| Having taught violin and viola students for over 10 | | | | not get a good sound. The combination of a frustrating |
| years there are a number of misconceptions I hear | | | | playing experience and not liking the sound they are |
| over and over when it comes to buying a student | | | | making often discourages students and they don't stick |
| violin. Ideally students are going to be spending time | | | | with the instrument long enough to get very good at |
| playing their instrument everyday, and getting an | | | | playing it. It is very wise to get the best instrument you |
| instrument that allows them to be successful is very | | | | can afford from the beginning. This way you give the |
| important. Read over these common misconceptions | | | | student a good start to developing their technique and |
| and then talk to your teacher (or your child's teacher) | | | | tone, and loving to play their instrument. I have seen it |
| and additionally find out what they think is important in a | | | | make a huge difference. |
| new instrument. | | | | Misconception #3: SIZE DOESN'T MATTER. Some |
| Misconception #1: NEW IS BETTER. Especially with | | | | instruments come one size fits all - flutes and |
| stringed instruments like violin, viola, and cello new isn't | | | | saxophones come to mind. Others, like string |
| always better. These instruments sound better the | | | | instruments, come in graduated sizes that allow |
| more they are played, over time. A hundred year old | | | | students to develop good technique like vibrato and |
| violin may not look as pretty and new, but if someone | | | | finger placement without putting a strain on growing |
| has been playing it often, it will sound amazing | | | | bodies. It is extremely important to be measured for |
| compared to a brand new violin of the same price. If | | | | the correct instrument size and get your teachers |
| an instrument is hand made and has been taken care | | | | approval that the instrument fits you properly. |
| of, a used instrument can be a great idea. There are | | | | Otherwise it can be like a young child learning to play |
| new instruments out there that do sounds good, but | | | | baseball in shoes 5 sizes too large. They may get |
| new isn't always better. | | | | around the bases eventually but it will be clumsy and |
| Misconception #2: BUY SOMETHING CHEAP FOR A | | | | without much speed. |
| BEGINNER AND GET THEM SOMETHING BETTER | | | | Hopefully this has helped clear up some |
| QUALITY ONCE THEY HAVE LEARNED TO PLAY | | | | misconceptions about getting a student instrument. |
| WELL. Learning to play an instrument is hard enough | | | | Learning an instrument is extremely rewarding and also |
| with a good quality instrument! Often cheaply made | | | | lot of work. Help your student get off to a great start |
| instruments are not set up to be played easily and do | | | | with the right equipment! |