Instruments & Equipment

Until students are in high school, instruments are best rented, since students grow and the size of their instrument should grow with them.

Many things can be purchased online - like music and accessories - but instruments should not be purchased online. Every instrument is unique and should be matched to the students' physicality. Please contact your teacher if you would like to purchase an instrument, as we can help direct you to a reputable source.

Winter Care & Practice

String instruments do not like temperature extremes.

If the strings are loose or the bridge falls off, please do not try to fix the instrument yourself. Either:

• Bring it to school and I can fix it, or

• Take it to the rental shop (or another string shop) and they can put it back together and tune it, too.

The winter cold makes the wood contract, so the pegs get loose in their holes.

How can students practice without a functional (or tuned) instrument?

There are many other ways to practice!

• Sing the note names (letters) or finger numbers for each piece while playing "air violin" (or viola, cello, or bass)

• Sing (and/or write) the finger numbers for the notes for each piece

• Practice moving the left hand fingers fluently for each piece while singing the letters or numbers, but don't pluck or use the bow

• Practice holding the bow and moving it in the air or on the rosin in rhythm