Music stands are fundamental to the day-to-day running of a department. Rehearsals, performances, practice and even lessons all rely on them, but it can be tricky to know what to buy. Below I’ve outlined the different types of music stand available, explaining which to consider for which purpose. Reading this guide – as well as carefully considering your departmental needs – will stand you in good stead for many years to come (pun intended).
Top picks at a glance
Best overall for schools
The ultimate all-rounder for schools. Durable, quick to set up and stack, and built to last for years of daily use.
Best budget stand
Lightweight, reliable and great value, with bulk discounts that make it ideal for departments short on space or budget.
Best collapsible stand
Compact yet sturdy, this clever three-panel design folds down small without sacrificing desk size or strength.
Best concert stand
A long-standing industry and education favourite – solid, elegant and backed by Manhasset’s lifetime guarantee for lasting peace of mind.
Wire-frame folding stands
Many of us will be very familiar with these – they are an essential item in a gigging musician’s inventory: cheap, easy to transport, and quick to put up and take down (if you know what you’re doing), they’re ideal for any freelancer travelling around to regular rehearsals and performances, and can be valuable in schools too. Music departments should seriously consider buying some folding stands if storage space is tight, or if you need to loan stands out to students for their own needs.
For storage purposes, we recommend using one of our strong storage boxes, being careful to choose the right size for the number of stands you have. When it comes to choosing the best folding music stand, we have several great options.
Best overall folding stand
Musisca Scherzo folding music stands
Serving as the natural alternative to the popular but discontinued RAT Scherzo stand, these Musisca models provide brilliant value for money. Available either in lightweight form (just 600g) or as a standard model (still only 740g), these stands are super-reliable, very practical, and portable too thanks to their included gig bags.
These are very well-priced for an individual shopper, but even better for schools as significant discounts apply for those buying in bulk, making the Musisca Scherzo stands a particularly compelling option.
Ideal for: Schools short on storage space who are keen to secure a batch of music stands that will last them a good while!
See also: The K&M folding stand offers some different colour options, but significantly heavier than Musisca’s models.
Best premium folding stand
Hercules EZ Grip folding music stand
At a higher price point than the Musisca Scherzo, the EZ Grip’s main distinction is the facility for one-handed height adjustment offered by its button-based system. Also featuring the EZ Angle Roller, which uses a special frictious rubber to securely hold the desk at your preferred angle, the EZ Grip is a highly convenient solution on a crowded gig. However, schools may not see fit to spend the extra money when outfitting a department.
Ideal for: Musicians on regular gigs, particularly in crowded spaces. Not so good for music departments buying in bulk.
Best budget folding stand
Lawrence lightweight folding music stand
As the lowest-cost recommendation in this article, the Lawrence stand does not offer the same level of convenience as those above, but it folds down super-small (45cm x 10cm x 6cm), provides a secure wide base, and comes in various fun colours.
Ideal for: When the departmental budget is stretched, and you need something cost-effective to see you through!
Collapsible music stands
Although these will usually not be quite as space-efficient as wire-frame folding stands, they often provide more stability, durability, and bigger desk sizes. Most schools will opt for one of these models.
Best overall collapsible stand
RAT Jazz stand
Possibly the ultimate stand for music departments, the RAT Jazz stand has so much to offer: It folds completely flat, so it’s easy to store and can be neatly stacked on the matching trolley – perfect for ensemble spaces where stands need to be moved or tidied away quickly.
Setup is fast and intuitive, with no screws or levers to adjust. The friction-based height system offers a wide range of positions, making it suitable for everyone from younger students to adult performers. The full-size desk even includes a handy shelf for pencils and accessories, helping to encourage good habits like marking scores during rehearsals.
Make no mistake, Jazz stands represent a significant investment, and you’ll want to make use of the significant bulk discounts we offer, but for those with the requisite funds they are well worth the price.
It’s also worth mentioning that, along with the matching bag, the RAT Jazz Stand comes highly recommended for gigging musicians – there is nothing else out there that combines sturdiness and convenience quite so effectively.
Ideal for: Schools wanting a long-lasting, professional stand that’s easy to store, move and maintain.
