Is Music Instrument Rental Beneficial for Singers

As a singer myself, I understand the struggles and costs that come with pursuing music. Like many artists, money was tight when I first started out. I wanted to improve my musical abilities and become a well-rounded musician, but buying instruments and gear was simply not realistic on my tiny budget.

That’s when I discovered the world of musical instrument rentals. Music instrument rental gave me affordable access to high-quality gear, allowing me to expand my talents as a singer. After years of renting various instruments, I’m now reaping the musical and financial rewards.

If you’re a singer interested in rounding out your musical skillset without breaking the bank, read on to learn all about the benefits of renting instruments.

Why Consider Music Instrument Rental as a Singer

Singers rely heavily on our voices to create music. While vocals are indeed our instruments, expanding our musical knowledge can greatly benefit our singing abilities. Learning intermediate music theory, training our ears, and understanding melody/harmony are just a few skills we can refine by playing instruments.

Renting instruments gives singers affordable access to develop these supplemental musical skills. Monthly rental fees are much cheaper than buying outright, especially for nice gear. This makes music instrument rental ideal for singers on a budget.

Rentals also allow flexibility in finding our sound. We can test out multiple instruments before deciding what resonates most with our musical souls. From keyboards and guitars to violins and trumpets, the options are vast.

Primary Benefits of Renting Instruments for Singers

1. Improves Music Theory Comprehension

To become well-rounded musicians, singers must understand foundational music concepts like rhythm, melody, harmony, scales, and chord progressions. Learning to play various instruments accelerates our grasp of theory by applying these ideas hands-on.

Strumming guitar chords trains our ears to recognize harmonic patterns more intuitively. Hammering out left-hand piano scales builds muscle memory for different melodic modes. And plucking violin strings lets us literally feel vibrating pitches in our bodies.

Renting instruments gives singers insight into music theory often missed when solely singing lyrics. We begin sensing how notes, chords, and rhythms all intertwine to create songs. This understanding takes our vocal abilities to new heights.

2. Unlocks New Songwriting Ideas

Ever struggled staring at a blank page trying to write original songs? Learning instruments can unblock writer’s block by sparking new melodic and lyrical ideas.

When I first started fiddling around on keyboard, chord progressions emerged that I’d never vocalized before. Humming over these chords birthed melody hooks for potential chorus lyrics. Soon verse phrases flowed to fit these new instrumental grooves.

Instruments also influence song topics and emotions. Strumming somber guitar chords conjures introspective feelings that flavor lyrical themes. Likewise, an upbeat piano rhythm births excited energy perfect for chanting empowering lyrics.

Renting instruments expands a singer’s palette of unique songwriting elements. Dabbling on various gear steers creativity into fresh terrain.

3. Allows Experimentation with Different Genres

Most singers get pigeonholed into a single genre based on our vocal style and the bands we perform with. I endured being boxed into just indie folk-pop because of my wispy, high-pitched voice. But I always wanted to explore heavier rock, jazz, or even hip-hop styles.

Learning to play diverse musical instruments enabled me to experiment with other genres as a singer. I used distortion pedals and aggressive strumming patterns on my rented electric guitar to try belting rock vocals. And I tapped syncopated rhythms on a cajón box drum to rap over funky beats.

Renting various gear encourages singers to test our pipes in unconventional ways. We discover new vocal tones, textures, embellishments, and even shouting noises. This expands our sonic range beyond preconceived label limitations.

4. Boosts Musical Collaborations

In today’s DIY music climate, singers often write, record, and produce our own solo work. But collaborating with others breeds artistic growth impossible alone.

Learning more instruments exponentially increases creative collaboration opportunities for singers. We develop enough skill to jam casually with amateur musicians. Or even contribute instrumental parts during professional recording sessions.

I rented a bass guitar one month and was suddenly able to groove with DJ friends laying down tracks. And I used a rented flute to overlay a sweet counter-melody on a talented producer’s song. These chances to create with others pushed my usual musical boundaries.

