Why autumn is the perfect time for a musical reset

By Lark Music

A young man with a rucksack and guitar case walks along a salmon-coloured wall.

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Now’s the time for fresh starts. With autumn term here, musicians like you may have new performances to prepare for, lessons to return to, new pieces to learn, or maybe even a move to music college. Take the chance to reset before your new routine. Whether you’re a professional musician, student or teacher, here are some quick questions to run through to make sure you’re fully prepared for a fresh season of music making.

Has your musical routine changed?

Before you jump back into a busy schedule, consider what’s new for you music-wise. Perhaps you’re heading to university or a conservatoire and living in shared accommodation after a long summer at home. Or you’re a teacher picking up new pupils in different locations. Perhaps you’re simply getting back into weekly orchestra rehearsals ahead of your next concert.

Routine change may vary but, for musicians, it generally involves taking your musical instruments out with you regularly – which means more travelling and more storing your instruments away from home. So, how best to keep them safe?

Is your instrument protection still fit for purpose?

Musical instruments are both valuable and easily portable so, when your routine changes, it’s a good time to look at practical ways you can protect them from the risks of theft, accidental damage or loss in line with your new schedule.

How often will you be taking your instrument out and will you be using public transport? Where can you store instruments and equipment if you’re out for a long time? Do you have to carry multiple musical instruments and gear between your vehicle and a rehearsal or teaching space? What condition is your instrument in after a hot summer – does it need a service to reduce the risk of damage?

Two musicians playing electric guitars in a room with a large window.

Review how and where you’ll be using your musical instruments and gear, and then run through the following checks:

Travel safely

Check that your case is secure and protective enough to travel in a car, van or on public transport. Never leave instruments unattended in vehicles or on public transport, and stay vigilant when out in public with a valuable instrument – a professional oboist recently had his custom-made oboe stolen from right next to him when he was deliberately distracted in a busy train station.

Sort out storage

If you can’t keep your instrument with you at all times, discover where can you store it safely. If you’re moving into halls or shared accommodation at a conservatoire, check your timetable and find out if there are any secure storage arrangements when you’re between lessons and rehearsals. If there aren’t, look at other ways to store your instrument more securely, e.g. in a locker or even dropping it back at your accommodation if there’s time.

Plan ahead

New schedules take time to get used to for both students and teachers. Familiarise yourself with new routes and how long they take. If you’re driving to new schools or teaching facilities with lots of musical equipment, check available parking – this will help you plan for loading in without leaving anything unattended for long periods, which is a risk for theft.

Two violinists playing their instruments during a performance.

Are your records and valuations up to date?

Whether you’re planning a new teaching timetable, booking gigs, or moving to music college, make sure you’ve got up-to-date records for your musical instruments and gear in case any goes missing.

Keeping a list of all your instruments and equipment is a useful record, especially if you take some, or all, of your gear with you when you attend rehearsals, performances or lessons. Label everything with up-to-date contact details, take photographs and record serial numbers, particularly for anything new. This could prove invaluable in the case of loss or theft.

Make sure you arrange an up-to-date valuation too. Not only can this help inform the type of insurance you need, but it can make claiming easier too.

Have you reviewed your insurance arrangements?

It’s crucial that your much-loved musical instruments and equipment are properly insured, especially if you’re taking your instrument out of your home and/or getting paid for performing or teaching.

Home insurance may cover musical instruments in the home, but if you’re moving to a conservatoire, regularly taking your equipment out and about, or getting paid for musical services, you may need specialist music insurance – a surprisingly cost-effective cover that’s designed specifically for the unique needs of musicians.

Take some time to check what your current insurance covers compared to how you’ll be using, storing and travelling with your instruments and gear this autumn. If there are gaps, consider specialist musical instrument insurance – use our guide to find out more.

Music teachers – do you need extra prep?

If you’re a music teacher, this time of year is especially busy. You could be teaching at a range of locations and taking multiple instruments with you, or you could be welcoming students into your home.

Make sure your teaching area is clear and there are no trip hazards such as cables, cases or music stands lying around, to prevent any accidents while teaching. Keep a list of the instruments and equipment you take to lessons and make sure everything has recent contact details on it, in case anything gets left behind.

Lastly, make sure your insurance covers you for every scenario. At Lark Music, we offer Public Liability cover as part of our musician’s insurance so you’re protected in case of claims against you.

A woman playing the flute whilst looking at sheet music on a stand.

Your new term checklist – save or print

Am I taking my instruments out of the house or to new locations more frequently this term?

Have I moved into new accommodation or changed where my instruments are kept?

Will there be secure storage for my musical instrument where I will be living, learning, teaching, practising or performing?

Has my timetable changed and do I know where I need to be, when and how to get there?

Is my case secure and suitable for where I’ll take my instrument?

Have I bought any new instruments or equipment over the summer?

Have I made a list of all my musical instruments and equipment, taken photos, and labelled them with the right contact details?

Do I need a new or updated valuation, and has my instrument been serviced recently?

Does my insurance still reflect how and where I use my instruments, any new instruments and equipment, and have I checked my policy limits?

A woman in a black dress cleaning her violin.

Play on, protected

Whether you’re moving to music college, regularly commuting with musical equipment, rehearsing or performing this autumn, now’s the time to review your insurance.

At Lark Music, our policies are designed for all musicians. You can view what you’re covered for before you buy, and you’ll get proof of insurance immediately after purchase. If you need to make a claim, you’ll deal with a specialist team who understands musical instruments and repairs.

After more than 35 years protecting musicians, our straightforward and cost-effective policies reflect the realities of teaching, playing and performing – so you can focus on your music with complete peace of mind.

Get a quick quote online today

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Lark Music is a trading name of Howden UK Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 307663. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 02831010. Registered Office: One Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.