Common Questions

What instrument is best for my child? Which instrument do you recommend?

Choosing which instrument to learn brings up a lot of questions for students and parents. I have met with hundreds parents about their child’s instrument selection and my best advice is: listen to your child–follow their interest and passion

I want my child to play the violin, but they want the viola?

As people, we are innately attracted to different types of sounds. Some people naturally respond to high, bright sounds while others respond to low, mellow sounds. Young students enter the music classroom with pre-set preferences that are difficult for them to explain. If you child loves the sound of the viola, that is the instrument they will be most motivated to learn and most motivated to play at home.

I will (almost) always side with your child. They will find the most success with the instrument they are eager to learn.

My older child played the violin and I still have the instrument. Can my 4th grade child use the same instrument?

Wonderful! Bring the instrument to the second music class of the school year and I will look to ensure that it is the correct size and in proper working condition.

Why is important that my child play the correct size instrument?

This is probably the most important detail of the school year.

If your child is correctly “sized”, they will feel good playing it — they will want to play and will succeed. If your child plays an instrument that is not their size, they will be uncomfortable and will not want to play their instrument. Most children will not be able to identify why there are uncomfortable. (They will not tell say: “Mom & Dad, I am hyper-extended my forearm, creating a strain on my wrist, and cannot place my fingers correctly on the fingerboard.”) Instead, a child will say, “I don’t want to play my violin.” How sad! Let’s set up your child for success.

Why do you not recommend purchasing an instrument for a 4th grade student?

Factors to consider if purchasing an instrument for a 4th grade student:

-String instrument come in a variety of sizes. While I will size your chid for an instrument size they can play all year, I cannot predict how fast your child will grow the following years.

-Most families choose to rent in the beginning in order to gauge if their child will play this instrument for many years to come.

-Many local instrument rental businesses have a “rent to purchase” program. If after 6 months of rental, you wish to purchase the instrument, those sixth month rental fees you have paid will be taken off the cost of purchase. If “renting to purchase” interests you, ask a rental business about their policies before signing a rental contract.

-I caution parents not to purchase instruments off certain online marketplaces carrying previously owned instruments. If a deal seems to good to be true, it usually is. If you have found an instrument deal online, feel free to email me the link and I will do my best to advise you on the quality.

While it is recommended that 4th grade families do not purchase an instrument this year, if you are looking to use this instrument for years to come (for example: you have several younger children) I highly recommend purchasing an instrument that stay in working condition for a long time. Please email me for specific brands and a price-range you are looking to stay within and I will advise as best I can.

We really want to purchase an instrument this year. What brands do you recommend?

After one or two years of playing, your child may be ready to commit to their instrument long term. Wonderful! Most families do chose to purchase an instrument at this point. I can suggest several brands that are excellent quality and cost-effective “student model” instruments. Please have your child tell me you want to purchase an instrument when I am meeting with them for “sizing.” I can give more detailed information about how close they are to a “bigger size” instrument. After sizing, email me with an instrument you are thinking of and a price-range you are looking to spend. I will do my best to advise your purchase based on other student experiences.

Will learning the violin mess up my child’s piano skills?

Not at all. Learning another instrument is a wonderful addition of new musical skills! Most musicians play multiple instruments and benefit from a well-rounded music education.

What instrument is best for boys/girls?

Instruments are gender-neutral.

My child is left-handed. Can he/she play the violin?

Instrument learning is not dependent on dominant hands. In class, learning is divided between right hand and left hand skills. Equal time is spent on all skills. In fact, when I say goodbye to my sixth grade students after three years of lessons, I have no idea whether they are right-handed or left-handed!

What instrument can get my child a scholarship to college?

(Surprisingly, I am asked this question every year)

Let’s get through 4th grade music first and leave these questions until we’ve learned some skills!