Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can't I buy Lifelong band sets and music in music retail stores?

A:  Retail store profit margin expectations plus Lifelong Music's cost of production would seriously affect customer cost. Time and work involved in composing, engraving scores and parts, designing covers, producing audio clips, printing parts, creating pdf files, maintaining a website, servicing/updating equipment, promoting, and exhibiting at music educator conferences is considerable cost for a sole proprietorship to absorb, yet provide a fair price to you, the music educator customer. 

Q: My incomplete class/band instrumentation works poorly using band charts and the resulting sounds are unsatisfactory. Can you help?

A: Yes. We have arranged quartets and quintets for a local school that experienced an unbalanced situation. Students enjoyed performing music that involves lead and support parts for all players - less common in band charts. Both students and teacher were very satisfied. Contact Lifelong Music and provide your specific classroom instrumentation for custom solutions. 

Q: Please explain shipping cost for items on this website.

A: Shipping amount is a Flat Rate in Canada based on the total amount of your purchase. Study the price ranges to your advantage (e.g. shipping for 2 band charts @ $50 or $56 each is the same charge as for 1 band chart). In some cases, CanPar is compares with Canada Post shipping cost in Ontario. Delivery time to you via CanPar can be next day compared to 5 business days through Canada Post. When this occurs, your order is shipped via CanPar at the same cost. Otherwise, Canada Post is the default shipper.

Q: Do you ship outside of Canada?

A: Yes. We have shipped to Australia, South Africa, the U.S. and European countries. However, once a parcel crosses the Canadian border, delivery times are uncontrollable due to Customs handling/inspections. For all trans-Atlantic orders Airmail is recommended. All items are HST free but shipping cost is subject to 13% HST (harmonized sales tax) both inside and outside Canada. The option of providing pdf copies upon receipt of payment has been used for countries such as South Africa and Australia for which shipping is prohibitive. Please contact Lifelong Music prior to purchasing.  

Q: Do Lifelong Music beginner band sets cost more than major publisher sets?  

A:  No. Beginner band prices are similar to large U.S. publishers, but Lifelong sets have 70+ parts with 2 copies each for baritone sax, bass clarinet, oboe, bassoon, timpani, bells, baritone BC, baritone TC, etc. Unlike most major publishers, Lifelong Music will immediately fulfill additional parts requests. All music is printed on custom-ordered high quality durable paper. (View the Parts List for Beginner Band charts under 'Music Educators' in the left sidebar.)

Q: What sets Lifelong Music apart from the major music publishers?

A: Lifelong Music strives to provide you with quality personal service in terms of instrumental classroom or band music needs, and prefers direct person-to-person communication with you in this regard. We specialize in providing your customized needs. 

Q: Can I order additional parts for band sets? How long does it take to get them?

A: Yes, additional parts and scores for band sets are always available and can be mailed the same day you request them.  Call or email us with particulars. 

Q: I have no oboes, bass clarinets, bassoons, nor horns in my band. What do I do about band pieces with important roles for these instruments? 

A: Many Lifelong Music band sets purposely have written cues in other instrumental parts to substitute for these and other instruments to insure musical content & overall group sound remains as complete as possible. 

Q: Can you provide enlarged parts for the visually impaired? What about scores with larger print for experienced band directors?

A: Yes, Maximum page size available is 12 in. x 18 in.  Contact Lifelong Music regarding your special needs. Scores are purposely set in a large print for band directors and in most cases can be enlarged further upon request.

Q: Do you accept ATM or credit card orders?

A: Yes, we do accept PayPal and credit cards online.  Once you click on the the 'ADD TO CART' button for an item, you will have the option to pay via PayPal or with a credit card. You can log into PayPal.ca  We do not accept ATM payments. E-commerce is also accepted. 

Q: Can you transcribe music of mine into a software program and make copies?

A: Yes. Your cost would be relative to the complexity of your project. Your music can be made produced on paper varying from choral size (6.75 x 10.5) to letter size (8.5x11) to concert (9x12) to booklet/score format on either tabloid (11x17) or 12x18 paper. It can also be installed as pdf. files on a CD. An audio CD of your music can be created for actual sound reference.

Q: Can you transpose instrumental parts?

A: Yes. Your music can be transposed and printed.