4 questions you need to ask before getting your first violin or viola

Whenever I talk to my new students, their parents always want to know more about the instrument. Here are four most-asking questions that I would love to share with you. ​

Question #1: ​How much do I need to pay for renting a violin or a viola?

It depends on the quality of the instrument. Generally speaking, a beginner violin can cost somewhere between $50-$1,000. What? Why are the price differences so big? Violin cost most of the time is depending on the violin's quality and the craftsmanship. The same things apply to a viola as well. In the violin rental market, it is the same. I believe "You pay what you get". The violin or viola rental cost can be anywhere from as little as $20 per month to as much as $50 a month. 

If you are a student who is very interested in learning violin, and now is using a full size violin. I would suggest you either buy a violin that you really like, or rent a higher quality violin so you can enjoy the sound of the violin more. ​

Question #2: ​How to measure the size of the violin or the viola for my kid?

The quickest way is "find your teacher". If the size is in between, some teachers love to have their students use a smaller size violin/viola because it is easier for kids to handle, but some love to use a bigger size violin/viola because the sound is better. 

For more information, you can also refer to our violin sizing chart and viola sizing chart as well. This can give you a rough guide on how to choose your violin or viola size. ​

Question #3: ​To rent, or to buy?

It is cool to have your own violin, but calculating the maintenance fee, size changing cost, and the possibilities of getting a wrong or a defective violin. The best way to have your first violin is to RENT one! ​

Question #4: ​Where to rent the violin or the viola?

Most parents search online for the rental shop near your location. However, it is still better if you can consult with your teacher. In my past experience, even though the violin or viola rental shop has a good reputation, the violins they offer are still not suitable for little kids in my opinion. If your teacher offers to rent a violin or a viola from him/her, you should take a look and try it. ​

It is an exciting moment when you decide to learn the violin or viola. Is is also very common that everyone will have many questions in their mind. Feel free to contact me and ask me more about the learning and the instrument!