Trumpet Rental

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What Is a Trumpet?

The trumpet is among the smallest and highest-pitched members of the brass family. It’s a deeply versatile instrument, capable of soft, slow, lyrical phrases, high-volume lines performed with masterful speed, and everything in between. The trumpet’s ability to play clear, brilliant melodies that help define an ensemble’s overall sound has made the instrument prevalent across a wide range of ensembles and genres. Concert and wind bands, symphony orchestras, jazz bands big and small, Latin bands, marching bands — the trumpet has served a vital role in all of them. While there are several different types of trumpets, the most common — and the kind that you’ll rent from Music & Arts — is the B-flat trumpet.

How Do You Play the Trumpet?

Sound is produced on the trumpet when the player buzzes their lips into a brass mouthpiece, causing vibrations that travel through the air column inside the trumpet’s tubing and out of its bell. The player controls this buzzing through their “embouchure,” or the coordination of the lips, tongue, teeth and the muscles around the mouth. To change pitch, the player adjusts their embouchure and uses the trumpet’s three piston valves. Pressing down on one or more of these valves lowers the pitch by guiding the air through additional lengths of tubing. The right hand operates the valves while the left hand supports and holds the instrument.

Is the Trumpet a Difficult Instrument to Play?

All musical instruments require patience, focus and regular practice, and the trumpet is no different. Beginners must develop strong breath support and a precise, consistent embouchure to produce a clear, powerful sound. This process can be physically demanding, and even seasoned players must practice regularly to maintain their technique. (For young trumpeters, orthodontic changes can significantly disrupt their embouchure and progress.)

Despite its challenges, countless young musicians have dedicated their lives to the trumpet’s radiant sound — and to the thrilling parts and solos it’s given in ensembles. It’s earned a reputation as an instrument for master musicians, from the principal trumpets in the greatest symphony orchestras to jazz icons like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.

The trumpet is also a staple in school band and orchestra programs, giving your child many opportunities to participate and perform.

What’s the Difference Between a Trumpet and a Cornet?

At Music & Arts, educators have the opportunity to select which instruments their students will play. In most cases, your child’s teacher will start them on a standard B-flat trumpet. However, some students may begin on a similar-looking instrument called a cornet.

The cornet is lighter and more compact than the trumpet, making it easier for young learners to hold. Key design differences in its bore (the inside of its brass tubing) and its mouthpiece contribute to the cornet’s tone, which is warmer and more relaxed than the trumpet, and can make it easier for some beginners to produce a sound. That said, the cornet is also played by advanced musicians — especially in British-style brass bands, traditional jazz, specific American concert-band repertoire and other settings.

Renting a Trumpet vs. Buying

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

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

Accessories for Trumpet Rentals

Your trumpet rental includes a protective case, a mouthpiece and a bottle of valve oil. 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 Trumpet Starter Pack. This cost-effective, all-in-one kit includes key products that will aid your child in practice and instrument maintenance.

A streamlined Giardinelli Trumpet Care Kit is also available.

Other Recommended Products

Tuner and Metronome: Every practice session should include tuning, so pick up a digital tuner that is both 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.

Trumpet Stand: An instrument stand provides a safe and convenient way to store your trumpet temporarily, when not in use during practice sessions.

Mutes: Mutes are devices that, when inserted into a trumpet’s bell, allow the player to create new and interesting sounds or reduce the instrument’s volume for practice.

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

Next Steps After Your Trumpet 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 trumpet 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 trumpet, 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.

Trumpet Rental FAQs