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 Violin One on One

Introduction to the Violin

Violin vs Fiddle

Violin vs Viloa

Huminity and Violin

The Right size Violin for Children

 Parent's Guide to Music Lessons

How can I get my child to practice?

When Should Children Start Music Lessons?

Children and Music Talent

What Instrument to choose?

Finding a Music Teacher

Finding an Instrument

Once Lessons Have Begun

Guide to Great Music Practice

Interduction

STEP 1 - Set Goals

STEP 2 - Set Practice Time

STEP 3 - Warm Up

STEP 4 - Work on It

STEP 5 - Cool Down

STEP 6 - Evaluate

 Music Know how

Music Business Knowhow

Avoid being Nervous

Good intonation in string playing

Music Teacher and Shops

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Finding an Instrument

This section comes after "finding a teacher" because it is often a good idea to get in touch with your child's prospective teacher before you get an instrument.

The teacher may have definite ideas about what is an acceptable student instrument, will probably know the best sources of reasonable quality/reasonable price instruments, may have brand recommendations, and in any case should be able to help you decide whether to purchase a particular instrument. This includes band directors and other group instructors.

If money is an issue, please don't hesitate to let the instructor know.

The school may be able to let you borrow or rent an instrument at a low cost, or the instructor may be able to help you locate a low-price used instrument.

If your teacher does not recommend a particular place to look for an instrument, good sources of instruments include your local music shops, the want-ads section of your newspaper, and national music companies that are willing to ship instruments to you.

Both local and national music stores will generally try very hard to sell you an instrument that you will be happy with, so that you will return to them for music, mutes, repairs, and other extras.

Let the salesperson know you need a student-quality instrument, and of course let them know if a small-size instrument is needed.

Mention any other requirements your teacher has. Check warranties and return policies carefully.
Catherine Schmidt-Jones

Note: Student-quality instruments are usually reasonably priced, (although some instruments are simply more expensive to make than others), and this is really all a beginner needs.

Even if your child does end up having great interest and ability, it will probably be a few years before she needs a higher-quality instrument.

And by then, she will have very definite ideas about what kind of instrument she wants, too.

Mention any other requirements your teacher has. Check warranties and return policies carefully.

Ask if there is any way for you to take the instrument to be okayed by your child's teacher before final purchase, particularly if you are buying a used instrument through a want ad.

If they can, ask the salesperson or previous owner to play it for you.

Consider whether renting an instrument for a few months would make sense. This can be a good way to put off purchasing the instrument until you are certain of your child's interest, and your child can then try playing on an instrument before you buy it.

Note: Buying instruments at stores that do not specialize in music can be a mistake. Some of these instruments are of such poor materials and workmanship that it is very difficult to keep them in working order; your repair bills may end up costing more than a decent instrument would have cost.

Once you have purchased the instrument, make sure you follow the care instructions that come with it, or find out from the teacher how to care properly for it.

A musical instrument, like a car, will be a source of constant frustration and repair bills if it is not kept in good shape.

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