If your child needs a larger violin or viola, keep in mind that they may need a larger shoulder rest also. You can tell by inspecting to see if the shoulder rest will adjust any bigger. If not, please also purchase a new shoulder rest as well. Sometimes you can find better deals on Amazon or from Shar (for violas, buy for the equivalent violin fractional size: 11" viola = 1/4 violin, 12" viola = 1/2 violin, 13" viola = 3/4 violin, 14" viola = full size violin, 15+" = get the viola shoulder rest).
* If you rent through Sweetwater, reach out to Bradley Barrington (910-476-9242, bradley_barrington@sweetwater.com).They will ship a larger instrument directly to you.
* If you rent through Music & Arts, they have a new policy for getting larger sizes:
1. I can reach out to Erich Haas (our school rep) directly.
2. Or, 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.
3. 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 Erich Haas (919-452-0319, erich.haas@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 intend 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 Sweetwater or Music & Arts). If not, check the following online vendors for sales: Shar Music, and Southwest Strings. You can also visit many of our local music stores (Triangle Strings, Music & Arts, Burrage Music Company, etc.) to browse their collections. If you have any questions about a purchase, email me, and I will try to help. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE beware of V.S.O's (violin-shaped objects - read this for more info) that are for sale on the internet (you can always find them at very cheap prices!). There are definitely brands I would recommend avoiding (Mendini, Palatino, Bellafina, Cecilia, Cremona, etc.)!!! It is MUCH better for your child to play on a quality instrument to help avoid undue frustration (and time taken away from class) with its performance and constant need for repairs or tuning. Before you purchase anything online, please send me a link and I will do research for you to avoid any wasted money! Thanks again, and let me know how I can help!