Renting instruments allows singers to collaborate with more artists across more projects. We evolve by melding our voices with diverse instruments, personalities, and perspectives.

5. Saves Money Long-Term

As mentioned, renting musical instruments is far cheaper than buying them brand new. Decent guitars, keyboards, and drum kits often cost $500+, which is unrealistic for many hobbyist singers.

However, quality music instrument rental costs around $30-50 monthly. This grants access to premium gear for a fraction of full prices. Renting multiple instruments per year to test also costs less than purchases racking up.

Once identifying our favorite rented instrument, some music instrument rental shops even apply a portion of our fees towards buying it. This incentive structure essentially finances instruments interest-free over months. Much better than denting our savings or credit on impulse purchases.

For cash-strapped singers, renting instruments first saves money determining what we love playing long-term. We can always buy later once financially stable.

What Musical Instruments Should Singers Rent First?

Keyboards/Pianos

Keyboards are excellent starter instruments for singers learning music theory. Their layout of repeating white/black keys simplifies visualizing scales, chords, and melodic patterns. Pressing keys also directly produces tones at various pitches, engraving musical sounds in our minds.

I began understandingintervals and chord construction much faster when I started plucking out melodies and harmonies on a rented keyboard. My ear transformed these patterns into vocal melodies quicker too.

Acoustic Guitars

Nothing accompanies a singer better than the chords of an acoustic guitar. Learning basic open chords unlocks the ability to strum singer-songwriter classics in coffee shop settings. Understanding their harmonic progressions in turn helps writing original songs.

Strumming guitar also builds rhythmic skills and dexterity useful for singers. We must mind multiple elements like steady tempo, changing chords, and vocal phrasing simultaneously. This coordination strengthens our overall musical abilities.

Percussion Instruments

Whether a simple tambourine or full drum kit, learning percussion instruments brings instrumental rhythms to life for singers. We directly create pulses that drive song tempos and dance grooves. This grounds our sense of rhythm supporting melodic vocals.

In particular, hand drums like congas, bongos, cajóns, and djembes enable easy portability and accessibility for renting singers. They offer versatile sonic options too – wood blocks, shakers, and cowbells add tonal flavors.

What to Look for In Instrument Rentals as a Singer

Reputable Music Stores

Always rent instruments from reputable, local music stores over random online listings. Established shops ensure properly functioning gear and legal rental terms. They often provide maintenance/repairs too if issues surface during music instrument rental.

Well-stocked music stores also offer various acoustic/electric instruments so singers can test options before buying. Seek spots with robust back catalogues spanning many music genres and eras.

I prefer mom-and-pop style shops over chains for rentals. Their personalized services better fit singers experimenting with multiple instruments over months. Bigger retailers focus more on school band kids renting single instruments.

Flexible Rental Periods

Look for monthly music instrument rental terms without lengthy contracts. As singers, we’ll want to experiment with different instruments before deciding on long-term commitments.

Ideally find stores allowing unlimited gear swapping so you can trade freely while rented. Some spots make you return then rent another instrument instead of seamlessly exchanging. Unlimited plans enable more fluid exploration.

Also see if shops allow rent-to-own upgrade options. Making extra monthly payments towards owning your rental instrument allows buying it outright eventually. This incentivizes committing to instruments you gel with.

Premium Used Gear

Brand new instruments often get abused by amateur student musicians, diminishing sound quality quicker. Seek out stores renting older, used instruments instead. These are “broken-in” and produce better tone/playability than stiff new models.

Decent Prices

Despite being used, rented musical instruments should still boast decent quality without overpriced fees. Avoid stores jacking rates realizing singers need instruments temporarily.

Fair prices for used acoustic guitars, keyboards, and hand percussion should fall around $30-50 monthly. Some reputable shops discount additional instrument rentals too if bundling multiple at once. This enables renting a couple pieces each month to diversify playing.

Remember to ask about hidden fees too like tax, maintenance charges, late penalties, or mandatory insurance. Factor these costs when comparing rental rates IF non-negotiable.

