Your ideal summer music camp acceptance has just arrived, but there is a catch: you need a viola that can withstand long practice sessions and outdoor performances. While purchasing a brand-new instrument might seem like the logical option, viola rentals is a more cost-effective and sensible option.
Cost-Effective Solution
Most high-end and high-quality camp violas start at $1,000, which is pretty big, right? It is almost as near as your summer camp tuition. But what if I say that many rental shops charge between $30 and $50 per month for well-maintained violas. Think about it: for the cost of a few pizza delivery, you could get a top-notch instrument that will last you the entire summer program. Even better, most rental fees include insurance against the inevitable scratches and dings that happen during busy camp days.
High-Quality Instruments
Walking into the rental shop, you might expect to find beaten-up instruments that barely play in tune. But today’s viola rentals often come from the same makers that supply professional orchestras. The strings are fresh, the bridges are properly fitted, and the sound projects clearly across outdoor amphitheaters. Surpisingly, many shops even offer carbon fiber bows that can handle summer humidity without warping – something that would cost hundreds to buy outright.
These rental instruments undergo regular maintenance checks, with professional luthiers adjusting the sound post, checking for open seams, and ensuring the pegs turn smoothly. The fingerboards are carefully maintained to prevent buzzing, and the cases come equipped with humidity controls to protect the instrument during outdoor festivals.
Flexibility For Short-Term Needs
Summer programs vary wildly – maybe you are heading to a two-week intensive in the mountains, or perhaps you are touring with a youth orchestra for three months. Rental periods flex to match your schedule. You will not be stuck with a year-long contract when you only need the viola for six weeks. Plus, if you discover you need a different size or style partway through camp, most shops will swap instruments without charging extra fees. The rental agreements usually include options for extensions if your program runs longer than expected, and some shops offer discounts for multi-month rentals.
Convenience And Delivery
Picture this: you are packing for camp, juggling sheet music, clothes, and camping gear. The last thing you need is to trek across town to pick up an instrument. Many rental services now ship violas directly to your camp location. When camp ends, they will even arrange pickup from your dorm or cabin. Some companies partner with music camps to have instruments waiting in your practice room on arrival day – talk about hassle-free!
Conclusion
Whether you are attending a local student orchestra festival or traveling to Interlochen, renting violas helps ease the burden of summer music programming. You will be able to enjoy a top-notch instrument that is ready for performances without going over budget or having to be stored for a long period. You will also feel more comfortable knowing that help is just a phone call away in case of any issues, including broken strings or weather-related damage. So this summer, instead of buying a ton of instruments, spend your money on memories and camp music.
