5 Reasons Your Child Should Sign Up for Band

Has your child shown an interest in music? Are you searching for an activity that they may enjoy? If so, it may be time to look into signing them up for band at school. When your child plays in band, they can gain several benefits they can take advantage of as they grow. That said, here are five reasons your child ought to get involved in their school band.

1. Improved Concentration

It’s no secret that kids and teenagers often have a short attention span. However, when they begin to partake in music lessons, they can concentrate better. According to Gitnux, 90% of surveyed music students report better concentration skills than their peers. After all, playing an instrument requires focusing on music sheets, hitting the right note, and keeping up with your bandmates.

2. Boosted Creativity

When your child can express creativity through music, they may transfer that to other areas of their life. Expressing themselves creatively will give them the opportunity to think outside the box, see the world differently, and find better ways to solve problems. Even if your child doesn’t become a professional musician one day, the skills and creativity they get from music can help in college and other career fields.

3. New Skills

Playing an instrument is a skill. When you utilize a band instrument rental, your child can master something they can be proud of. Even if they don’t become a master musician, they’ll gain confidence from the new skills they learn, such as the ability to read music and play an instrument they enjoy.

4. Alternative to Tech Devices

Thanks to laptops, smartphones, and gaming, kids have several devices to attach themselves to. If you don’t want your child to be over-reliant on a tech device to get through the day and socialize, let them play in band. If they fall in love with music, they may have less interest in watching TV or sitting and playing video games for hours. Band also allows your child to socialize with kids of their age group outside of their immediate circle of friends, which can help widen their perspectives and boost social skills.

5. Teamwork

Teamwork is a skill that kids can learn at a young age, and band is a great place for them to learn that skill, especially if they haven’t been involved in other team activities. Band practice is a group effort, and a band instrument rental can give your child the opportunity to work with other kids as they learn the same musical pieces and rely on each other to create the songs.

As you can see, there are many reasons why being in the school band is a good idea. From building a sense of teamwork to better concentration, music can help your child develop both cognitively and socially. Contact Lane Music today for more information about a band instrument rental.

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Invest in a Piano?

Buying a piano is a pretty big investment, so the decision shouldn’t be made lightly. According to Statista, overall, piano sales in the U.S. in 2020 totaled 21,000. Buying a piano makes sense in some situations, but doesn’t make sense in others. Let’s look at a few good reasons you should consider investing in a piano.

You’ve Been Studying Piano for Three Years or More

The study of the piano is a commitment. The three-year mark is an important milestone in this pursuit. It means that you are obviously truly committed to this endeavor. You are very likely to continue your passion for music and piano long into the future. The purchase of a piano at this point will make a lot of sense. With a piano in your home, you will have more opportunities for practice and your music education will likely rise to a new level. You can talk with the team of a local music store to learn more about a piano purchase and what type of piano would work well for you.

You Want Your Children to Love Piano

Children often develop an affinity for positive things that they are consistently exposed to. This certainly can include music. If you want your children to have a love of the piano, then purchasing a piano to have in the home before or during the start of their music studies makes a lot of sense. This makes even more sense if there is already someone in the home who plays. Not only will this spark your children’s interest in music, but it can also become a lovely way for the family to spend time together.

You Have Room for a Piano

If you already know that you don’t have anywhere to place a piano, then it might not make sense to purchase one. A piano is a large instrument and really needs its own space. If the piano doesn’t have enough space, it could get damaged by being bumped into frequently. On the other hand, if you have a large space, then a piano is the perfect item to fill it with. Pianos are timeless, classic pieces that add personality to any room.

It Works With Your Budget

A piano is not a cheap instrument. Most people need to plan for the purchase of one. You will need to make sure you can afford it whether you purchase it outright or finance it. You should also keep in mind that a piano is an investment, and so you should be able to make back your money if you decide to sell in the future.

If you are looking for a local music store at which to shop for a piano, please contact Lane Music today. We are here for your music needs.

4 Tips to Help You Find the Right Instrument for You

Music can bring so much joy to your life. However, you don’t have to sit there and passively listen to it. With the right instrument rental, you can become an active participant and learn a new skill. Choosing the right instrument for you can be easier said than done, so here are some tips to find the right one for you.

