Frequently Asked Questions

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

A:  Retail stores generally demand 50% of the set price of a musical work. All cost of production including paper, ink, printing are deducted from the other 50%.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 is costly. If you are ordering hard copy of band music, cost in Canada will bebased on the total amount of your purchase. Ordering 2 band sets is more economical than ordering one. 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 lower than large U.S. publishers, but Lifelong sets usually have 70+ parts with 2 copies each for baritone sax, bass clarinet, oboe, bassoon, timpani, bells, baritone BC, baritone TC, etc.  All music is printed on custom-ordered high quality durable paper. 

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

A: Lifelong Music is a small business and therefore strives to provide you with quality personal service in terms of your instrumental classroom or band music 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: 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.