From the “sixteenth” size violin at age 3-4, children can expect to spend a year or so on each size (1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 4/4) until reaching the full size around age 10-12. Children in the range of 48-52 inches in height are likely to be suited for 1/4 size.
A violin that sounds good and stays in tune will offer the best learning (and listening!) experience. A poorly constructed violin may need troublesome repairs and be frustrating to play, making an already costly and difficult activity more costly and difficult. Please read:
- “Cheap violins for sale are not a good deal” article
- “What ‘brand’ of violin should I buy?” article
- “When is a bargain not a bargain?” article
- “Beginners need the best” article – paper copy provided at your consultation
Please do not buy a violin, especially from an online description, ahead of time.
A violin is as much an artist’s tool, or a craftsman’s handiwork, as a mechanical (not electronic) device. Before taking home a real violin, children will complete age-appropriate preparatory steps. Parents and children will be instructed by the instructor on basic care and maintenance, begin establishing a practice routine and working relationship, and continue to cultivate an attitude of respect for the instrument, for themselves, and for others.
Resources
- Violins may be available from other students in the studio who have outgrown theirs
- Violins from our personal collection
- Princeton Violins (NJ), Main Violin (Fort Lee, NJ), and Virtuoso Resources (NYC) offer rentals of high quality student instruments
- Other referrals to string instrument specialists
Buying or renting from a local specialist
| Pros | Cons |
| Better quality instrument Service level – some maintenance included, access to the luthier’s expertise Easily trade for the next size – prevents accumulating multiple old violins Partial rental fees applied to purchase – paying towards your future better violin Support local small business |
(Buy) Higher up-front cost (Buy) Responsibility of ownership i.e. maintenance and damages (Rent) Obligated for contract term (Rent) Payments don’t end until you buy |
Buying via a private sale
| Pros | Cons |
| Lower up-front cost on student level instruments that don’t retain much resale value | Takes time and discernment to locate deals No service support – you are responsible for all maintenance and damages |