You and your child have made the decision to begin musical studies! Now you must find an instrument that suits both your child’s abilities and your budget. Below are some guidelines to consider in making the decision to rent or buy your child’s first stringed instrument.

 

Good Reasons to Rent

• To “test the waters” and allow a low-stress trial period for the student
• Financial commitment is low (short-term)

Renting should definitely be considered by all beginning players. Rental instruments can be acquired from some retail music stores and from many public and private schools.

One of the main advantages of renting is that the initial financial commitment is less. When a student is just beginning musical studies, it is difficult to assess what his or her level of commitment will be. The student may be sure, but the parents may have doubts. Physical, mental, and emotional development, as well as the student-teacher relationship and family dynamics all contribute to a student’s success with an instrument. Family circumstances or new interests may draw the student away from music and in other directions. If you rent on a month-by-month, quarterly, or semester basis, there will be less stress if the student loses interest in music or decides to pursue a different instrument.

A disadvantage of renting is that many rental or rent-to-own instruments are of lower quality and have limited trade values. In addition, long-term use of a lower quality instrument may inhibit a student’s development.

Good Reasons to Buy

• To acquire a better sounding, more responsive instrument
• To reward commitment
• To accelerate progress (on recommendation of the teacher)
• To increase future options for “trading-up”
• To develop a long-term relationship with a violin shop and workshop

When the student is no longer a beginner and the parents and teacher agree that the student is committed to continued musical studies, it is wise to consider purchasing an instrument. A better quality instrument will often enable progress due to improved sound and ease of response. This tends to encourage more practice. Better sound will also enable an increased depth of understanding on the part of the student and increased enjoyment for the family.