Compare Music & Arts

"Unauthorized/fraudulent charges to our credit card. Learn from our situation and watch out for what I can only describe as a scam. Our daughter joined her school band and we entered a Rent-to-Own agreement with Music and Arts on 9/29/2021. They were the exclusive provider of rental services through the elementary school program. We signed a contract for 18 months, at which point we would own the instrument for a total cost of $599.99. However, it has been more than 26 months now and we have been charged over $1,000. We have been in contact with Music and Arts for six months via phone calls and e-mails with no results. They are trying to claim we traded in the instrument for an upgrade, which triggered a new agreement, and that we will be charged until 2025 to pay for the exchange, which will be over $1,300 in total. This information is incorrect. The initial instrument that was provided to us was not in good working condition. Its screws kept falling out, causing the instrument to malfunction and disassemble frequently. The instrument was brought to the store for repair. The employee at the store made the decision to replace the inoperable instrument with a functional one, since we had LDW insurance as part of the agreement. There was no request for a replacement or an upgrade. There was no awareness that the new instrument was any different than the old instrument, other than it was operational. At no time did we agree or authorize to modify the Rent-to-Own agreement or to enter into a new agreement. Again, the instrument was brought to the store to be repaired. The employee chose to exchange the instrument. The employee chose the new instrument for replacement. Through the school program, there is no additional cost to the renter and does not modify the rent-to-own agreement. However, Music and Arts continues to charge our credit card, even though there is no authorization for these charges. Stay far, far, away from Music and Arts."