1. Goals

What goals do you have in learning how to play an instrument? Is there a particular musical genre that speaks to you? Do you want to jam with a band or become a solo artist? Do you want to make money performing or sit back and have fun on occasion? If you dream of playing in a classical orchestra, you may want to focus on instruments such as violin, piano, or cello. However, if you aim to be a rock star, the drums or electric guitar should be your first choice.

2. Space

It’s no secret that some instruments take up a lot of space. There’s a big difference between carrying a violin versus a cello. If you prefer a wind instrument, a flute is much smaller than a tuba. If your house has room for a piano, you may find yourself performing classics from Mozart or Beethoven.

3. Technique

According to Hello Music Theory, a piano contains between 220 and 230 steel strings, and each one holds around 168 tons of tension. Hitting those piano keys in a precise formation requires loads of skill and fingerwork that can take years to master. If you want an instrument that doesn’t require such intense fingerwork, you may want to consider the drums or certain wind instruments that have fewer keys than a piano. No matter which you choose will bring you joy!

4. Time

When deciding on the right instrument rental, be honest about how much time you have to practice. According to Consordini, the violin is the hardest instrument to learn and master properly. If you want something you can learn quickly, the harmonica and ukulele are among the easiest ones to try. When you learn an instrument, you learn how to read music, which is like learning another language. Plus, if you schedule lessons, make sure they can fit into your schedule.

Learning how to play an instrument is a great experience for anyone. Be sure to take the time to find the right instrument for you, as it may change your life in ways you can’t imagine. For quality instrument rental, contact us for more information.

How Can Learning to Play an Instrument Boost Mental Health?

Learning how to play one or more musical instruments can do a lot more than entertain you, your friends, and family. It also can help to improve your mental health. No matter how young or old you might be, there are many healthful benefits to learning to play an instrument. Here’s a closer look at a few of the mental health benefits that you might obtain when taking instrument lesson classes.

Improve Memory Recall

Learning to read music and play an instrument can stimulate your memory. According to PubMed, music intervention therapy over six weeks improved children’s memory recall. Many adults likewise enjoy better memory recall when learning how to play an instrument and practicing due to the mental stimulation it gives them.

Decrease in Depressive Episodes

Depression can be debilitating, but an instrument lesson can help to improve your general outlook. According to the National Library of Medicine, learning to read music and playing an instrument helps to improve self-esteem and a sense of independence. It also helps to lower individuals’ feelings of isolation.

Alleviate Stress and Anxiety

Learning and practicing a musical instrument also helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Playing the piano or another musical instrument can help to instantly provide the player with feelings of calm and tranquility. The lower levels of stress and anxiety improve physical and mental health and enable practicing musicians to feel better.

Counteract Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Participation in a regular instrument lesson once a week helps to alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related depression. According to PubMed Central, military veterans diagnosed with PTSD and depression benefit from a weekly group instrument lesson that enables them to focus on learning to play guitar. While practicing and learning, they also have the opportunity to share their feelings and experiences with other veterans while clearing their minds.

Improve Manual Dexterity

Improving mental health also improves manual dexterity. According to the National Library of Medicine, learning to play an instrument can do both by improving the sensorimotor cortex within the brain. The improvement in mental health translates into greater manual dexterity, which is necessary when learning to play an instrument.

Whether you’re looking for a mental health boost or are simply interested in learning a new instrument, you’ve come to the right place. You can learn more and sign up for a recurring instrument lesson when you call or visit our music shop!

Why Is the Guitar Such a Popular Instrument?

If you or your child are looking to learn an instrument, you may be thinking about learning the guitar. The guitar is one of the most popular instruments around the world, and its popularity has only continued to increase in recent years. Fortunately, you do not have to commit to purchasing this instrument to take music lessons. You can get a guitar rental and ensure you like it before buying it. Here are some of the reasons why the guitar is such a popular instrument.

The Guitar Is Used in Many Music Genres

One of the reasons why this instrument is so popular is because it is used in many different genres of music. This is not always the case, as many instruments are usually only used in one or two genres of music. This limits the popularity of the instrument. But, guitars are used by pop, rock, country, and classical musicians, making this an extremely versatile musical tool.

The Guitar Is Portable

One of the lesser-discussed reasons why the guitar is such a popular instrument is because it is relatively easy to transport. This portability allows it to be easier to use and learn. For example, you don’t see pianos played at dive bars because it can be hard to get a piano in and out of places. Guitars can easily fit in cars and are easy to transport from one location to another.

