosing the most basic available model. Our team can help identify the features that will genuinely matter as the player develops.

Trade In an Instrument Before the New Term

If a student has outgrown an existing instrument or you have unused musical equipment at home, Fair Deal Music may be able to help with a trade-in or part-exchange valuation.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More. The value of eligible existing equipment can be put towards a more suitable instrument, subject to inspection and valuation by our team.

Fair Deal Music also buys and sells quality pre-owned musical instruments and equipment, providing more ways for customers to find suitable gear or move on equipment they no longer use.

Shop Online or Visit Our Birmingham Music Store

You can shop the Back-to-School collection online or visit the Fair Deal Music showroom in Birmingham to see, hear and compare selected instruments.

Trying an instrument in person can be particularly valuable for beginners. Our experienced staff can help assess comfort, size, keyboard action, sound, connectivity and the accessories needed to create a complete setup.

If you are shopping online and need guidance, our knowledgeable team is available to help by phone or online before you order.

Why Buy Back-to-School Music Equipment from Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

• Friendly and practical advice from experienced musicians
• Support for beginners, parents, students and teachers
• A wide selection of new and quality pre-owned equipment
• Carefully checked instruments and accessories
• Secure online ordering and fast UK delivery
• A major Birmingham music showroom
• Trade-in and part-exchange opportunities
• Helpful support before and after your purchase

Our aim is to help every student start with an instrument that suits their needs and provides the best possible foundation for continued musical development.

Back-to-School Musical Instrument FAQs

What is the best musical instrument for a beginner?

The right beginner instrument depends on the player’s interests, age, available space and access to lessons. Guitars, keyboards, digital pianos, electronic drums and orchestral instruments are all popular choices. An instrument the student genuinely wants to play is more likely to encourage regular practice.

Should I check with the music teacher before ordering?

Yes. If the instrument is required for school, college or private lessons, ask whether the teacher recommends a particular size, type, specification or set of accessories before ordering.

Is a keyboard suitable for piano lessons?

Some keyboards are suitable for early learning, but students working towards traditional piano technique may benefit from a full-size digital piano with weighted keys. The teacher should be able to confirm the required keyboard specification.

Are electronic drum kits suitable for beginners?

Yes. Electronic drums can provide a practical solution for lessons and home practice, particularly where noise needs to be controlled. Look for a kit with a suitable playing layout, headphone connection and responsive pads.

What accessories will a new student need?

This depends on the instrument. Common requirements include a case, stand, tuner, headphones, cable, strap, spare strings, reeds, drumsticks or music stand. Product descriptions and equipment lists should be checked carefully before ordering.

Can I buy pre-owned equipment for a beginner?

Yes. A carefully checked pre-owned instrument can offer excellent value and may allow a student to begin with a higher-quality model for their available budget.

Can I trade in an existing instrument?

Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges, subject to inspection and valuation. Contact our team for a friendly, no-obligation assessment of eligible equipment.

Can Fair Deal Music help me choose?

Yes. Our experienced team of musicians can help online, by phone or in our Birmingham store. Tell us who the instrument is for, their experience level, budget and lesson requirements, and we will help narrow down the most suitable options.

Start the New Term Ready to Make Music

Explore back-to-school guitars, digital pianos, keyboards, drums, orchestral instruments, home-recording equipment and essential accessories for the new academic year.

Whether you are buying for a first lesson, preparing for a music course or returning to playing this autumn, Fair Deal Music is here to help you choose with confidence.