About the Collection
The Bate Collection celebrates the history and development of musical instruments from around the world, from the medieval period to the present day.
The Collection supports teaching, study and research. It provides a resource for scholars, students, instrument makers and performers to explore musical instruments and their history.
Music students at the University of Oxford can benefit from visiting the Collection, studying related archival materials and, where permitted, playing instruments.
Visiting the Collection and borrowing instruments
Please contact the Bate Collection before visiting to borrow an instrument. Instruments must be prepared in advance, and not all instruments are available for loan.
Important notice: Temporary disruption to instrument loans
The Bate Collection has recently moved to the Schwarzman Centre, a new home for the humanities with academic, exhibition and performance spaces.
During this transition, some instruments have been moved to on-site or off-site storage because of limited space in the new building. As a result, the availability of instruments for loan is temporarily affected.
Please contact the Collection before making arrangements to borrow an instrument. We appreciate your patience while we work to ensure the long-term care and accessibility of the Collection.
Visitors are also welcome to explore the permanent exhibition, Resonant Histories: Material Culture, Sound and Craft, at the Schwarzman Centre.
Student instrument loans
Follow the steps below to request a student instrument loan.
Step 1: Enquire about availability
Email bate.enquires@music.ox.ac.uk to ask whether the instrument you need is available.
During your initial enquiry, you may be asked about:
- The reason for the loan.
- How long you need the instrument.
- Whether the instrument is suitable for loan, including its condition and any special care requirements.
If the loan can proceed, arrange a collection date and time with the Collection.
Step 2: Complete the loan form
Download the Student Instrument Loan Form (PDF) and complete it.
Step 3: Obtain a letter of support
You must provide a letter of support from a senior referee, senior tutor, supervisor or eligible member of your Faculty or College, in accordance with the Collection's requirements.
Please email this letter to bate.enquires@music.ox.ac.uk.
We ask that this reference be completed at least one day before your appointment.
Step 4: Pay the deposit
A flat deposit of £100 is required.
Pay the deposit through the Bate Collection student instrument loan deposit page.
The deposit is returned at the end of the academic year, provided the instrument is returned without damage and the conditions of the loan agreement are met.
When the instrument is returned, its condition will be examined. If there is evidence of negligent handling or damage resulting from carelessness or an accident, the borrower will be interviewed about the circumstances.
If the damage is found to have resulted from carelessness, the deposit will not be returned and the borrower will be reported to the Faculty and College for disciplinary action.
Step 5: Attend your collection appointment
Attend your agreed appointment to collect the instrument. If you do not attend, you will not be able to borrow the instrument at that time.
Make sure you have completed the required paperwork and followed the Collection's instructions before arriving.
Step 6: Take care of the instrument
Please handle and care for the instrument responsibly. Looking after the Collection's instruments helps ensure that future students and performers can use them too.
These instruments form part of our musical heritage, and we all have a responsibility to preserve them for future generations.
Step 7: Return the instrument on time
Return the instrument by the agreed due date.
Late returns may prevent other people from borrowing the instrument and may result in disciplinary action.
Important information about referees
Orchestra fixers, concert organisers and tutors cannot act as intermediaries or signatories for instrument borrowers.
Types of instruments in the Collection
1. Instruments provided by the Faculty of Music for orchestral use
These instruments are in high demand and are loaned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Availability must be confirmed with the Collection.
2. Modern copies of historic instruments
Replicas of historic instruments may sometimes be available for loan. Examples include viols, crumhorns, cornetts and natural trumpets.
3. Historic instruments
Some historic instruments may be available for loan, depending on the instrument's suitability and the player's experience.
Contact the Collection to discuss availability and any requirements.
4. Historic instruments for supervised use
Some instruments cannot be borrowed but may be played under supervision at the Bate Collection. These include certain keyboard instruments.
Please contact the Collection to ask about supervised playing opportunities.
5. Javanese Gamelan
Students interested in playing Javanese Gamelan instruments can join the weekly sessions run by the Oxford Gamelan Society on Wednesday evenings.
No previous musical experience or training is required. Enthusiasm and concentration are welcome.
For information about booking gamelan workshops, contact the Collection using its verified education contact details.
Before you visit: Student loan checklist
Before attending your appointment, make sure you have:
- Contacted the Collection to enquire about availability.
- Arranged a collection appointment.
- Completed the Student Instrument Loan Form.
- Obtained the required letter of support.
- Paid the £100 deposit.
- Sent the required documents in advance, as instructed by the Collection.
- Confirmed which documents you need to bring to your appointment.
You can access the key resources below:
- Download the Student Instrument Loan Form (PDF)
- Pay the student instrument loan deposit
- Visit the Schwarzman Centre website
We look forward to welcoming you to the Bate Collection.
