Here is some basic information for you to consider when you are planning on taking violin lessons

Basic Violin Info

A violin is a musical instrument with 4 strings. The strings can be plucked by a finger or can be played by a bow. The violin is the smallest string instrument in the orchestra, and makes high pitched sounds. A person who plays violin is called a violinist.

Sizes of Violins

There are many different sized violins. Violins come in 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 sizes. A full size (4/4) violin is 14 inches long.

Renting VS Buying a Violin

If your child is still growing (usually ages 7-12, give or take) it is not advisable to purchase an instrument because they will grow out of it quickly and you will be left with an instrument they cannot use. Instead, we reccommended you rent a violin until you are sure the child will stick with it or when they have grown enough to use a full size violin comfortably.

Many music stores in the area have rental programs, and often they will allow you to put your rental payments towards the purchase of an instrument in the future.

Mass Produced Instruments

Please do not purchase a mass produced instrument. They may be very affordable, but you get what you pay for- the quality of these instruments is almost always low and playing on this type of instrument will likely negatively impact your child's learning experience.

Violin Accessories

Shoulder Rest	Buy a shoulder rest.We cannot stress the importance of this enough! Playing without an appropriate shoulder rest causes back and neck problems and is generally just uncomfortable. Kun,Wolf, Everrest & Muco are all acceptable brands of shoulder rests. Be sure to get a shoulder rest which fits the size of your instrument! Kun Junior (1/2 - 3/4) Violin Shoulder Rest Kun Collapsible 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest Don't buy the cheap foam versions of shoulder rests. I also do not like the Resonans brand.
Music Stand	Posture is very important for violin. Having a music stand helps to avoid back problems from hunching over to see music!
Soft Cloth	A soft cloth is used to clean rosin off of violin after practice sessions.
Extra Set of Strings	Strings are easy to replace if they break. This is a rare occurence if you take proper care of your instrument, but always be prepared!
Rosin	Rosin is applied to the bow to help it pull across the string and produce sound.

OC Violin Shops

Foster's Violin Shop
224 South Olive
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 639 - 4480

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