FAQ's

Q How do I sign up for orchestra classes?
A There's only one thing you need to do: Click on the "Sign Up!" tab, fill out and submit the form. You will be contacted once school starts with important dates to watch out for!   

Q When do orchestra classes start and where are they meeting?
A  To be determined.

Q  I've never played an instrument before and know NOTHING about music!  Will you teach me EVERYTHING I need to know?
A  Absolutely!  We will be starting from the very beginning. I will be teaching you how to take care of your instrument, how to hold your instrument, how play your instrument, and how to read music. Everyone starts at the very beginning!

Q Where can I get an instrument?
A  Take a trip to your local music store! Suggestions include, but are not limited to the following vendors:      *Milano's *Music and Arts *Andrew's Fine Violins *Arizona Fine Violins
                              OR  
Attend Milano's Music Night at BFCS Gilbert campus on Back to School Night! July 20th 4-6pm! Milano's Music will be in the gym to supply instruments, books, shoulder rests, etc. It's a great way to save time and an extra trip!

Q  Do I need to buy an instrument?
A  Absolutely NOT! In fact, I would not recommend purchasing an instrument. Very few beginning students are ready to play a full-sized string instrument, and you do not want to have purchased one your student will be out-growing! There are also VSO's out there (violin shaped objects as I like to call them) lurking around on the internet. Rent instead!!

Q What in the world is a VSO?!?!
A A VSO is a "violin shaped object".  They often look beautiful, come with a plethora of accessories (cleaning cloths, shoulder rests, rosin, etc.) to make parents think they are getting a $$good deal$$, and they save you a trip to the music store when they are delivered to your doorstep via outlets like Amazon, WalMart, etc.  Sounds wonderful, right?  WRONG! The problem with VSO's is that they do not stay in tune, break easily, have cheap strings on them, and have bridges that are improperly shaped, making them hard to play. In the end, it will cost you more!!  PLEASE RENT!! 

Q  How do I rent an instrument and what is the cost involved? 
A  Below is a brief video by Milano's Music, explaining their instrumental rental program. Most music vendors have similar plans. Don't forget to take your student with you if you choose to visit the music store! They will need to be measured to fit them with the correct size of instrument:) 

Q  What books will my Beginning student be using? 
A  Concert Tunes for Beginning Strings by Dale Brubaker
                                                and
      Essential Elements for Strings Book 1 (Make sure you get the book specific for the instrument your child is playing!)

Q What book will my Intermediate/Advanced Student be using?
A Concert Tunes for Intermediate Strings by Dale Brubaker

Q What other accessories will I be needing?
A Shoulder rest (Everest or Kun only), rosin (for your bow), and a soft clean cloth (for cleaning off fingerprints and dust).  If you have an aspiring cellist, you will also need to make sure the rental comes with an end pin anchor strap.  If not, your student will need one. The straps "anchor" to the legs of the chair. Cello anchor straps  keep your student's instrument from sliding around on the stage!  A cello anchor strap is different from a "rock stop". Make sure that whatever you purchase has a strap to attach it to the leg of a chair. 

Q  How do I make sure the instrument I rent is a quality instrument?
A Here's a short video I put together on how to be absolutely SURE you get a quality instrument, and why it is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do to ensure your student's success!!

 Q  I still have unanswered questions? Who do I contact?
A  You may contact the front office at (480) 632-0722