Yes, you can, but please talk to me first! 

Many unknowingly purchase "VSO's", also known as "Violin Shaped Objects". These instruments sound awful, don't stay in tune, and fall apart which can make the process of learning very frustrating to students. 

If you are on a budget, reach out to me! I have resources.

If you do purchase an instrument, please know that the resale market is varied (and you may own the instrument forever as a result). Additionally, because you own it outright, you will be 100% responsible for any necessary repairs and expenses related to upkeep. 

Of course! Please make sure first that:

• It's the correct size for your student (if you are unsure, bring it to your lesson)

• It's in playing condition (have it looked at by a luthier, and invest in a new set of strings)

• The bow has hair and is in playable condition (bows are often one of the first things to fall apart on old instruments that have been sitting). It may need to be replaced. 

We don't need much, but there are a few pieces and parts to keep in mind:

• Sheet Music

• Rosin

• Shoulder rest 

• Strings

• Bow Hair

• Maintenance

• Tuition (for youth orchestras, clinics, camps, etc.)

As with everything, the cost of each will increase as your student learns and moves into intermediate, advanced, and professional-level gear. 

Rental fees are typically in the neighborhood of $25-$125 per month, depending on the instrument quality. 

As students advance, choosing a higher-quality instrument will become a necessity. This can increase your rental and out-of-pocket costs. 

Most good rental programs are rent to own, and allow you to move up a level to higher quality intermediate and advanced level instruments as needed. 

For purchased instruments, the range is all over the place. 

Beginner-level instruments with a bow typically cost anywhere from $400 - $1500, bow included

Intermediate-level instruments can run anywhere from $1000 - $5000, with bows starting at $125 - $350

Advanced level instruments start around $3000 - $9000 with bows starting at $500-$1500

Professional-level instruments start around $10K, with bows starting at $1500-$5000. 

Violas are always more expensive than violins, and the prices above are averages! Many factors go into instrument price. 

Of course, these expenses do not cover a case, rosin, strings, or shoulder rest! 

Music and Arts is not a violin shop. They know nothing about these instruments and do not staff a qualified luthier. This means that they are unqualified and unable to do repairs, upgrades, and tune-ups as needed. 

The instruments they rent are of poor quality, and their rent-to-own program locks parents and students into purchasing instruments that ultimately have almost no street or resale value.  

After years of working with students playing rentals from Music and Arts, I have yet to see even a marginally acceptable instrument.

Without fail, we eventually must have a difficult discussion about giving up years of "rent to own" equity in exchange for getting the student into an instrument that will be functional, playable, and valuable as they move forward in life.  This is NOT worth the heartbreak and expense.

If you are currently renting from Music and Arts, get out now and invest instead in a rental program that will give your student access to a decent, well-adjusted, properly built instrument.

Yes, this is a scathing review. I'm sick of how this company treats my students and their families, who spend their hard-earned money there.  Do not use Music and Arts, no matter how popular they seem!

Start your rent-to-own journey with a legitimate violin shop, and not only will you get your money's worth, but your student will have access to qualified repairs and tune-ups. When it's time to upgrade, your student will also have a good instrument with resale value...not a poorly adjusted factory instrument with a garbage bow that's been sitting in a warehouse for years, sold to you by a trumpet player. 

Your student deserves to be welcomed into the string community properly. There is nothing like the experience of walking into a proper violin shop, seeing the beautiful instruments and bows hung on the wall, and talking to passionate employees who are specialists in orchestral strings. We orchestral musicians LOVE our instruments and cherish their history. 

You will not get this atmosphere or welcome in Music and Arts... even though they charge as much as, if not MORE than, the traditional violin shops listed above. 

Call me if you have questions: 720-299-4440