Example of a 4-year Maintenance Contract Plan

It must be emphasised that each school is different, as equipment will have been purchased over different time-scales, and will be in varying degrees of usability.  However, the 4-yr cycle plan shown below will serve to explain the general principals of the service.  Plans can be prepared over a period of 2 to 6 years, but we believe that a 4 or 5 year plan is the most affordable for most schools.

BROAD PRINCIPALS

On average, in our experience, upright pianos used daily in schools have a life expectancy of 15 years or more, Clavinova and Roland HP pianos about 10 years, portable digital pianos and recording equipment 5-8 years and portable keyboards 4-6 years. Although many instruments last longer, the incidence and recurrence of faults increases dramatically at this age.  The trick is to repair and maintain them just so long as to maximise their use, whilst planning to retire them and update them around the end of this period. 

YEAR ZERO

First, Starland Music advisors will need to be appointed to undertake an audit of the stock of musical instruments in the department.  As you may, for example, already have a contract for brass & woodwind repair, we would not seek to undertake this unless requested.  An estimate can then be provided for the initial "Emergency" exercise, where we repair enough equipment to enable classes to continue functioning with equipment which students can use.  If our quote is accepted and the contract agreed, this can be quickly undertaken.

Divide the equipment into 3, replacing the oldest equipment in year one.  Commence a maintenance agreement with Starland Music which will service the remaining two-thirds of the items, advise on those which are beyond economic repair, and re-cycle usable parts wherever possible.  Starland to dispose safely and carefully any equipment written off.  Replace a piano or digital piano if appropriate and update music software where necessary.

YEAR TWO

Replace another one third of the original stock with new equipment, and continue the Maintenance agreement which will look after the oldest remaining equipment, clearing all items which are beyond economic repair. Possibly replace another digital piano and part of the recording and performing equipment.

YEAR THREE

This is the year where the remaining old equipment gets consigned to the re-cycling process, as it is replaced with new stock, and the Music Department has been completely updated. Any remaining practice pianos are replaced together with the balance of the recording and performing equipment. The maintenance agreement continues, but the monthly cost reduces as the equipment is much more up-to-date.

YEAR FOUR

This would be a good opportunity to review the progress of the past three years, examine new requirements for the coming years, and develop the Music Department.  Projects like a recording studio, Music IT suite, cross-curricula world percussion projects, guitar studio, orchestral percussion set could be introduced to broaden the Music Dept's scope.  The maintenance program continues at the lower cost level and a further 4-year plan could then be devised.

FOR A FULLY COSTED ESTIMATE OF A MAINTENANCE PLAN, CALL STARLAND'S ADVISORY OFFICE - 01752 313 300