Every child should have the opportunity to play the instrument they would like to play.  If you have financial concerns about renting from a music store please contact your orchestra teacher. We have some school instruments available for student use. 

String instruments come in various sizes. Orchestra students should have their instrument size checked by the music store representative or orchestra teacher during their instrument fittings.  Adults typically play a full size violin, 16-17 inch viola, full size cello or a 3/4 size bass. 6th graders are often a 1/2 or 3/4 size violin/cello, a 1/2 size bass or a 12-14 inch viola. Before you rent an instrument please have your instrument size checked. 

All students need their instrument in class the first week of school next year. If you have any questions, please contact your orchestra teacher.

What to expect from a music store:

• A quality instrument

• A rent-to-own plan so that your money goes toward the eventual purchase of the instrument

• Consider a protection/insurance plan to protect you from instrument damage

• Excellent service, The Loft Violin Shop delivers to school

Rent or Buy?

We suggest renting an instrument as opposed to buying an instrument during the first year of instruction for two main reasons: 1) Each string instrument comes in multiple sizes to fit different size students. If you rent an instrument, each change in instrument size is as simple as swapping with the rental company, making rental a great choice while students are still growing. IF you buy an instrument, when your child grows you will need to buy another instrument. 2) When renting from a high quality music store there is insurance built into the cost of each instrument rental. If your child breaks or loses their instrument with a rental, the shop will simply fix/replace that instrument at no additional cost to you. If you purchase an instrument then you would have to foot the bill for any damage to your child’s instrument. In our experience, MOST accidents and damage happen in the first year of orchestra while they are learning the basics of instrument posture, performance and care. 

Does my child need to bring their instrument to school for class?

This initially seems like a silly question. Kids need an instrument in order to learn an instrument! However, cello and double basses are too large to be allowed on the school bus. For this reason, the district provides the larger instruments for students to use during class. Violin/Viola students will always need to bring their own instruments to and from school. Cello/Bass students will be provided with a school instrument to use during class and will need another instrument at home for practice, after school rehearsals and concerts.