Recently, I have read many articles about the benefits of studying a musical instrument.  I am posting a few below and will add more as I become aware of new research.

Easiest way to acquire an instrument:

*Please be cautious if you plan to purchase an instrument on your own!  There are many cheap "Violin Shaped Objects" out there on Amazon and Ebay.  These instruments, in many cases, can NOT be tuned, require extra expenses to make playable, and will be very frustrating to play even after upgrades.  In my experience, these instruments break easily and will quickly lead to students leaving the program because they are unable to get a good sound or feel comfortable playing their instruments.  Please feel free to ask me for recommendations prior to making any purchases if you plan to purchase an instrument for your child!

Rettig Music - This link will take you directly to the Maumee Orchestra suggested materials page and information for rentals.  Rettig has a nice system in place where the first three months of rental only cost the regular one month fee.  Also, they will credit 100% of the rental fees paid over the years towards the purchase of an instrument down the road!  There is a representative from Rettig Music that visits the school each week to handle repairs and orders.  Orders through the RETTIG website can be delivered directly to the school and most repairs can be facilitated through the school.

The Loft Violin Shop  - 100% of your rent applies to purchase.​... no exclusions, no exceptions, no limitations, no fine print. 

The Loft Violin Shop in Columbus, Ohio offers some very nice instruments at a very competitive price.  They are easy to work with and stand behind their instruments replacing bows when necessary, replacing broken strings, etc all included in their rental price.

• Violins (and small violas) rent for $20.00 per month ($660/$750 total cost)

• Violas rent for $30.00 per month ($850 total cost)

• Cellos rent for $40.00 per month ($1250 average total cost)

• Basses rent for $50.00 per month ($2150 average total cost)

Shar Music - This store is located in Ann Arbor and deals specifically with string instruments.  They offer competitive pricing and provide quality instruments but do not visit the school, which can make it a little more difficult for repairs and upgrades.  Please read the information page and their terms and conditions if you are considering using this option.

Baroque Violin Shop - Baroque Violin Shop has the best and one of the biggest rental programs in the country. Although we're based in Cincinnati, we serve all 50 states through online sales and rentals, and our local reps. We don’t believe in renting low quality instruments, but it’s our goal to make it affordable for any student to rent from us. Instead of offering different levels of instruments at varying price points, we only rent the highest quality student instrument because we believe this is crucial to maximizing a student's potential. We work hard to keep our costs low because we believe that cost should not prevent anyone from becoming a musician. A high-quality and professionally set-up instrument makes it easier for the student to learn musical techniques and progress faster.

Items needed for class:

Beginners Book for all 6th Grade Students:

Essential Elements for Strings Book 1 - Instrument Specific (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)

1/2" BLACK 3 ring binder

Instrument specific recommendations:

Violins / Violas should consider investing in a shoulder rest - I recommend the Everest or Kun brands which can usually move from instrument to instrument as your child grows (one size for 3/4 or 4/4 violin and 15"-16" viola).  If your child plays a smaller instrument, consider an inexpensive instrument sponge until your student reaches the 3/4 or 15" size.

Cello will find using a "cello strap" will be helpful in situations where practicing on non-carpeted floors is necessary.  This helps keep the instrument from sliding as they play

Bass should consider purchasing an endpin "donut" for their endpin to rest in - bass specific is easier for students to set the instrument in as it has a wider receiving circle than the cello equivalent.  This will help keep the instrument from sliding and marring the floor.

Link to download all play along tracks from publisher:  Hal Leonard - Essential Elements Play Along Tracks