Most durable collapsible music stand
Manhasset Voyager stand
The Manhasset Voyager is the ideal choice for departments that want the quality and durability of a professional orchestral stand, but with added portability. With its collapsible base and quick twist-lock system, it can be collapsed down in seconds for storage, and it’s surprisingly lightweight at 3.63kg. All this makes for excellent utility in schools that share resources between rooms.
As with all Manhasset models, the Voyager features the brand’s signature one-hand height and tilt adjustment – smooth, reliable, and entirely free of knobs or levers. Built from sturdy, powder-coated aluminium and backed by Manhasset’s impressive lifetime warranty, it’s a long-term investment that will stand up to years of daily use. For schools, we can supply Voyager stands in boxes of six, and discounts apply when you buy in larger quantities.
Ideal for: Schools and ensembles seeking a premium, long-lasting stand with the flexibility to travel or be stored easily between sessions.
Best budget collapsible music stand
Hercules BS200BC Plus stand
A brilliant all-rounder for busy music departments, the Hercules BS200BC Plus is designed for strength, stability and efficiency. Its sturdy dual-front leg design keeps it secure even during energetic rehearsals, while the one-handed EZ Grip mechanism allows quick height adjustment – ideal for younger players or quick changeovers between ensembles.
The real advantage for schools is the stand’s clever stackable design. A dozen can be stored compactly on the matching BS200BCPLUS trolley, saving valuable space and making setup or pack-down fast and straightforward. Coming in significantly cheaper than the two previous stands, this stand is a compelling option for those limited by budget but keen to procure something more robust than a wire-frame stand.
Ideal for: Schools wanting a strong, good-value stand that’s easy to adjust, move and store in bulk.
Most compact collapsible stand
Musisca folding orchestral music stand
The Musisca25’s unique design provides unique benefits. With a desk constructed from three folding panels, it can be packed down incredibly small for such a robust, full-backed stand. We could have even group it with the wire-frame stands as it folds down to much the same size.
What’s more, every stand comes with a matching gig bag, great for transport and even better for avoiding damage if you plan to store the stands in a box. The MUSISCA25 is pretty much the smallest stand to store than can still accommodate a full orchestral score comfortably.
Ideal for: Schools who want something stronger than wire-frame stands, but need to maximise storage space without the use of a trolley system.
Concert/permanent music stands
Best overall concert music stand
Manhasset Symphony stand
The Manhasset Symphony is the benchmark orchestral stand – sturdy, reliable and built to last. A large yet lightweight aluminium desk can hold up to 4kg of music, supported by a heavy-gauge welded steel base that provides exceptional stability.
Knob-free height and angle adjustment make the Symphony effortless to use for players of all ages, while its sleek design and proven durability have made it the go-to stand for schools, bands and orchestras worldwide since 1935. Backed by Manhasset’s lifetime guarantee, it’s a true long-term investment for any music department. Although they do not fold down in the same way as some of the stands above, they are very well-regarded in the musical world for their quality. The popular and effective storage cart only adds to their convenience.
Ideal for: Permanent setups in school halls, rehearsal rooms and concert venues where dependable, everyday use is a must.
Most versatile concert music stand
RAT Alto stand
The RAT Alto Stand is a superb choice for schools and ensembles needing flexibility and strength in one package. With a greater height range than any other stand on the market, it suits everyone from seated cellists to singers on risers, making it ideal for mixed ensembles and choirs.
The stand’s friction-based height adjustment means no knobs or levers to tighten, and its virtually unbreakable injection-moulded tray will withstand years of student use. The clever nesting base design allows stands to slot together neatly for compact storage, with trolleys available for larger setups.
Ideal for: Schools, orchestras and choirs needing a versatile, near-indestructible stand that stores efficiently and adapts to any performer.
Best space-saving stand
Manhasset Harmony stand
The Manhasset Harmony offers all the strength and reliability of the classic Symphony stand but with a space-saving twist. Its clever V-shaped base allows stands to stack tightly together – up to 24 in just six feet – making it an excellent option for departments where storage space is limited. See the relevant storage trolley for evidence.
