Flute Rental

What Is a Flute?

The flutes are a group of instruments in the broader woodwind family. When you rent a flute from Music & Arts, you’ll receive a C concert flute made of metal — the kind of flute most prevalent in orchestras, concert bands, wind ensembles, chamber ensembles and marching bands. This instrument is both versatile and distinctive, playing melodies or blending into the harmonies with a graceful, songbird-like tone that can sound strong and radiant or soft and dreamy. Beyond classical and concert settings, flutists have made inspired music in genres such as jazz, folk and even progressive rock.

How Do You Play the Flute?

Unlike most woodwind instruments, the flute does not use a reed to produce sound. Instead, the player generates sound by blowing a stream of air across the embouchure hole, shown in the image of the lip plate above. Pitch is altered by using both hands to press the keys, which open and close tone holes along the body of the instrument. A flutist can perform either standing or seated, holding the instrument on their right side. The flute is positioned roughly parallel to the floor, at a slight downward angle.

Why the Flute Is a Good Instrument to Rent for Your Child

The flute ranks among the most popular rental instruments for children just starting out in band, for good reason. It’s one of the smallest and lightest instruments in band, making it easy for young students to hold and carry. It comes apart into three main sections (the head joint, body and foot joint), allowing for compact storage in its case. It’s also one of the most common instruments in school concert bands and marching bands, offering plenty of opportunities for students to participate and perform. Additionally, a child who learns to play the flute will have a head start if they tackle other woodwind instruments later on.

Is the Flute a Difficult Instrument to Play?

All woodwind instruments offer certain challenges, though with dedicated practice a young flutist can make noticeable progress on a satisfying timeline. Your child will need to develop a firm and consistent embouchure — meaning the combination of a player’s lips, tongue, teeth and the muscles around the mouth — as well as strong and precise breathing technique, since the flute requires a good amount of air to achieve a clear, full sound. Students will also be challenged by certain fingerings, and by maintaining the correct performance posture for long durations. But none of these challenges are insurmountable — in fact, overcoming them will only improve your child’s self-esteem, coordination and focus.

Renting a Flute vs. Buying

When considering a flute rental, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of renting vs. buying an instrument. If your child is already dedicated to the flute, purchasing may be the better route. For beginners, renting is a low-risk way to discover an instrument without a big initial investment.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Flute?

Flute 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 flute with accessories can cost well over $1,000, renting a flute from Music & Arts is a smart, budget-friendly alternative.

Accessories for Flute Rentals

Your flute rental comes with a protective case. 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 Giardinelli Flute Starter Pack. This cost-effective, all-inclusive kit features essential products that will help your child perform better and maintain their instrument.

A streamlined Giardinelli Flute Care Kit is also available.

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

Next Steps After Your Flute 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 Music Lessons page or find a store near you.

Continue renting: If your child is enjoying the instrument, you can extend your flute rental period with Music & Arts.

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 flute, 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.

Flute Rental FAQs

How do I rent a flute from Music & Arts?

You can rent online in just a few simple steps. First, visit our Instrument Rentals page. Then, search for and select your school. 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 flute rental?

Your flute rental includes the instrument and a case. We also highly recommend adding the Giardinelli Flute Starter Pack containing important products for instrument maintenance and performance.

Is my flute rental going to be a new instrument?

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 rental flute?

If you choose Ship to Home for a flute rental, 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.