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🎸 Where to donate musical instruments
An instrument sitting in a closet can start a student's music education. School music programs and instrument charities repair donated instruments and pass them on.
Before you go
- Include the case, mouthpieces, bows and other accessories.
- Most programs don't take pianos or organs; call first for those.
- Broken instruments are sometimes accepted for repair or parts, so ask.
- Check with your local school band or orchestra director too.
18 local places we've checked take musical instruments, plus 2 national programs.
National and mail-in programs
These take donations from anywhere in the country, by mail, at partner drop-off points, or through local chapters. Check each one's rules first.
Nationwide
Hungry for Music
- How: Fill out the online Instrument Donation Form; they reply within 24-48 hours with where to ship or drop off, and pickup may be possible depending on location.
- Rules: Donations are tax-deductible and a receipt is provided. For pianos and organs the site points to Pianos for Education. 501(c)(3).
- Strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments in any condition (playable preferred)
Not accepted: Upright pianos; Organs
NationwideCall to confirm
Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation
- How: Complete the Used Instrument Donation Form, then ship or drop off at 2550 N. Hollywood Way, Suite 302, Burbank, CA 91505.
- Rules: Drop-off Mon-Thu 9am-4pm; call to confirm first. Donors value their own instrument; donations over $5,000 need a professional appraisal.
- Band, orchestral, mariachi, choral, guitar and keyboard instruments used in school music programs, in playable condition
Not accepted: Pianos; Organs; Recorders; Accordions; Instruments in poor cosmetic or playing condition
Local places, by state
Don't see your state? Open your region from the map and search for "musical instruments".
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