Instrument Etiquette: Building Respect and Responsibility in Music Education

1. Germs and Illness: A Hidden Risk: Sharing instruments can pose a significant health risk. Germs and illnesses are easily spread when instruments are handled by multiple people, especially during cold and flu season. This is particularly true for instruments that are directly touched, like guitars, or wind instruments that come into contact with the mouth. Avoiding shared use of instruments helps protect everyone’s health and ensures that lessons remain safe and productive.

2. Skin Chemistry Can Affect Playability: Each person’s skin chemistry is unique, with variations in pH levels, natural oils, and sweat. When someone else handles an instrument, their skin chemistry can leave residue that makes the instrument feel sticky, unplayable, or “off” to its owner. Over time, this can also contribute to wear or tarnishing of materials like unfinished wood or metal hardware. To avoid impacting the playability or longevity of someone else’s instrument, it’s best to admire it from a distance unless explicitly invited to try it.

3. Instruments Are Deeply Personal: A musician’s instrument is more than a physical object—it’s an extension of their craft and creativity. Many instruments hold significant sentimental or financial value. Access should never be assumed, and handling someone else’s instrument should occur only with explicit permission. Just as you wouldn’t borrow someone’s personal belongings without asking, the same respect should be applied to instruments.

4. Don’t Assume Access: It’s a common misconception that teachers or musicians with multiple instruments are willing to share them. However, those instruments are private property, not community resources. Students and families should always plan to bring their own instruments to lessons rather than assuming the teacher’s instruments are available for use.

5. Ownership Teaches Responsibility: For new musicians, especially younger students, owning their own instrument is an important part of the learning process. Having their own instrument teaches responsibility, care, and pride in their musical journey. Families should view providing an instrument as a core part of supporting their child’s commitment to music lessons.

6. Treat Invitations as Privileges: If a teacher or another musician does invite a student to try their instrument, it should be treated as a rare privilege, not an expectation. Students must handle the instrument with clean hands, avoid food and drinks nearby, and follow any specific instructions given by the owner. These moments are opportunities for learning and growth, not entitlements.

7. Teachers: Set Boundaries Early: For educators, setting clear expectations from the beginning is crucial. Let students and families know that while instruments may be demonstrated during lessons, students are expected to bring their own. If a student is just starting and doesn’t yet have an instrument, provide resources or advice for purchasing or renting one. This approach establishes clear boundaries while supporting the student’s musical growth.

8. Respect in the Music Community: These principles extend beyond lessons. In the broader music community—whether at rehearsals, jam sessions, or performances—always ask for permission before touching or using someone else’s instrument. Respect the owner’s decision if they decline. This fosters mutual respect, professionalism, and trust among musicians.