Shopping List for the Strings Student

Starting violin or viola lessons is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to gathering the right supplies. With so many options for instruments, accessories, and gear, it’s hard to know where to begin. Whether you’re a beginner, a parent of a young musician, or just looking to upgrade your current setup, this guide will walk you through the essentials every violin or viola student needs.

Music Stands:

Music students should have a music stand. One of the most economical choices are wire stands like these here. While they're easy to move around for young players, some students find the wire backing difficult to use because you're unable to write on your music. They also don't seem to be very stable, and fall down often.

For slightly more, this music stand might be a better option. Still economical, but it has a wider base, and a solid back so students can write on their music as necessary. It's also portable, which may be necessary for bringing stands to rehearsals or gigs.

The industry standard is Manhasset stands, you'll often find this stand in schools and are typically used by professional orchestras and bands. They do come in colors, so students can get them in blue, white, pink, green, and more. It's is not a portable stand, but it is durable and will last many many years. Tall students and adults may want to consider the taller version of the Manhasset stand, as we should be practicing standing up as violinists and violists.

Shoulder Rest:

I highly recommend all students have a shoulder rest. It is my preference in my studio that they obtain a shoulder rest that goes across the bottom of their instrument. Shoulder rests should be the correct size for the instrument.

Everest Shoulder Rests are an economical option for violin and viola students. They come in a variety of colors. If you're not sure what size to get please reach out to your private teacher, or email me for guidance. They also have many color options for viola students, too.

The industry standard for shoulder rests for many years has been Kun shoulder rests. They come in a variety of colors and sizes for growing students. I personally used one for many years, however some violas have found that they can scratch the bottom of their instrument. It would be good for violists to try it out before buying them.

For our youngest learners:

Over the years I have found our youngest learners have benefitted from having a Wittner Chin Rest. Little ones tend to have more sensitive skin on their necks where we need to hold the violin, and it often makes them uncomfortable. This particular chin rest I feel should be on all smaller violins to avoid any pinching or discomfort regular chin rests may cause. Playing violin is hard enough when you're little, and anything to make them more comfortable while doing so will help them succeed!

Lastly, one thing I didn't mention or link to you from Amazon today was instruments. Please please, DO NOT purchase an instrument online, and specially from Amazon. Over the years many music teachers have come to call these instruments VSO..or violin shaped objects. They may seem like like a good deal, and an inexpensive way to introduce your student to music. Often times, they don't last long and leave your student feeling discouraged. Please visit your local music store for a rental instrument if you're not ready to invest in an instrument.

Anything I didn't mention? Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about what you might need to set yourself up for success.