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How do I get an instrument?
Most students choose to rent their instruments. We work with a music store out of Springfield called Ernie Williamson Music. They have a rental program. The quality of these instruments is great for beginners.
The initial payment, regardless of instrument type, is $29.99. This covers everything your child needs to get started in class (normally a $50+ value). This will include:
Method Book (Essential Elements)
Music Stand
Rosin
Shoulder rest (Violin/Viola) or Endpin anchor (Cello)
Moving forward, rental fees begin after the first month and are as follows every month until your instrument is paid off:
Fractional (smaller) Violin/Viola $16.99
Full size Violin/Viola $24.99
Fractional (smaller) Cello $34.99
Full Size Cello $44.99
Maintenance on contracts is an additional $6/mo and covers all upkeep, maintenance, and incidental repair, as well as theft (with a police report) of the instrument
All payments apply towards purchase, though there is no long-term commitment.
If your child stays in the program, at some point, he or she will need to switch to a larger size. To do so, take the smaller instrument back to the store, and they will swap it for a larger-sized instrument. Then, they will transfer the money you have paid so far towards the purchase of the larger size you checked out. Essentially, if you remain in the program, your child will end up on a full-sized instrument, and it will be paid for over time by your rental fees. The rental program usually lasts roughly 2 years, give or take.
If your child decides to exit the program at any time, you will not be refunded the money you have applied towards a rental, BUT you have an option to pay the remaining balance towards the purchase of the instrument your child is currently playing. Therefore, if your child is renting a 1/2 sized violin and decides to quit the program, you can call the store and see how much money you still owe on the 1/2 sized instrument. Then, after they deduct your rental payments to date, you can pay the remaining balance to own the instrument.
The rental program we work with is Ernie Williamson Music in Springfield, Missouri. To learn more and sign up online for a rental, click here.
What if you want to purchase and not rent?
This is an option, and some parents would rather take this route. However, do not buy the cheapest instrument you can find. Cheap instruments are made out of flimsy materials, which affects the sound of the instrument, the functionality, and ease of play. Students who play on instruments that aren't good quality frequently have trouble making the instrument sound good. It is also not uncommon for it to break or go out of tune constantly. In addition, instruments that won't stay in tune tend to consume a lot of class time since the teacher frequently has to stop class and retune the instrument. This can lead to frustration for the child and the entire class because of the constant interruptions to retune. Many children want to give up simply because their experience has been compromised by the quality of their instrument.
If you still want to purchase an instrument, brands I would recommend include...Eastman, Howard Core, and Amati.
If you have any other questions regarding the following, you can access the beginner's handbook linked below to get more information.
Overall course goal
Course descriptions
Practicing
Concerts
Materials Needed
Private Lessons
Enrollment Policy
Attendance Policy
Dropping Policy
Behavioral Expectations
Contact and Communication methods from the director
Link to beginner's handbook HERE
Link to confirm that you have read through the Beginner's Handbook and agree to the policies, terms, and conditions HERE
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