Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS)

The ‘Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme’ (AIPS) is a government approved scheme enabling you to buy a Woodwind or Brass instrument for your child without paying the VAT. There are certain criteria which must be met, and there is all the information you need to know in our handy guide & video below.

The AIPS scheme has been running for many years and is designed to help parents purchase musical instruments more affordably. The scheme can be applied on any new instrument as long as it (and the player) meet the criteria of the scheme.

How the AIPS scheme works

We regularly provide instrument via the AIPS scheme to schools and music centres around the UK. Our team are on-hand to help with any queries you may have about the scheme or about choosing the right instrument. Just contact us to ask any questions and we’ll be happy to help.

• First, check with your School, Academy or Music Centre that they operate the 'Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme'.
• Visit our shop and hand pick your own instrument from a large selection or telephone and reserve an instrument with the help of our team.
• Obtain the necessary form from your School/Music Centre - if they do not have a form you can download a copy of our Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme form.
• Complete your details on the form and the choice of musical instrument. Please note that the form contains provision for an 'Administrative Charge' so you will need to check with your School/Music Centre to establish if they make such a charge. (Please note: This is not a Dawkes related charge)
• After completing your details and instrument choice, you need to pass the form along with your payment to the School/Music Centre for them to complete their details and send the form to us as an official order.
• The instrument will then be dispatched to the School/Academy/Music Centre at no extra charge.
• Finally, you collect your chosen instrument from your School/Academy/Music Centre.

Further Information & FAQ's

Although the instrument is purchased by the School/Academy/Music Centre, Dawkes Music retains all the purchase and serial number details for warranty purposes. If you need further information about the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme please telephone us on 01628 630 800 or contact your child's instrumental teacher at the School/Music Centre.