Hello Orchestra parents!
Does your child need a larger size instrument? Here's how you can get the correct size for him/her, in order to ensure the best start for the 2024-25 school year! 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 violin equivalent size: 11" = 1/4, 12" = 1/2, 13" = 3/4).
If you rent through Music & Arts, they have a several ways of getting larger sizes:
1. Visit a local M&A store (call ahead: in Cary – 919-854-0024, Garner – 919-329-6069, Raleigh – 919-872-1601, or Wake Forest – 919-556-0883) and exchange while you are there.
OR
2. Call/email Greg Jenner (greg.jenner@musicarts.com, 919-452-0319) and let him know that your child needs a larger instrument, and he can bring it directly to Hunter. This option will sometimes take longer, as he visits just once a week. If you choose this option, email me as well and let me know. I will need to make sure I have your child's instrument at the beginning of the day when he is coming with the exchange.
If you rent through another local music store, you will need to go directly to that store to get a larger instrument(Triangle Strings also has a wonderful rental option).
If you are intend to purchase a larger instrument (usually once students move to a 4/4 violin), check to see if you have any credit through a rent-to-own program. 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!