Parents want to do the best for their children and encourage them in a variety of
interests.
Trying out playing a violin, viola or cello is like trying out other sports. You must be
willing to invest in the correct equipment.
Buying an instrument off the internet that “doesn’t cost too much, let’s see if they like it”
would be like expecting your child to like football without any padding or a helmet. You
of course would get pads and a helmet and cleats to make sure they had the right
equipment and didn’t get hurt. Otherwise, that first practice without protective gear
would probably be the last!
Or, “let’s use the old full-size violin in the garage for our son (who really needs a smaller
one) and see if he likes it”. That would be like having him use the old roller skates you
have to try out for hockey.
Beginning students work very hard to learn something they are interested in. It’s not fair
to hamper their progress with an instrument or bow that will not work.
It also makes the teacher’s job that much harder and discouraging since progress is
limited to the level of the instrument.
We do offer short term rentals if someone is just trying things out for a few months. That
way the student can start out with a good sound and not be hampered with bad
equipment.
Do something nice for yourself or your children and get the instrument or bow that will
give real progress.