Getting an instrument

*Please do not get an instrument before carefully reviewing and understanding the following information.

1. Choose an instrument.

2. Get more information about materials needed.

3. Determine what size instrument your student needs (see below).

4. RENT an instrument from Schultz Strings or West Music. If you are considering purchasing an instrument, please contact an orchestra teacher first. If the cost of renting from a music store would be prohibitive to your student's participation, please contact us as we have a limited supply of school instruments available to rent for a lesser fee. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

***If the cost of getting an instrument will be a barrier to participation, please reach out to us to discuss alternate options.***

***If the cost of BASS rental specifically will be a barrier to your student choosing bass, please reach out to us to discuss alternate rental options.***

How to Get an Instrument Sheet Coming Soon

1. Choose an instrument

• Watch instrument demonstration videos.

• Search for other videos/recordings of each instrument.

• Make choice based on personal preference of how instrument sounds.

Remember:

• Any music can be played on any instrument.

• All string instruments come in sizes to fit any person.

2. Get more info about materials needed

• Instrument and bow in case

• Rosin - usually comes with rental

• Folding music stand

• Violins/violas: shoulder sponge. Curved foam sponge with rubber bands preferred over plastic shoulder rest.

• Cellos/basses: rock stop. Metal one-piece style preferred over strap.

• Soft, clean cloth - can be old t-shirt, glasses cloth, etc. Not necessary to purchase. No polish, cleaner, etc.

• Music store may provide book with rental. Do not need to purchase regardless - we will provide book if needed.

All materials should be available from music store where instrument is rented from.

3. Determine what size instrument student needs

• String instruments come in many sizes. Having right size is required.

• Students will not be successful with wrong size instrument. Like trying to run in wrong size shoes!

• MUST carefully measure student according to guides below to get accurate size. DO NOT GUESS student's size.

  • Schultz Strings sizing chart, Schultz Strings video

  • West Music sizing video

  • Helpful article/pictures about violin/viola sizing

• If in between sizes, smaller is better than bigger.

• Do not get bigger size for student to grow into. Music stores will size up rental instruments for free.

***If you are interested in purchasing instead of renting, please contact us and we are happy to help you guide your decision.

• Please DO NOT purchase an instrument online or anywhere that does not specialize specifically in orchestra instruments.

  • Poor quality, cannot determine quality from info online

  • Often come 'to be assembled'

  • Possibly cheaper initially, but require lots of repair work over time that might cost more than instrument

  • Music stores/repair shops often refuse to work on instruments of low quality or that they did not sell

  • Cannot be sure of exact size before purchasing

  • Cannot be sure what accessories come with instrument

  • Orchestra instruments are very different from guitars, ukuleles, etc., so specialized store is necessary

• Please DO NOT purchase a colorful instrument (blue, pink, black, etc.).

  • Intended as toys

  • High quality string instruments not painted because it affects sound