Instrument Rentals

Renting an Instrument

Most students rent from local music stores.
Families who qualify for the free/reduced school lunch program may rent a violin/viola from FCPS at a reduced cost.
Buying is not advised. (Please don't buy an instrument online.)
This list represents a few of the more popular local shops for renting Strings instruments. Music teachers cannot endorse any specific vendors, but local rental is preferred to purchasing from the internet as these shops can assist with repairs and maintenance when necessary and your instrument will be high quality. They'll also have all the accessories you need!
All violin & viola students will need a shoulder rest (please see "Additional Supplies" section of this website)

Local Rental Shops:

Day Violins: Chantilly

703-391-9444

www.dayviolins.com

Foxes Music Company: Falls Church

703-533-7393

www.foxesmusic.com

Fairfax Fine Violins: Fairfax

703-457-1101

www.ffviolins.com

Music & Arts: Oakton

703-281-0400

https://stores.musicarts.com/oakton?source=LGOA5LKB

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.

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.

More details:

Having a good quality instrument in the correct size is essential for student success!

Please do NOT buy an instrument online. Often, online instruments are low-quality, are difficult to play, and are difficult to tune and cost extra money to have a music store set them up to be ready to play. Please consider renting your instrument from a store that specializes in musical instruments!

Please aim to have your instrument by September 5th.

Already Own/Rent Your Instrument

This is great! Be sure your instrument is the correct size for you and in good condition. Contact Mrs. Brown if you have questions.
Borrowing an instrument from friends or family may also be a great option! Again, correct size and good condition are important.

FCPS Instrument Rental

FCPS offers instrument rentals (violin and viola) for $20 per year for students who qualify for or receive Free/Reduced lunch. Please choose this option on your registration form if you would like more information about FCPS rentals.

Music Store Rental

This is a popular option! Music stores can provide quality instruments AND repairs (and loaners during repairs).
FCPS does not endorse a specific store. This information is provided to help you get started.

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!

Instrument Sizing

Music stores can help with measuring for instrument size. Too small is better than too large.

The average 4th grader plays a 1/2 size violin/cello or 12" viola

The average 5th grader plays a 3/4 size violin/cello or 13" viola

The average 6th grade plays a 4/4 size violin, 3/4 cello, or 14" viola