Darien String Program
June 2, 2026
Dear Third Grade Families,
In third grade, children have the opportunity to begin learning the violin, viola or cello in
the Beginning String Program.
The Beginning String Program in Darien has been designed to be musically and socially
educational. It enhances the student's growth by being responsive to each player's
individual needs. The program involves weekly half-hour small-group lessons for similar
instruments and at least two performances each year. Each child is expected to practice for
at least 10 minutes every day and complete all written assignments.
If you think your child would be interested in taking a string instrument this year,
please discuss his or her choice carefully. Complete the form at
https://tinyurl.com/DarienStrings2026 by Friday, June 12, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact us at the email addresses below. We hope
your child will join us for a wonderful musical experience.
Sincerely,
Dawn Hanley—Ox Ridge & Tokeneke (DHanley@darienps.org)
Krista DiPietro—Hindley & Holmes (KDiPietro@darienps.org)
Jane Minnis—Royle (JMinnis@darienps.org)
Darien String Program
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the cost of the Beginner String Program?
There is no charge for the in-school lessons. Parents are responsible for the cost of the
instrument rental and lesson book. Once lessons begin, parents may be asked to purchase
other items like a music stand ($25), a shoulder rest ($7) or a cello stop ($14).
Should I buy an instrument or rent one?
We strongly encourage you to rent a small-sized instrument rather than buy one. String
instruments come in different sizes, from 1/16 to 4/4. Parents should wait to purchase an
instrument until the child can play a full-sized model.
There are some inexpensive instruments available online. Should I purchase one of
those?
Many instruments purchased through online sources (ebay, Amazon, Craigslist) are not in
playable condition. The repairs needed end up being more expensive than what you would
have paid a dealer for a quality instrument in the first place. Playing an instrument that is
not of good quality or in good playing condition can be discouraging to a beginner student.
If you have an instrument at home, please have your child’s string teacher look it over to be
sure it is the correct size and in playable condition.
My child is left-handed. Does this affect his playing of a string instrument?
A string instrument is not a right-handed or left-handed instrument. Those students who
are left-handed will be extremely strong at learning the fingerings.
My child plays piano. Which is the best instrument for her to learn? The violin reads the
same notes as the right hand of the piano and the cello reads the same notes as the left
hand of the piano. The viola has its own clef (alto), which no other instrument reads.
What is the at-home time commitment?
Children are expected to practice for at least 10 minutes each day. Each week, new
material is learned and it is important to reinforce these new skills at home. It is best to
set-up a regular practice time so it becomes part of the daily routine.
MUSIC STORES SERVING THE DARIEN AREA
OFFERING RENTALS AND/OR SALES OF BAND & STRING INSTRUMENTS
This list is provided as a resource only. Families may purchase or rent an instrument from any vendor of their
choice. Please contact your child’s music teacher for more information and recommendations for instrument
rentals and purchases.
AAA Rentals
20 Fitch St, Norwalk, CT 06855 www.aaabandrentals.com (203) 416-6359
Atelier for Fine String Instruments www.atelierfinestrings.com (203) 661-9500
403 East Putnam Ave. Cos Cob, CT
20 Fitch St. Norwalk, CT
(strings only)
Bethel Music Center www.bmcmusicsource.com (203) 792-4304
273 Greenwood Ave. Bethel, CT
Creative Music Center www.thecreativemusiccenter.com (203) 261-7301
701 Main St. Monroe, CT
Crescendo Music Center www.crescendomusicdarien.com (203) 689-7725
351 Post Rd. Darien, CT
DZ Strad Violin Shop www.dzviolin.com (914) 831-7415
60 S. Lexington Ave. White Plains, NY
Greenwich Music www.greenwichmusic.com (203) 637-1119
1200 East Putnam Ave. Riverside, CT
Music & Arts www.musicarts.com (203) 255-2881
1863 Post Rd. Fairfield, CT
Sweetwater www.sweetwater.com (800) 222-4700, x2763
At this age, we strongly recommend renting a small-sized instrument rather than buying one. String
instruments come in different sizes, from 1/16 to 4/4. Always be sure to get the insurance offered.
Be cautious of purchasing instruments through online sources (ebay, Amazon, Facebook
Marketplace). These instruments often require considerable adjustments before they are playable.
If you buy one in these small sizes, you will have to sell it and move to a new size every year until
you reach middle school or high school.
NOTE: The Darien Music Department has tried to include on this list all string instrument dealers
reasonably close to Darien. If you know of another source that you feel should be added, please
inform the Music Office at 655-3981, ext. 2287