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.

How to Keep Your Musical Mind Sharp

Playing a musical instrument is a truly wonderful experience that could become a career for an especially gifted and talented musician. According to YouGov, nearly two-thirds of all US citizens learned to play a musical instrument at some time during their lives. If you’re among the many who learned an instrument in the past, it’s never too late to get started again. Here are some ways to hone your skills and sharpen your musical mind.

Learning a New Instrument

You can choose an instrument that is new to you that generates a lot of interest in playing. Maybe you learned a wind instrument as a child and want to learn one with strings. A music store typically has a variety of musical instruments available for rent or purchase. You can choose a type of instrument that you might want to learn and then shop for one at local and online sellers to find the best ones that suit your budget.

Sign Up for Private Lessons

After you obtain a quality instrument from a music store or another source, you can sign up for private lessons and learn the instrument. You could choose online lessons, in-person lessons, or a combination of both to give you something to work on each week with your new instrument. As you improve, you can learn more and more and sharpen your musical mind.

Cut Down on Distractions

You need to dedicate a portion of each day to your musical studies as much as possible. Even just a half hour each day can help you to learn your instrument and develop your skills while sharpening your musical mind. The more you can reduce your daily distractions, the easier it is to find the time to practice regularly. Shutting off the television, putting down the cellphone, and getting away from the computer screen are some of the best ways to cut down on distractions.

Compose Your Own Music

You might consider composing your own music, especially if you learn to read musical notation. If you can read music, you can compose it. You just need to learn one or more instruments and sharpen your musical mind to make it happen.

You can peruse our online listings or stop by our music store to rent or buy a quality musical instrument to sharpen your musical mind and skills. Give us a call today if you have any questions!

Renting Instruments for Special Events: Making Your Celebration Musical

There are many different events in which you may want to play a musical instrument. You may want to serenade your new bride at your wedding, you may want to play a heart-touching song at your daughter’s quinceanera or sweet sixteen, or you may want to play for friends and family at your parent’s wedding anniversary or retirement party. According to ABRSM, about one in three adults currently plays an instrument. If you do and you are attending a special event, here are a few of the reasons why instrument rental for a special event makes a lot of sense.

You Don’t Have to Travel With Your Instrument

One of the reasons why renting instruments for special events makes a lot of sense is because it prevents you from having to travel with your instrument. For many people, they don’t want to risk any damage to something so special to them. This is especially important if you are flying or have a large instrument that is difficult to fit in an automobile.

You Can Select From Many Different Types

Instrument rentals allow you to explore a wide variety of musical options without the need for purchasing expensive instruments. From pianos and guitars to violins and saxophones, renting gives you the freedom to choose the perfect instruments that suit your event’s theme and ambiance.

You Can Be Flexible With Your Event Needs

Rental agreements are often tailored to suit your specific needs, allowing you to rent instruments for a specific duration, whether it’s a few hours or several days. This flexibility enables you to integrate music into different parts of your event, such as cocktail hours, ceremonies, or receptions, enhancing each moment with the appropriate musical accompaniment.

In conclusion, renting instruments for special events is a fantastic way to infuse your celebration with music. It offers a range of benefits, including access to a variety of instruments, top-notch quality, flexibility, and convenience. So, whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a grand affair, consider renting instruments to make your event a truly musical experience that will be cherished by all who attend. We can supply you with the instrument if you are looking for an instrument rental for an upcoming event. Call us today for an estimate.

Choosing the Perfect Rental Instrument for School Band Programs

Did you know schools with music programs have an over 90% graduation and attendance rate while those without such programs only have 72% graduation and 84.9% attendance, according to DoSomething? So, if a child has expressed interest in playing an instrument, it could benefit them in many ways. Here are some tips educators and parents can use in selecting the perfect instrument rentals.

Understand Types of Instruments

There are many instruments a young student can play. Instruments tend to fall into three main categories, such as string, wind, and percussion. Wind instruments include trumpets and saxophones and require good breath control. String instruments include the violin, guitar, and cello. Then there are percussion instruments such as the piano, drums, or chimes, in which you hit the instrument to produce a sound.

Consider Size

Students should consider the size of an instrument before making a decision. Some instruments, such as a flute, are tiny and light to carry around. If they fall in love with the sounds of the cello or tuba, they must prepare for how those instruments are harder to carry and take up more space.

Know the Level of Difficulty

Some instruments are harder to play than others, and age can be a factor. It may take years to fully master the piano. According to the Sloan School of Music, the oboe is one of the most difficult wind instruments for kids to master due to its complex fingering technique. So, if a school band consists of younger children, many wind instrument rentals may consist of clarinets, flutes, and trumpets.

Focus on Quality and Maintenance

When looking for the perfect instrument rentals, you should take the time to find a good quality instrument for the child to play. While there’s nothing wrong with buying a used instrument, check that it’s good quality and comes from a reputable renter or seller. As beginner music students learn to handle an instrument, they may be rough with it, so get them something sturdy.

Music can bring so much joy to a child. Being in the school band gives children a healthy and creative outlet to keep them busy outside classroom hours. In addition, it can enhance their interest in school and graduation rates. It’s imperative for educational programs and parents to support the musical interest of kids by investing in the best instrument rentals available. Contact our local team today to get instruments for your school band.

