If your child needs a larger violin or viola, make sure the shoulder rest still fits the larger instrument. You may need to purchase a larger shoulder rest to go with it.
If you rent through Music & Arts, they have a new policy for getting larger sizes:
1. Call 1-888-732-5396, and tell them what size your child needs. They will ship the new instrument directly to the school, and I will take care of returning the smaller one.
2. You can also visit the local store (call ahead: Cary - 919-854-0024, Triangle Town Center - 919-872-1601, Garner - 919-329-6069), or call/email Nelson Pardo (919-452-0319, nelson.pardo@musicarts.com) and let him know that your child needs a larger instrument, and he can bring it directly to Hunter. This option may sometimes take longer, as he visits just once a week. If you choose this option, email me as well and let me know.
If you rent through another local music store, you will need to go directly to that store to get a larger instrument.
If you are ready to purchase a larger instrument (usually once students move to a full size instrument), check to see if you have any credit through your rent-to-own program (with Music & Arts or Triangle Strings). If your child is not on a full size instrument, but you still want to purchase an instrument, PLEASE read this first. You can also visit many of our local music stores to browse their collections. If you have any questions about a purchase, email me, and I will try to help. Beware of V.S.O's (violin-shaped objects) that are for sale on the internet (you can always find them at very cheap prices!). It is MUCH better for your child to play on a quality instrument to help avoid undue frustration with its performance.