Watch and listen to the instrument videos below to help you choose the best one for you!
Want to try out the various strings instruments?
Madison Pyramid Instrument Fair:
When: Monday, August 31, 2026
Where: Madison HS auditorium
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Day Violins and Foxes Music will be onsite to help students try instruments, discuss costs, and fill out rental paperwork.
OR
You may go to any local instrument rental shop anytime throughout the summer and ask to try instruments and complete your rental paperwork.
Financial Assistance:
If you have applied for Free or Reduced Lunch, your child may be eligible to rent a violin or viola from the school. The rental fee is $20 for the academic year. Please indicate your financial need on the registration form, and additional documentation will be emailed to you at the beginning of the new school year.
Asistencia financiera:
Si ha solicitado el programa de almuerzo gratuito o a precio reducido, es posible que su hijo reúna los requisitos para alquilar un violín o una viola a la escuela. La tarifa de alquiler es de $20 por el año escolar. Por favor, indique su necesidad económica en el formulario de inscripción; se le enviará documentación adicional por correo electrónico al comienzo del nuevo año escolar.
Smallest, highest pitch
Reads treble clef
Most popular
Easy transportation
Will need a shoulder rest (please see "Additional Supplies" section of this website)
Slightly larger than violin
Medium pitch
Reads alto clef
Easy transportation
Will need a shoulder rest (please see "Additional Supplies" section of this website)
Large, sit to play
Low pitch
Reads bass clef
Sometimes not allowed on on buses.
Very large
Low pitch
Reads bass clef
Not allowed on buses.
Transportation - violins & violas are easy to take to/from school via bus or walking. Most bus drivers do allow cellos on the bus - however, IF your bus is overcrowded (3 to a seat) you will need to get bus driver permission. Cellos are actually easy for walkers to carry. Basses must be driven to school.
Pitch/sound preference- Students are happiest when they love the sound of their instrument! Do not get stuck on a favorite song. Any song can be played on any instrument!
Readiness/ Open Mind- Be ready to make a good effort with a positive approach! Learning to play an instrument will be both challenging and rewarding.
Difficulty: All 4 string instruments are equally easy or difficult to play.
Size- String instruments come in different sizes. Cellos and Basses are a lot to carry and manage at any size. (Details about instrument size can be found at the bottom of the "Instrument Rentals" link)
Music reading/clefs
Violins read treble clef (recorder/general music, right-hand piano, )
Violas read alto clef (unique to viola!)
Cellos and Basses read bass clef (left-hand piano).
You may want stick with what you know, or challenge yourself with a new clef!