Conservatory opens Instrument Library

COEUR d’ALENE — The process is similar to checking out a library book, except at the Instrument Library, you can walk out with a tuba.

The Instrument Library is a program at the Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene.

It has violins, a viola, three ukuleles, three guitars, a cello, clarinets and a trumpet that can be loaned free of cost to its music students.

“We just got a tuba donated,” said Monica Thulon, conservatory president. “Tubas are like $10,000.”

A $75 deposit is taken and returned when the instrument is brought back.

Thulon said the program solves problems parents can face when a child decides to study music.

Parents can spend about $200 monthly on instrument rental and music lessons, she said. That alone is a deterrent for many. Even beginner-level instruments cost several hundred dollars.

There are also maintenance and repair costs, she said. And it’s not uncommon for children to choose one instrument, play it for a short time and then want to try another.

Thulon said many public school music programs offer access to instruments, but when summer comes the instrument must be turned in.

Allowing student rentals for up to one year, the Instrument Library aims to make sure practice time isn't missed.

“That 20 minutes every day makes a huge difference,” Thulon said.

Faculty member MariAnn Flynn, who teaches French horn, is getting her certification in instrument repair as well, said Conservatory Director Julienne Dance.

Instrument repair can be expensive. As part of the program, children are taught proper care and maintenance to hopefully avoid needing instrument repairs.

Expanding the inventory is one of many developments at the conservatory.

A $25,000 grant awarded to the conservatory by the Women's Gift Alliance is helping support the growth.

One project in the works is a piano studio. Dance expects to have two upright pianos delivered soon.

Having side-by-side pianos gives the student an opportunity to hear the differences between themselves and their instructors playing.

“It’s very different from a keyboard lab,” Dance said.

The conservatory plans to offer a percussion lab and music recording studio, and to remodel the basement for more studio spaces.

“The arts and performing arts were really hit hard by COVID,” Dance said.

With musicians unable to practice or perform live, many young artists quit studying.

The live performance aspect is crucial, Dance said.

“The opportunity to perform is what inspires and pushes you,” she said.

Live performance is a focus of the conservatory's approach.

“No matter how new a student is, they are always encouraged to perform,” Dance said.

Conservatory students give recitals monthly.

“It’s never too late or too early to learn music,” said Thulon, who recently began playing violin.

The conservatory's eldest student is 84 and taking voice lessons, Thulon said.

At 6 months, infants can participate in mommy and me music classes, with most children beginning individual lessons around 6 years old.

In addition to needing more instruments to fill the library, the conservatory also takes unwanted, broken instruments. The parts are cleaned and used when repairs are needed.

To make a donation, call 208-901-8190.

Fall semester begins Sept. 7 and registration will be open through Sept. 10.