| Coconino, welcome. If you are new to this, take time to read the threads under "Featured Discussions" at the top. Since BassDad did not toot his own horn, I'll do it for him: be sure to read his thread. You will not get a better view of the process anywhere.
Instrument purchase and acquisition is a stumbling block and a financial burden for many students. A couple of ways to address it would be to look at for sources for a high quality used instrument... community band members, professional musicians in your area (contact your Am Fed of Musicians local, they may well have a listing service of members' "for sale" instruments). Community music schools, colleges with music programs have bulletin boards and many student/faculty instruments are often posted there. Ask your current teacher... he may have ideas, contacts.
Some colleges will consider an instrument upgrade as a necessary expense, some won't. A lot will depend upon the institution, program, and their endowment, and departmental allocation. A lot will depend on your family's financial situation when you prepare the financial documents when you apply. Ask the question when you begin to visit schools. It's not the norm, but it can and does happen. |