Your student wants to start learning to play violin! This is exciting, but can quickly become overwhelming. How do you find a good teacher, help them practice, and how do you get an instrument?
Everyone seems to have one in their attic, or be selling one on craigslist. But THAT is a discussion for another time. Actually so is every thing but that last thing: How to get an instrument.
Today we are going to talk about picking the right instrument for your student.
First, your child might need a smaller sized instrument! A full sized violin is 14'' from the bottom of the instrument body to the top, not including the neck. Full sized violins are called 4/4 violins, the next smallest is 3/4, then 1/2, then 1/4, then 1/8, then even 1/16th!
Next, measure your child's height and the length of their arms. If they are about six years old, but tall, they probably need a 1/4 size, called a Quarter Size instrument. If they are short for their age they might need a 1/8 size!
While it is best to go to general music store like Mainline Music, Music and Arts, or Ted Browns to try these different sizes in person, a good rule of thumb is:
5-6 short = 1/8 instrument
5-6 tall - 1/4 instrument
6-8 short = 1/4 instrument
6-8 tall = 1/2 instrument
8-10 short = 1/2 instrument
8-10 tall = 3/4 instrument
10-12 tall = 4/4 instrument
10-12 short = 3/4 instrument
13-14 short = 4/4 instrument
Remember that these are just guidelines, and that your child's arms might be longer or shorter, so it really does help to try them out in person.
Violas are measured a little differently, because there is no "full size viola," as violists push themselves to play the biggest instrument possible! Basically, they measure violas by the height of the viola body, 11'' = 1/4 size, 12''= 1/2 size, 13''= 3/4 size, 14''= 4/4 size, 15''= common viola size, 15.5''= another common viola size, 16''=an adults viola size, 16.5''= a larger viola size! ( I have a 16.5'' viola, even though it is a little too big, because it sounds deeper and richer than a smaller viola might).
If your child might need a smaller instrument now, I HIGHLY recommend renting from a music store because your child is going to grow! They will not charge you when it is time to move up to a bigger size, and most rentals come with their own insurance. (Meaning if your kid is rough or makes a mistake, you won't owe a surprise fee. These policies give me such a peace of mind as a teacher)!
A lot of stores let you "rent to own," which means a portion of your monthly rental fee goes into a payment plan for an instrument. If you rent for a year or two, you will have paid off your instrument! This gives you plenty of time to decide if a violin or viola is right for your student.
I do not recommend buying a smaller instrument online. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is! If it is made by Cecelio or Mendini, DON'T BUY IT. I talk about buying a good instrument Here.
Bottom line: For a growing kid, rent an instrument so you can size up.
Talk to you soon!
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