A Guitar Is Relatively Affordable

The final reason why guitars are popular instruments is because they are relatively affordable instruments. The price for guitars spans from fairly inexpensive to pricey. You can easily find a starter acoustic guitar for cheap, especially if you look at used equipment. And you always have the option for a guitar rental if you don’t want to invest in a guitar upfront.

According to YouGov, the guitar is most common among the 18-to 29-year-old group, with 23% having attempted to learn to play this instrument. However, it is still popular in many other age groups, both young and old. If you have a desire to want to learn how to play the guitar, call Lane Music! We offer a guitar rental program and in-depth, helpful lessons for all skill levels. Visit our website to learn more about our guitar rental program.

3 Great Things to Expect From Your First Instrument Lesson

If you are learning to play an instrument for the first time, you may find yourself wondering what happens during the first instrument lesson. According to YouGov, about 66% of Americans have attempted to learn how to play a musical instrument at some time in their life. Here are a few of the things that you can expect to happen during your first lesson learning to play music.

1. Meeting the Instructor

During your first lesson, you will meet the instructor. They will let you know what they expect from you moving forward with lessons. They will tell you where to go when you arrive at their location and any particular time specifications to adhere to. These may include waiting until another student leaves before entering the studio or entering quietly and setting your instrument up while you wait.

2. Familiarizing Yourself With Your Instrument

Once the instructor has laid out their expectations for you and told you how the lessons are going to work, the next thing that you can expect to happen at your instrument lesson is familiarizing yourself with your instrument. The instructor will tell you the various parts that make up the instrument and what needs to be done to prepare your instrument to be played. This may include putting a reed on a clarinet or tightening the strings on your guitar.

3. Learning How to Hold and Briefly Play Your Instrument

After familiarizing yourself with your instrument, the instructor will take things a step further and ensure you know how to correctly hold your instrument. They may even go as far as to teach you how to play your instrument in its most simplistic form, such as strumming guitar strings or blowing into a flute. Chances are, this is where your lesson will end, and you may be given homework that includes continuing to familiarize yourself with your instrument while holding and caring for it correctly.

While it is quite common for individuals to want to learn how to play an instrument, not many people fully understand what happens during an instrument lesson. If you are attending your first lesson, you can bet that you will meet and communicate with the instructor, familiarize yourself with your new instrument, and learn how to properly hold and briefly play your instrument. If you are looking to learn how to play an instrument, let us help you. Reach out to Lane Music today to schedule a lesson.

How to Use Instrument Rentals to Find Your Musical Passion

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.

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

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.

 

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

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!

How to Find the Perfect Instrument for You

Choosing an instrument to learn can be an exciting but daunting task. With so many different types of instruments available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Read on to learn more about three key factors to consider when choosing an instrument, such as guitar rentals, that may be right for you.

Your Musical Preferences

The first thing to consider when choosing an instrument is your musical preferences. Are you interested in classical music, jazz, rock, or something else? Certain instruments are better suited to different genres, so it’s important to choose an instrument that aligns with your musical interests. For example, if you enjoy classical music, you may want to consider learning to play the violin, while if you prefer rock music, the guitar rentals or drums might be more your style. Some instruments are also more popular with certain age groups. According to YouGov, the guitar is most popular with 18-to 29-year-olds.

Your Physical Abilities

Another factor to consider when choosing an instrument is your physical abilities. Some instruments require a significant amount of physical strength or dexterity, while others may be more forgiving. For example, playing the drums requires a lot of physical coordination, while the piano requires a combination of finger strength and dexterity. If you have any physical limitations, it’s important to consider how they might impact your ability to play a particular instrument.

Your Learning Style

Finally, it’s important to consider your learning style when choosing an instrument. Some people prefer to learn on their own, while others thrive in a group setting. Certain instruments may also be more challenging to learn than others, so it’s important to choose an instrument that matches your learning style and level of experience. For example, the ukulele is a relatively easy instrument to learn and is great for beginners, while the violin requires more dedication and practice.

Choosing the right instrument requires careful consideration of your musical preferences, physical abilities, and learning style. It’s important to choose an instrument that you are passionate about and that you enjoy playing. With the right instrument and dedication, you can develop your musical skills and enjoy the many benefits that playing an instrument can bring, from stress relief to improved cognitive function. If you are looking to try out a musical instrument, renting one is the perfect way to try out it without fully committing to it. Visit our store to learn more about guitar rentals and if a guitar may be the right instrument for you.