- What students need for the first lesson

Students need the following items before the first lesson.

If you have any questions about these items, please get in touch with me!

Instrument and Accessories

If you buy a violin outfit, it comes with:

violin

bow

rosin

case

and sometimes, a shoulder rest and extra strings.

If your violin is not a complete outfit or does not come with everything listed above, you may need to purchase these items as well:

Correct size violin with four string adjusters (also called fine tuners) and new strings installed.

Spare set of strings. An inexpensive but good sounding brand is D'Addario Prelude brand, Medium Tension. Fiddlerman strings are a nice upgrade and are comparable in tone to much more expensive strings. Some violins require loop-end string, and some ball-end. Get the correct type for your instrument. Be certain the size is correct for your violin (⅛, ¼, ½, ¾, 4/4).
Bow (preferably real horsehair). Some recommendations are:

Fiddlerman student carbon fiber bow

Fiddlerman Brazilwood bow

Fiddlerman Sandalwood bow

Rosin (rectangular block in a wood or plastic case is best.)

Shoulder rest. Everest is a good and affordable brand; make sure the size is correct for your violin!

A sponge-type shoulder rest is often more comfortable for children using the smaller size violins.

Music stand similar to this to use for practicing at home.

Books

Please contact me before purchasing books so we can discuss what will be the best fit and level for you or your child.

For Complete Beginners:

For ages 7-9: Fiddle Time Starters, one per student

For ages 9 or 10-adult: Essential Elements for Strings, Violin Book 1, one per student

The Real Book for Beginning Violin Students (D and A Strings) by Larry E. Newman.

(This will be used about 3 months after starting lessons. You may choose to purchase it with everything else, or wait until the student is told they are ready for it.)

For Transferring Students (with 1-2 years experience):

Suzuki Book 1 My students begin using this book near the end of the Essential Elements for Strings book.

Optional, but Helpful:

A chinrest pad like this Strad Pad or this Cotton Chinrest Cover can make playing much more comfortable. This isn't required, but most young players need something to make the violin more comfortable on the neck and collarbone. Be sure the pad or cover size is correct for your violin! These Smaller size chinrest covers are available on Amazon.
Bow Aids such as these can make learning the bow hold easier:

Pinkinest

Pinky Fish

PinkyHold

Folder or 3-ring Binder for extra sheet music the student will receive at future lessons.

Bag or backpack for holding books for lessons

Still have questions? Get in touch with me!