Like the Symphony, it features a lightweight aluminium desk that holds up to 4kg of music, and the signature knob-free height and angle adjustment for easy, reliable use. Built from heavy-gauge welded steel and backed by Manhasset’s lifetime guarantee, the Harmony is made to last.
Ideal for: Schools and ensembles needing durable, professional stands that store compactly without compromising stability.
Best heavy-duty school stand
RAT Performer stand
Built for the demands of busy music departments, the RAT Performer combines durability, stability and ease of use. An injection-moulded tray will flex and spring back if bent, while the solid steel stem and base keep it steady during rehearsals and performances.
The friction-based height adjustment removes the need for knobs or levers, and adjustable stem tension means it can hold anything from a single folder to a full library of scores. Performer stands also nest neatly together for compact storage, with an optional trolley available for easy transport.
Ideal for: Schools and orchestras needing a tough, professional stand that’s simple to adjust, highly durable and efficient to store with the matching trolley.
Conductor stands
Best affordable conductor stand
Manhasset Fourscore stand
The Manhasset Fourscore offers a generously wide desk, comfortably fitting four pages of music side by side – perfect for conductors, accompanists, or musicians who prefer to avoid page turns mid-performance. Apart from its extended width, it shares the same trusted design as the classic Symphony stand.
Built from lightweight aluminium with a sturdy welded steel base, the Fourscore provides excellent stability and features Manhasset’s signature knob-free height and angle adjustment. Backed by a lifetime guarantee, it’s very reliable and probably the most affordable option for those needing extra space without compromising on quality.
Ideal for: Conductors, accompanists and ensemble leaders looking for a spacious, professional-quality stand at a sensible price.
Best professional conductor stand
Manhasset Regal conductor stand
The Manhasset Regal is the pinnacle of the range, designed with conductors and directors in mind. It combines features from several Manhasset models – the dual-lip shelf of the Orchestral stand, the Director’s storage pocket, and the extra-wide Fourscore desk – crucially all supported by a reinforced twin-post base for maximum stability.
The large 81 × 39 cm aluminium desk easily accommodates four pages of music, with the same smooth, knob-free height and angle adjustment found across the Manhasset line. Despite its size, the Regal remains manageable to move and is built to last a lifetime, backed by Manhasset’s renowned guarantee.
Ideal for: Conductors and directors needing a spacious, professional stand with integrated storage and the durability to last for decades.
Best looking conductor stand
RAT Concert conductor stand
The RAT Concert Conductor stand combines elegant design with solid engineering, making it ideal for professional use. Its natural beech desk offers a refined, traditional look, while the sturdy steel base and shaft ensure stability and strength on the podium.
The double-lip tray, lined with foam rubber, provides space for pencils and batons, and the friction-lock height adjustment is simple and secure. A thumb screw adds extra support for heavier scores, and the base nests neatly for compact storage when not in use.
Ideal for: Conductors seeking a high-quality, beautifully made stand that blends classic craftsmanship with modern reliability.
Best pit-band conductor stand
RAT Opera conductor stand
A must-have for any school staging a musical or working with a pit band, the RAT Opera stand is spacious, sturdy and brilliantly designed for professional use. Its large tray easily accommodates even the biggest scores, while the solid base with six-point rubber contact keeps everything stable and silent below stage level.
The stand’s ultra-tough black nylon coating is pleasant to the touch and resistant to chips, making it ideal for long-term use. A slim, detachable lamp (sold separately) provides focused illumination on the music without dazzling the audience – perfect for darkened pits or concert halls.
Ideal for: Schools, theatres and orchestras needing a professional, pit-ready conductor’s stand with exceptional build quality and lighting compatibility.
In conclusion…
Whatever your budget or setup, investing in the right music stands will make a huge difference to how smoothly your department runs. Reliable, well-designed stands save time in rehearsals, encourage good practice habits, and help keep both students and instruments safe.
If space and flexibility are your priorities, a collapsible option such as the RAT Jazz or Manhasset Voyager will serve you brilliantly for years. For permanent setups, the Manhasset Symphony and RAT Performer remain industry favourites thanks to their strength, stability and longevity. And for conductors, the Manhasset Regal and RAT Opera offer the space, quality and presence that every director needs to run an effective rehearsal, concert, or musical.
