Cello Rental

What Is a Cello?

The cello is a string instrument in the violin family. It is larger and lower-pitched than the viola, but smaller and higher-pitched than the double bass. The cello has four strings and is known for its warm, full-bodied sound, which is often compared to the human voice. A versatile presence in orchestras and chamber groups like the string quartet, the cello has a wide, expressive range that allows it to contribute bass lines, harmonies and melodies. Due to its impressive range and rich tone, it’s also a popular instrument for solo performance.

How Do You Play the Cello?

To play the cello, the musician sits and holds the instrument upright at a slight angle, resting it against their chest and between their knees. The cello is supported by an endpin, a metal or carbon-fiber rod that reaches the floor. The left hand presses the strings down onto the fingerboard to change pitch, while the right hand either draws a bow across the strings to produce longer tones or plucks them to create short, percussive sounds.

Why the Cello Is a Great Instrument for Your Child

Because the cello is essential to a variety of ensembles, it offers young musicians many opportunities to participate, and its striking tone helps children connect with the emotional power of music.

Cellos come in a range of sizes to suit players at every stage of their growth. When you rent a cello through Music & Arts, you can easily upgrade to a larger size at no extra cost as your child progresses.

Renting a Cello vs. Buying a Cello

When considering a cello rental, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of renting vs. buying an instrument. If your child is already dedicated to the cello, purchasing may be the better route. For beginners, renting is a low-risk way to discover an instrument.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Cello?

Cello rental rates at Music & Arts are consistently affordable across the country, with pricing that varies by location and school. Special introductory offers make it even easier to get started. Considering that a top-quality student-level cello with accessories can cost a couple thousand dollars, renting a cello from Music & Arts is a smart, budget-friendly alternative.

Cello Products and Accessories

Your cello rental comes with everything you need to start playing, including a padded bag, a bow and rosin. Rosin is a sticky substance that helps the bow grip the strings so that they vibrate and produce sound.

Additionally, your child’s music teacher at school will recommend key accessories that you’ll be able to purchase during the rental process, as well as a method book.

To keep your instrument in great shape, we highly recommend adding the Strobel Cello Starter Pack. This value-packed, all-in-one kit includes essential accessories to support your child throughout their first year of lessons and orchestra.

A streamlined Strobel Cello Care Kit is also available.

Learn more about the accessories your child needs in this Buyer’s Guide.

Next Steps for Your Cello Rental

Private lessons: As the leading provider of private music lessons in the United States, Music & Arts is the perfect place for your child to advance their skills. Visit our Lessons page or find a store near you.

Buy an instrument: Music & Arts rental fees act as credit toward the purchase of an instrument. If you wish to buy a rentable, student-level cello, your accrued rental payments can cover up to 100 percent of the instrument’s purchase price. Buy early, before your rental term expires, to receive a discount of up to 30 percent.

Cello Rental FAQs

How do I rent a cello from Music & Arts?

You can rent online in just a few simple steps. First, click ‘Rentals’ on the homepage. Then, select your school by entering its zip code or the Quick Code if provided. Choose your instrument, confirm or select your trial period, and add any method books or supplies. Finally, enter the student and renter information, choose your delivery method and complete the billing details.

What comes with my cello rental?

Your cello rental includes the instrument, a padded bag, a bow and rosin. To ensure your child has all the essential accessories, we highly recommend adding the Strobel Cello Starter Pack.

Will my rental cello be new?

Most rental instruments are like-new. We recommend renting a previously used instrument, as each one is professionally adjusted for optimal playability. A young learner with a poorly maintained instrument may struggle to progress. 

How long will it take to receive my cello?

If you choose Ship to Home, orders are processed within 48 hours and typically arrive within one to five days, depending on your location. For Pick Up at School, delivery is arranged by your child’s music teacher. If you select Pick Up at Store, the store will contact you when your instrument is ready — usually within 48 hours.