Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Band Instrument Rentals & Music Services in Knoxville
Since 1958, Rush's Music has been a cornerstone of Knoxville's music community, dedicated to nurturing generations of musicians through comprehensive band instrument programs. Founded by Bob Rush, our legacy began with a revolutionary rental program that made quality instruments accessible to all students, a model now emulated nationwide. Over decades, we've maintained our commitment to music education while expanding services to include expert instrument repair, private lessons, and both new and used instrument sales. Our team of seasoned technicians and educators brings combined decades of experience, ensuring every customer receives personalized support. We've served countless school directors and students, fostering a vibrant musical ecosystem through hands-on training and community engagement.From our humble beginnings in a family home to our current dual-store presence, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower musical growth. Our lunchtime closures and holiday schedules reflect our dedication to work-life balance while maintaining operational excellence. Through ownership transitions, including stewardship by Willene Rush and Steve Boyce, our core values have remained unchanged. Today, under Redd Daugherty's leadership, we continue innovating while honoring our rich heritage. This enduring commitment positions us as trusted partners in music education across East Tennessee and beyond.
Services
Instrument Rentals
Music Lessons
Instrument Repairs
Used Instruments
Rental Purchases
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We've supported music education since 1958 with proven expertise
- Our rental payments apply toward instrument purchases
- Expert technicians with 40+ combined years of repair experience
- Specialized school instrument programs serving East Tennessee
- Community-driven approach developed through decades of director collaboration
Services
Instrument Rentals
We offer comprehensive school instrument rental programs with both new and used options. Our quarterly rental system aligns with academic calendars, featuring flexible payment plans and maintenance support. Renters receive priority repair services and credit toward future purchases.
Instrument Repairs
Our experienced technicians provide expert maintenance and restoration services. With over 40 years combined experience, we service brass, woodwind, and string instruments using professional-grade equipment. Emergency repairs receive priority treatment for enrolled students.
Music Lessons
We connect students with qualified private instructors across multiple disciplines. Our network includes specialists in brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion with flexible scheduling options. Instructors maintain individualized teaching approaches and pricing structures.
Used Instruments
We offer professionally maintained used instruments with rigorous quality control. Each instrument undergoes chemical cleaning and mechanical inspection before resale. Our inventory includes both standard and specialty instruments for educational use.
Rental Purchases
Our rental credit program allows application of payments toward instrument purchases. Up to nine months' rent applies toward new or used instrument purchases, offering cost-effective pathways for committed musicians transitioning from rental programs.
People
Redd Daugherty
Owner
Continuing Rush's legacy since 2023, Redd combines music education expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. A former American Idol contestant, she leads with passion for community music programs.
Kristin Kolbert
Business Manager
Managing daily operations across both locations, Kristin ensures seamless service delivery. Her French horn expertise and Sleep Token fandom reflect our team's musical diversity.
Lily Ginder
General Manager
Overseeing store operations, Lily brings saxophone expertise and indie-rock enthusiasm. She curates our music selection while managing team logistics.
Dave Ruddy
Brass Repair Technician
Lead brass technician with 17 years' experience, Dave combines historical knowledge with technical precision. His craftsmanship preserves instrument heritage while ensuring modern performance standards.
Nathan Durbin
Woodwind Repair Technician
With 19 years in the field, Nathan leads woodwind repairs using formal training from Badger State Repair. His dual expertise in guitar and trombone reflects our team's multidisciplinary approach.
Questions
Do you rent instruments to adults?
We exclusively serve elementary, middle, and high school students participating in band programs.
What instruments are available for rent?
We offer flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, French horns, baritones, and tubas.
Can I purchase my rental instrument?
Apply up to 9 months of payments toward new or used instrument purchases through our buyout program.
What repair services do you offer?
Our technicians handle brass, woodwind, and string instrument repairs with priority service for renters.
How does quarterly rental billing work?
Rentals operate on 3-month terms aligned with school semesters, with non-refundable initial payments covering maintenance.
Are lessons included with rentals?
We connect students with independent instructors for private lessons separate from rental agreements.
