The violin is the smallest and highest sounding member of the string instrument family. It is held under the chin and uses a shoulder rest to attach the instrument to the body. It can be played while seated or standing, and is also referred to as a "fiddle".

The viola is held the same way as the violin but is slightly larger and thicker. It is lower and darker sounding than the violin. It can be played while seated or standing.

The cello is much larger than the violin and viola and sounds much lower, although it can also play high notes after several years of study. It is held between the knees and played while seated, and is supported by a peg that holds it off the floor.

The bass is a lot larger than the other string instruments and is the lowest sounding member of the string family. It is played while standing or seated on a stool. Like the cello, a peg holds it off the floor. The bass has several names, including bass, double bass, string bass, and upright bass, but it is all the same instrument :-)

The double bass requires good finger strength as well as a vehicle that can easily transport the bass to and from school- please talk with Ms. Hartten before choosing bass to make sure that the bass is a manageable choice to start on.