Learning to play an instrument is very exciting! If you’re preparing to start private lessons on an instrument from the string family (specifically violin, viola, cello, or bass), there are several things you should know before getting started. This article gives you some tips on selecting your instrument vendor, instrument accessories, and practice accessories needed to prepare for the amazing world of strings/orchestra instruction!
Instrument Vendor
If you’re choosing to play any instrument, it’s important to go to a music store that has knowledge and expertise about the instruments they are selling. In the orchestral strings world, that means you want to go to a violin shop with a team of trained Luthiers. A luthier is someone who specializes in building, setting up, repairing, and maintaining wooden stringed instruments.
In addition to a skilled luthier team, you also want a vendor with trained strings specialists. Whether you are renting or purchasing a string instrument, it’s important to work with someone who will select instruments for you that fit your musical needs and budget. String specialists can also help assist with sizing a child for the proper fractional instrument, should you visit a violin shop prior to your first lesson.
We have a variety of high class, reputable violin shops in the Twin Cities area. We highly recommend these three options here at Enrichmond Ave Music Studio:
Paul A. Schmitt Violin Shop at Schmitt Music in Bloomington, MN
House of Note in St Louis Park, MN
All String Attached in Stillwater and Golden Valley, MN
Instrument Accessories
In addition to selecting your instrument, there are a variety of accessories that are needed to make the instrument fit and feel secure while playing. The music stores mentioned above carry these items, and they can also be purchased online.
If you will be playing the violin or viola, a shoulder rest is very helpful to secure the instrument with comfort on the left shoulder. There are a variety of styles and brands available, but for beginning players, we recommend the Everest Shoulder Rest for the corresponding size of your instrument.
For cello and bass, you will need a rock stop to keep the end pin from slipping as you play. There are also many kinds of rock stops available but recommend the Xeros Endpin Anchor.
For all string instruments, a humidity system is a must! Especially in the drastically changing seasons in MN. Our favorite is the Boveda Pack because of the simplicity and easy to use product. Pro tip: write the date you open the package right on the pack for easy tracking when it’s time to replace!
Your instrument should also be equipped with rosin and a soft cloth. If it isn’t, make sure to ask the string specialist at the store to provide their basic product as it is needed to play with your bow!
Practice Accessories
Finally, you will want to make sure you purchase a music stand. It is crucial for your posture development to see the music at the proper height and avoid slouching to see the notes. A basic folding wire stand will suffice, though there are many options available.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about anything else you may need to get ready for private string lessons at Enrichmond Ave Music Studio, be sure to reach out!