3 Best Ways to Increase Your Musical Proclivity

Music has provided joy and entertainment to humans for centuries. Whether through singing or playing instruments, there’s a lot to gain from taking a music lesson or two. With the current percentage of adults in the U.S. that play an instrument at around 34%, according to ABRSM, many may be searching for ways to improve musical proclivity. If you’re one of those adults who wants to improve your musical talents, read on for a few ideas on how to do so.

1. Take Music Lessons

The easiest way to do so is, of course, with a music lesson. If you’re unsure about signing up for regular lessons just yet, try an initial workshop to get the feel for it. From there, you may be comfortable taking regular lessons. You can also contact a music teacher to see how they structure their classes.

2. Listen to Different Genres of Music

Most people have a favorite genre or sub they prefer to listen to. However, if you’re serious about expanding your musical talents, try to get an ear for different genres and styles. By opening up your mind and your ears to different music, you can easily learn more about performance, composition, and past performers you may not have heard of. By doing so, you may be giving yourself an informal music lesson. Certain genres, such as folk music, often provide more opportunities to collaborate with other musicians or start out playing in small bands to get your feet wet.

3. Talk to Other Musicians

Like any other profession or skill set, one of the best ways to gain knowledge and new techniques is to talk to others in the field. From other amateurs to professionals, you can get tons of advice and inspiration. They may be able to help you learn better techniques or easier ways to play your instrument. Frequenting a music store like Lane Music is a great place to find like-minded people.

When it comes to expanding your musical productivity, you have many ways to go about it. You can take a formal or informal music lesson by dealing with professional teachers or listening to other genres. Talk to other musicians and attend live shows. If you’re an adult interested in learning more about expanding your musical talents, contact Lane Music for a music lesson today.

Should You Enroll Your Child in Music Lessons?

There are a lot of tough decisions to make as a parent, especially when it comes to your child’s education. If you’re considering enrolling your child in music lessons, here are some of the benefits you should know about.

Improved Concentration

Many students have trouble focusing on school and other tedious tasks, but music lessons can help students improve their concentration. Learning to play an instrument takes a lot of concentration, and the skills students learn from learning to play an instrument carry over into other areas. For students who have trouble concentrating, extracurricular activities can be just the ticket.

Memorization

Learning an instrument also requires a lot of memorization, so music classes can help students improve their memory skills. Having a strong memory is a valuable skill in so many areas of life, and music classes are a great way to build strong memorization skills from an early age.

Following Directions

Students who have trouble following directions in normal classes may be able to learn a thing or two from music lessons. Learning an instrument isn’t something you can really do on your own; most students need a lot of help and instruction to learn to play an instrument. As your student progresses through their music lessons, they’ll also get better at following directions.

Improvements in Math and Science

The parts of the brain that are strengthened by learning an instrument are related to science and math. Students aren’t going to suddenly become math geniuses because they learned to play an instrument, but learning an instrument can build foundational skills at a young age.

More Interest in School

Some students have difficulty focusing on school because they’re simply not interested. According to DoSomething, schools with music programs have a 90.2% graduation rate and 93.9% attendance rate, while schools without music programs sit at 72.9% and 84.9%, respectively. If your child isn’t engaged, learning an instrument at school can help them get more excited about school.

Parents have a lot of difficult decisions to make when it comes to the education of their children. The good news is that music lessons can benefit your child in several ways, from getting them more interested in school to building foundational skills. If you want to enroll your child in a school that offers music programs, contact Lane Music to learn more.

Explore Our ‘Top Floor’ at The Nashville Location

At Lane Music, we believe music stores are vital to an individual’s overall quality of life. According to PubMed, six weeks of music intervention helped to improve memory recall on the digit span test in children. Lane Music is a Music Store that is a space designed by musicians for musicians. We have three locations. Our Nashville location has an upper level called the “Top Floor.”

About the Top Floor

The Top Floor is a unique space above Lane Music Store in Nashville that offers a way to engage with music. We offer lessons on the first floor to help you get familiar with various instruments. While your child, friend, or loved one is learning, you can experience the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere of the Top Floor and try out our collection of guitars and basses. You can check out the Top Floor by visiting the location in Nashville or call to talk to one of our professionals to ask questions about what kind of lessons might suit you best.

The Origin of the Top Floor

Music stores offer you instruments to connect with, but not all offer lessons to help you get familiar with those instruments. Scott Lane, the owner of Lane Music wanted our Nashville location to be touched by musicians. He wanted to offer musicians the space they needed to thrive. The Top Floor offers space for our customers to try out all sorts of guitars and basses ranging from $199 to $15,000. It even has a pool table equipped with pool balls and cues if you are not interested in our instruments.

About the Creator

Todd “Toddzilla” Austin spent 25 years as a guitar specialist for a well-known music store in Nashville near music row. He has the experience needed to provide you with the best experience possible at his music store. He can build rapport with his customers in a way that helps build connections to last a lifetime.

Who May Benefit from the Top Floor

Anyone wishing to better themselves through a connection to music could benefit from the Top Floor. You should visit the Top Floor if you have been looking for a reason to pick up and try out your potential new musical instrument. Whether you are new to music lessons or you are already an experienced professional, there is sure to be something to benefit you at Lane Music.

More About Lane Music

Music stores are generally the best place to look for new instruments. However, Lane Music offers so much more. Get a unique experience if you stop by Lane Music and see what the Top Floor offers. You won’t regret making music a bigger part of your life.