August, 2023 - Lane Music

How to Use Instrument Rentals to Find Your Musical Passion

Posted on August 30, 2023August 30, 2023 by Maura Boehret

Have you been listening to a lot more music lately? That’s not surprising! According to Statista, audio consumption has increased heavily since 2014 and hit a global recorded music profit of $28.8 billion in 2021 alone. Are you interested in tapping into that kind of potential income? It’s never too late to learn how to play music, and an instrument rental can help improve your abilities.

Find an Instrument You Enjoy

When deciding to play music, it’s important to find an instrument that you enjoy playing and that suits your abilities. Rather than buying a guitar, keyboard, bass guitar, violin, saxophone, etc., and simply hoping that you enjoy it, try a music rental instead. Renting an instrument lets you try out a few options, narrow your choices down, and begin playing as soon as you’d like. It can even help you pick a band type that makes sense for your needs.

Get Time to Practice

Do you have no experience with music and need time to practice your instrument before recording or performing? You’re not alone, and an instrument rental can help you! This process will make it easier for you to practice various instruments and get more time with them. You can rent them when you want to play and take them back after your rental period to avoid unnecessary expenses and just get into playing and practicing as soon as possible.

Save You Money on Your Investment

If you’ve investigated instruments for your new musical adventure, you know that they’re not inexpensive. People with a small budget may find renting instruments a better option because it can cut back on thousands of dollars. You can often spend just a few hundred dollars or even less renting instruments, making it easier for you to transition into music. Just as importantly, it can help you reinvest in things like practice spaces and even sheet music.

Start a Band

When you feel comfortable to start playing with others, you can rent instruments and start a band! Why is this a better idea than just buying instruments? Well, you might go through multiple members quickly and want instruments that you can use without having to give them back to those people when they quit. Furthermore, it can cut back on your expenses early in your practicing career.

These many benefits make instrument rental a great option for anyone who is interested in learning music and performing more effectively. Finding a great option for renting instruments requires seeking out a team that understands your needs and which is adaptable to your skills and budget. Please reach out to us today to learn more about what kind of help we can provide you.

Posted in Uncategorized

When is the Best Time to Step Up? An Intermediate Clarinet Buying Guide

Posted on August 29, 2023September 14, 2023 by Maura Boehret

By Amy Chambers, guest author

(@themusicchambers)

www.clarinetgeek.com

A question that I am asked often by parents, band directors, and my clarinet students, is when is the best time to “step up” to an intermediate clarinet?

There is no “one size fits all” answer for everyone, but these guidelines will help you decide.

Student-level clarinets are designed to be easier to blow, and the plastic bodies make them lighter and easier to hold than wooden “step-up” clarinets. A student clarinet made for a beginner is often a less expensive option for a young player who might not be sure about their long-term commitment. Intermediate and performance-level clarinets are made of wood and generally play with a nicer sound than student clarinets.

A quick note to parents: There is nothing wrong with starting a careful student on a nice wooden clarinet. I started my daughter on a Buffet R13 because I was fortunate enough to have a couple of them.

So, when is the best time to “step up” to an intermediate clarinet? Read on for a few considerations.

Has the student learned the basics?

When a young musician has learned the basics on their student instrument, such as correct embouchure, playing position, and correct fingerings, they are ready to “step up” to a wooden intermediate clarinet.

Specifically, as a young clarinetist begins to learn and play higher notes, including the E’s, F’s, and G’s at the top of the staff and beyond, a step-up instrument will allow them to sound better than they would with a student model.

Here’s a side note: Even before I recommend stepping up to a new instrument, I usually suggest a mouthpiece upgrade first. The Vandoren 5RV Lyre and Vandoren B5 are two of my top choices for my students.

Even with an intermediate or performance level instrument, I can’t promise your child will play all the right notes all the time, but their low notes will sound more full and rich

When is the Best Time to Step Up? An Intermediate Clarinet Buying Guide

and their high notes will sound less shrill and be easier to play. What that means for your students is they will simply sound better.

Does your child take care of their instrument?

All clarinets, wooden or plastic, need to be swabbed out daily after practicing and stored indoors, in the case. If your child values their student clarinet and takes good care of it, they are probably ready for a step-up instrument.

Are you able to make the investment?

Finally, here is a practical consideration for parents. A quality instrument is an important part of any musician’s success. If your child has already demonstrated the commitment to playing clarinet and can make the investment, then it’s a good time to upgrade their instrument to a wooden clarinet.

I hope I’ve answered all your questions about when is the best time to “step up” to your next clarinet. Best wishes on your musical journey!

Happy Clarineting!

Amy Chambers

About the author:

Amy is a clarinet instructor in the Memphis area and across the country. She brings over 25 years of experience in music education to her students and consulting clients. In her free time, she loves playing bass clarinet in local ensembles and eating hot sauce, but not at the same time. You can find her at www.clarinetgeek.com and on Instagram @themusicchambers.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged clarinet mouthpiece, intermediate clarinet, wooden clarinet

Unlock Your Musical Potential: The Benefits of Instrument Rentals for Beginners

Posted on August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 by Maura Boehret

Are you interested in learning how to play a musical instrument? If so, you’re not alone. According to ABRSM, an estimated 34% of adults play instruments now. Whether you’re an adult just learning to play, or a parent encouraging their child, there are many benefits that come with renting an instrument. Let’s take a closer look at why a piano rental or rental of any other instruments is such a great idea for beginners.

You Can Try Different Ones

If you’re just starting out with an instrument, you might not know exactly what it is you want. By renting your instrument at the beginning, you can better understand which instrument is right for you. This can prevent you from making a potentially expensive mistake.

Smaller Investment Than Purchasing

There are a number of instruments that are quite expensive. For example, a piano rental can help you save money as you discover if this is the instrument you want to continue playing. No one wants to invest a significant amount of money only to change their mind later. By utilizing a rental for a set period of time, you’ll learn more about the musical path you want to follow. A trial period for your child can also help you decide if they have the interest and dedication needed to move forward. No one knows how it’ll feel to learn a new instrument until they try it.

It’ll Allow You to Begin Lessons

If you have your heart set on learning how to play the saxophone, you won’t be able to begin lessons until you have an instrument. When you rent a sax, you’ll be able to get started right away with your lessons. There’s no reason to hesitate when it comes to taking lessons as an adult or when beginning them as a child. The sooner, the better! Renting your instrument allows you to get started with lessons while exploring your love of music. Don’t let something that’s solved with an easy rental agreement hold you back!

If you’re just getting started with your musical studies, a piano rental rather than a purchase is often a great idea. Our team can help you find the right rental for your musical needs. Stop by today to find out more about our products and services. We look forward to seeing you soon!