Piccolo Rental

What Is a Piccolo?

The piccolo is the smallest and highest-pitched member of the flute family, which belongs to the larger woodwind group of instruments. It’s about half the length of the standard C concert flute, and it’s pitched an octave higher. Despite its small size, the piccolo can create an impressive range of tones, from the gentle, soothing sounds of its low register to the vibrant and penetrating high-register sounds it’s best known for. Although it’s often used selectively, the piccolo is a versatile and impactful instrument in symphony orchestras, concert bands and wind ensembles, adding distinctive flavors to the overall sound and providing striking solos. Due to its ability to cut through the ensemble sound, the piccolo also enjoys prominence in the marching-band repertoire — including an iconic solo in Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Is the Piccolo a Difficult Instrument to Play?

The piccolo is most often played by flutists who double on the instrument. These students will find many similarities in terms of fingerings, since the piccolo is essentially a small flute. Other elements of performance, especially intonation, will be trickier to master, as the piccolo requires a tighter, more focused embouchure and more controlled breath support. Despite these challenges, many students love the instrument for its invigorating sound — and for the often exciting parts written for it in concert and marching repertoire.

Renting a Piccolo vs. Buying

When considering a piccolo rental, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of renting vs. buying an instrument. If your child is already dedicated to the piccolo, 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 Piccolo?

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

Accessories for Piccolo Rentals

Your piccolo rental includes the instrument and a protective case. The products below are essential for maintaining your child’s piccolo and creating a productive practice environment.

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.

Here are some of the products your child will require:

• Cleaning Supplies: To keep your piccolo looking and sounding great, invest in woodwind maintenance supplies like cleaning rods, swabs and polishing cloths.
• Instrument Stand: Because the piccolo is typically used for select pieces in a concert, an instrument stand is recommended to safely hold it during rehearsals and performances when not in use.
• Music Stand: For comfort, convenience and to encourage good posture, musicians need a well-built adjustable music stand to hold their sheet music and method book while practicing.
• Tuner and Metronome: Solid intonation can be especially challenging to achieve on the piccolo, so be sure to pick up a digital tuner that is precise and easy to use. A metronome is a small device that provides a steady beat to practice along to, helping your child improve their sense of rhythm and musical time. These tools are available individually or combined into a single product.

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

Next Steps After Your Piccolo 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 piccolo 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 piccolo, 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.

Piccolo Rental FAQs

How do I rent a piccolo 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 piccolo rental?

Your piccolo rental includes the instrument and a protective case. 

Will my rental piccolo 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 piccolo rental?

If you choose Ship to Home for a piccolo 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.