Available Accessories

Look for rental shops stocking various instrument cables, cases, picks, mics, and other useful accessories too. Stores catering just instruments often lack these auxiliary items that maximize playability.

For example, an acoustic guitar alone hinders practice without a case for transport or picks to strum with. Seeking out spots providing such supplemental gear with rentals maintains convenience.

Some locations even allow cheaply renting accessories like amps, effects pedals, and audio interfaces to augment instruments. This expands sonic options exponentially while renting.

Other Musical Areas Singers Can Explore

Beat Production

With MIDI keyboards/drum pads now widely accessible, singers can explore beat-making too. Crafting original instrumentals and electronic grooves unlocks a whole other artistic outlet.

We tap into new moods and textures conducive for our voices through production. And programming electronic instruments often improves general digital literacy as well.

Consider renting starter MIDI keyboards or standalone drum machines before buying. High-quality gear gets expensive and requires greater commitment for proper operation.

DJing

Practice sequencing and transitioning songs by renting a digital DJ controller. Start blending favorite vocal tracks with complementary beats and harmonies.

This exposes deeper aspects of songs often overlooked solely listening like rhythmic accents and frequency spectrum balance. In turn we better grasp mixing fundamentals useful recording our original songs too.

For singers, portable controllers renting around $50 monthly grant plenty capabilities. Avoid overkill professional club gear unless planning to gig.

Audio Engineering

Consider renting a multi-track digital recorder and microphone bundle to start engineering practice recordings. We gain technical expertise positioning mics effectively around instruments and spaces to capture balanced sound.

The recording process molds how listeners perceive our vocals too. Comparing raw and enhanced takes teaches effects processing like equalization, compression, and reverb. This knowledge cements best mixing practices for our signature vocal presence.

Renting modest home studio gear first allows self-documentation without big studio bills. We sharpen engineering skills on personal songs as passion projects.

Graphic Design

Even building graphics, merchandise, and other visual branding assets helps singers professionally promote our musical passions nowadays. Digital design software like Adobe CC rentals offer everything for crafting eye-catching logos, posters, album artwork, and social content.

Explore by mocking up basic branding for your musical identity. Apply learnings designing future cover art and merch too so musical and visual sides align.

Wrap Up

I hope this breakdown convinces singers that music instrument rental brings tremendous creative and financial value. Experimenting with guitars, keyboards, MIDI gear, recording equipment, and more makes us well-rounded musicians.

Rentals allow affordable home access to premium instruments too. We steer our musical journeys in new compositional, performative, and technical directions. Collaboration opportunities also increase when dabbling different instruments.

Remember renting floats no long-term commitment either. We simply explore new harmonic playgrounds each month within budget. There’s no pressure to commit to instruments unless entirely resonating.

Just ensure renting from reputable shops with fair rates, flexible terms, available accessories, and insurance protection. Treat gears with care and responsibility too.

With an open mindset, renting instruments massively elevates a singer’s musical abilities over time. Our vocal capacities thrive and songwriting blooms like never before. Rent away my friends!

FAQs

Should I buy instrument gear after renting?

The ideal outcome renting various instruments is identifying one or two we meld with long-term. Buying these pieces eventually allows further customization like effects pedals.

How do I transport bulky rented gear to gigs?

Reliable transport cases with padding, handles, and locks are key for moving large rented instruments like full drum kits. Sometimes rental shops provide cases or discounts on them.

What if my rented instrument breaks?

Reputable shops offering instrument rentals should insure their gear against damage during terms. Many also provide free repairs or temporary loaner replacements if something breaks while rented.

Can I write rental fees off on taxes?

If devotedly renting musical instruments to seriously improve vocal abilities, songwriting chops, recordings, or other career-focused goals, then rental costs MAY qualify as tax write-off expenses.

Where are the best instrument rental spots near me?

Google “musical instrument rentals + your city” and browse results for reputable shops near you. Cross-reference Google reviews and social pages to verify decent customer experiences renting.