Stuff You Might Need

Concert Attire Letter 

Practice Mutes are super-handy for playing at home and with Rehearsal or YouTube videos. They were designed for touring professionals to play in a hotel room at 2:00 a.m. and not disturb the people next door. Also useful if your parents have their own Zoom meeting in the next room. 

They are available for violin/viola (left) or cello (right). 

Do not buy a Rubber Practice Mute! They won't do the job. These heavy plated brass mutes have enough mass to do the job by preventing the bridge from vibrating.

Price is $10-15 for the Chrome or Nickel-plated Brass mutes. Excellent Stocking Stuffer!

Shoulder rests are necessary for proper support of the violin and viola. I like rests that can be formed to the player's physique. 

This is the shoulder rest I use - the Bon Musica.

This is what I used for 30 years, the Wolf Forte Primo. I do not recommend it for Viola.

Endpin Anchors are necessary to keep cellos and basses stable and protect your floors.

This is the Xeros Bass Endpin Anchor. They make one for cello, with a cup instead of the angled dam (you can't see the target when you're holding a bass), but I like the bass one for cello, too. You must be seated to use this type.

"Concert Black" - Performance Attire

All performance attire is true black, with the exception of tuxedo shirts. This includes shoes and socks or other hosiery.

Notice that the dress is ankle-length, unadorned with details, and covers the shoulder. Length of the sleeve is not important - the solid strap part of this dress' sleeve is all that is necessary.

Note that the top is a tailored, structured tunic, not a shirt. Pants can be trousers or palazzo pants.

A traditional tuxedo. All true black. The cummerbund and button studs are not necessary, but the tie must be a bow tie. The shirt is white.