Rental Guide - Violin

Introduction

Renting a violin can be a great option for beginners or intermediate players who are not ready to commit to buying their own instrument. A good quality violin can be expensive, and renting can allow you to get started without breaking the bank.

However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right violin to rent. That's where this guide comes in - we will provide you with all the information you need to know before renting a violin.

What is a Violin?

A violin is a musical instrument that belongs to the family of stringed instruments. It is played by drawing a bow across its four strings, which are tuned to the notes G, D, A, and E. The violin is made up of several parts, including a hollow wooden body, a fingerboard, a bridge, four tuning pegs, and a tailpiece.

The sound of the violin is produced when the bow hair, which is usually made of horsehair, is drawn across the strings, causing them to vibrate. The vibration of the strings then causes the wooden body of the violin to resonate and produce sound.

The violin has been used for centuries in a wide variety of musical genres, from classical music to folk music and beyond. It is often used as a solo instrument, as well as in ensembles such as orchestras and string quartets.

Renting vs. Buying a Violin

Renting a violin can be a great option for players who are not ready to commit to buying their own instrument. Renting allows you to get started without a large upfront investment, and it can also give you the opportunity to try out different sizes or types of violins as you grow and develop your playing skills.

Buying a violin, on the other hand, can be a good option for more advanced players who are looking for an instrument that they can call their own. When you own your own instrument, you have the freedom to customize it to your liking, and you can also develop a deeper connection with it over time. Additionally, owning a high-quality violin can be a sound investment, as the value of violins can appreciate over time.

The decision to rent or buy a violin will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your budget, skill level, and long-term goals. If you're unsure which option is right for you, it may be helpful to consult with a music teacher or a violin specialist who can provide personalized advice based on your needs.

Other stringed instruments include the cello, double bass and viola.

Why Renting a Violin from Music & Arts is a Great Option

Renting a violin from Music & Arts can be a great option for several reasons:

• Quality instruments: Music & Arts offers a wide range of high-quality violins for rent. Their rental instruments are carefully maintained and set up by trained technicians, ensuring that they are in excellent playing condition.
• Flexible rental terms: Option to rent on a monthly basis and return or exchange the instrument at any time. This is particularly beneficial for beginners, who may need to switch to a different size violin as they grow.
• Affordable pricing: Renting a violin from Music & Arts is an affordable option. This can be especially helpful for families or individuals who are just starting out and may not want to make a large investment in an instrument right away.
• Convenient rental process: Music & Arts makes it easy to rent a violin online or in-store, with simple rental contracts and hassle-free returns. They also offer accessories and maintenance supplies, such as strings and rosin, to keep your instrument in top playing condition.

Choosing and Renting a Violin from Music & Arts

Get started by visiting the Rentals page on the Music & Arts website and completing the self-service checkout process.

Violin Sizing Chart

Getting Started with Your Rental Violin

Consider the following steps to help you get started with your new instrument:

• Tune the violin: Before you begin playing, you'll need to tune the violin. If you're not sure how to do this, ask your music teacher or a Music & Arts specialist for guidance. You can also use a digital tuner or tuning app to help you tune the violin.
• Learn the parts of the violin: Familiarize yourself with the different parts of the violin, such as the fingerboard, bridge, and strings. This will help you understand how the instrument works and how to care for it properly.
• Get a music stand: A music stand can be helpful for holding your sheet music while you play. You can find affordable music stands at Music & Arts.
• Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to practice playing the violin. Start with basic exercises and gradually work your way up to more advanced pieces. Remember to practice proper posture and hand position to avoid fatigue.
• Attend lessons: If you're new to playing the violin, consider taking lessons with a qualified music teacher. They can help you develop proper technique, provide feedback on your playing, and guide you through the learning process. Schedule your lessons today on MusicArts.com.
• Care for your violin: Be sure to take good care of your rented violin, including keeping it in a safe place, cleaning it regularly, and bringing it in for any necessary repairs or maintenance. Music & Arts offers a range of accessories and maintenance supplies to help you care for your instrument.

Optional Products to Purchase

• Strings: A good set of strings can make a significant difference in the sound of your violin. Consider upgrading to higher-quality strings such as Pirastro, D'Addario, or Thomastik-Infeld.
• Rosin: Rosin is a resin that is applied to the bow to create friction with the strings. A high-quality rosin can improve the sound and response of your violin. Some popular brands include Hill, Jade, Bernardel, Bellafina, Sherman and D’Addario.
• Shoulder Rest: A shoulder rest can provide support and comfort while playing the violin. There are many different types and brands to choose from, including Kun, Everest, and Wolf.
• Tuner: A digital tuner can help you accurately tune your violin, which is essential for producing a good sound. Some popular brands include Snark, Korg, and Peterson.
• Metronome: A metronome can help you practice playing in rhythm and develop a consistent tempo. Some digital tuners also have built-in metronomes. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate metronome.
• Humidifier: Violins are sensitive to changes in humidity, and too much or too little moisture can damage the instrument. A humidifier can help regulate the humidity levels in your violin case, ensuring your violin stays in good condition. The Dampit and Boveda are popular choices.
• Music Stand: A good quality music stand can make practicing more comfortable and efficient. Look for a stand that is adjustable, sturdy, and easy to set up and take down. Some popular brands include Manhasset, K&M, Peak, Manhasset, Proline and Hamilton.

Resources for Playing Violin

Here are many resources available for those who want to learn to play the violin. Here are some options:

• Private lessons: As the #1 provider of music lessons nationwide, at Music & Arts if, you want to learn how to play an instrument, we can teach you how. Students of all ages & abilities take more than 2 million lessons every year from our hand-selected, veteran instructors. Learn more at www.musicarts.com/cms/lessons.
• Online courses: Music and Arts offers a wide selection of video content for violinists.

Learning to play the violin takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process of learning a beautiful instrument!

Returning Your Rental Violin

If you rented a violin from Music & Arts and you want to return it, here are the steps you should take:

• Locate your rental agreement: You will need your rental agreement to return your violin. If you can't find it, contact Music & Arts customer service to obtain a copy.
• Prepare your rental violin for return: Make sure the violin is in good condition and clean. Remove any rosin residue from the strings and fingerboard and place the violin and bow in the case.
• Package the violin for shipping: If you received the violin through the mail, you will need to package it securely for shipping. Use a sturdy box and plenty of packing materials to protect the violin during shipping.
• Fill out the return form: Visit the Music & Arts website and fill out the rental return form. You will need to provide your rental agreement number, your contact information, and the reason for the return.
• Ship the violin back to Music & Arts: Use the prepaid shipping label that came with the rental to ship the violin back to Music & Arts. If you don't have a prepaid shipping label, contact customer service to obtain one.
• Confirm the return: Once Music & Arts receives the violin, they will confirm that it is in good condition and close out your rental agreement. You should receive a confirmation email or letter within a few days.

You may return the rental instrument at any time. Should you wish to return your instrument, please find a location by clicking here. If you would like to have your instrument picked up at your child's school (where available), please contact us at 888-731-5396 or chat with us now to receive a Return Authorization and additional instructions. Please do not return your instrument to your child's school without a return authorization.