How do I know which size instrument is correct for my child?

Most shops that sell musical instruments can help you pick out the correct size, or you can always ask your teacher! If you want to measure yourself, though, there is a chart at the bottom of my “Choosing an Instrument” page that will help you figure out what size you need.

What is a good brand?

Each violin is different, no matter who made it. Also, whether or not an instrument has been properly maintained can make a huge difference. For this reason, I tend not to recommend brands. Instead, I strongly recommend renting from a luthier, rather than purchasing. I prefer my students to rent from Kelin Violin Shop (www.kelinviolins.com) in Plano if at all possible.

Please note that a 'colored' instrument (blue, pink, white, etc.) is never a good choice. These instruments are, without exception, inferior quality, and are not permitted for use in my studio.

For a student that has been playing for awhile and is looking to purchase, I recommend they play several different instruments in their price range. They should be looking for an instrument that is easy to play, and that they like the sound of. If there is something about the instrument that they do not like (the chinrest digs in uncomfortably, one of the strings sounds 'different' than the others), it should be brought up with somebody in the shop – often these issues can be easily fixed, free of charge.

Where should I go to get my instrument?

I highly recommend Kelin Violin Shop (www.kelinviolins.com) in Plano. Mr. Kelin provides great instruments and provide excellent customer service.

How long will my child spend in each size?

Unfortunately, nobody can predict how quickly a child will grow. It is not uncommon for a student to spend several years in one size, go through a growth spurt, and spend only a few months in the next size. There is just no way to know. The advantage of renting is that you can easily switch sizes as your child grows. With a good rent-to-own program, by the time they need a full size instrument you can often afford to purchase a good quality instrument with very little in the way of payment!

What accessories are needed for lessons?

Rosin is a must. For high humidity areas, light rosin is recommended. For low humidity, dark rosin is better.

Violin and viola students should have a shoulder rest.

Cello students should have a slip-stop or equivalent product.

If you live in a particularly dry area, or an area with frequently fluctuating weather, a damp-it is not a bad idea.

I bought a bow, and it is not making any sound when I play. Is it broken?

If you got a brand new bow, or just got it re-haired, and it is not making sound when you play, it is not broken. All it needs is rosin - a lot of rosin. The bow requires rosin to make the hair sticky, which allows it to 'grab' the string, rather than slide. Properly rosining fresh bow hair can take some time, as much as 10 minutes. After that, you can go back to rosining the normal amount before each practice session.

What brand of shoulder rest do you recommend?

I personally like the Everest for students who play less than 15 hours per week. Kuns are also very popular and sturdy, but more expensive than the Everest. For more active musicians I recommend the Wolfe shoulder pads (primo or secondo). Overall, though, I think the player should go with what provides the most comfort while promoting a proper hold.

What happens if I can't make it to scheduled lesson?

Let me know as soon as possible. You will not be required to pay for lessons cancelled at least 1 hour in advance, although the more notice you can give the better. Students who do not show up for their lesson without calling (no-show), or show up without their instrument, will be charged the full amount.

What happens if I show up late to my lesson?

You must still pay for the entire lesson time. I reserve the right to decide whether or not they still receive the full amount of time (by staying late) or letting them out on time. This decision is heavily dependent on what my schedule allows.