Violins come in different sizes (1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4-Full Size) for the different sizes/ages of children.

It is best to rent a violin for 3 reasons:
1. If the student decides to quit after 2 weeks.
2. Children have growth spurts and need a larger instrument.
3. Children can drop/bang their instrument causing costly repairs. Rental violins have insurance coverage included in the rental fee that will cover repair costs.

Most parents wait until their child needs a full size violin (4/4) before buying an instrument.

Here are some local shops that rent violins to students in the Salem area:

• ABC Music
• Uptown Music
• Weather's Music

If you are a beginning violinist, it is rare to find a small sized high quality instrument. Usually beginning instruments are built sturdier and have an adequate sound. Here are some local shops to look for violins:

• David Kerr (Portland)
• Henry Strobel & Sons
• Weather's Music

Here is a really good web site on violin care and maintenance, with some buying tips at the end.

You must bring your child to the Violin Shop in order to get the correct size violin. Someone in the store will have your child hold the violin and stretch his/her arm to measure the proper length of the violin.

If the child has no bend in the elbow and looks like he/she is straining, the violin is too big. Often times, students are in between two sizes. As a rule of thumb, it is better to go smaller than larger.

DO NOT let the violin shop convince you to go larger. Sometimes they do that because they don't have the other size in stock and are scared of losing your business. A good violin shop will take your name and call you when it becomes available.

SHOULDER REST
This is a device that hooks under the violin where the violin touches the shoulder. This accessory is necessary to help the person hold the violin properly. Many devices are available. The size and shape of the student's body will determine which one is best to get:

Zaret Shoulder Rest -Available Sizes: (small to large) 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4
Smallest size (1/4) is best for Very Small/Young Children and Short Necks.

Kun Shoulder Rest - Super adjustable, great for all sizes.
As student gets bigger, it expands to fit larger violin.
When purchasing, check to see what size violin it fits.
Available in lots of pretty colors.

Sponge - Yep, a kitchen sponge is one of the most common shoulder rests for small violinist!


ELECTRONIC TUNER
Visually lets you tune your child's instrument. Easy enough that the student can learn to tune his/her own instrument.


MUSIC STAND
There is a multitude of music stands online or at the music stores. They come in different colors, some are fold-up and portable, others are solid metal and sturdier. The first few lessons do not require a music stand. This is a good item to let the student pick out as a way to encourage their enthusiasm for playing the violin.

PRACTICE MUTE - optional
Practice mutes are made to quiet the violin down so you can practice in apartments, at night, etc. I have never seen one for a small violin except for this one, Heavy Practice Mute, Rubber - 1/4 - 1/16 violin, small .