Material List
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Instrument Guide - Violin/Viola
It is important to have a good quality instrument in order to advance. There are thousands of instrument options out there, good, bad, and everything in between. Here is a quick guide for finding one that will fit your needs.
Brands: Like all products, there are good brands and bad ones. Brands to avoid at all costs are Cecilio and Mendini. It is best to find a local music store (preferably a luthier, or violin store) to help you find a good brand for your student’s needs.
Size: String instruments come in different sizes to allow for younger students to learn without hurting themselves. It is important for a student to play on the correct size instrument to avoid long term joint damage. Luthier or violin stores will be able to correctly size your student for an instrument.
Style: Instruments any color besides standard wood finishes will not be allowed in this studio. The colored paint creates a seal around the wood and prevents if from vibrating correctly and will result in poor sound quality.
Non acoustic instruments will also not be allowed in this studio. While electric instruments do have their place in the modern music world, in order to learn appropriately students should learn on acoustic string instruments that naturally react to a musicians actions, teaching proper sound production and technique.
Rent or Buy: Purchasing an instrument can be a major decision. If you are just starting out, or are unsure if you want to commit to this instrument, I would recommend renting an instrument through a local luthier or violin store. This is also recommended for students on an instrument that is not full size, as they will very likely grow into a larger instrument.
If you do plan on purchasing an instrument, please avoid buying one from major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, or Guitar Center. High quality, reliable online companies include Shar Music and Southwest Strings. You can also purchase an instrument from any local violin store or luthier. Please be cautious, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice before committing to an instrument purchase!
Local instrument stores:
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Instrument Guide - Piano
While you may already have a piano in your home, it is a good idea to be aware of what you have available for your student to learn on.
Keyboards
While there are excellent electric keyboards out there, not all are created equal. It is recommended that students do not rely on an electric piano for practicing.
If needed, look for trusted brands such as Yamaha. Ideally, a keyboard has “weighted keys”, meaning it responds to key presses like an acoustic piano. Also, keep in mind that more features is not always better!
Brand
Each brand of piano is unique in how it sounds, how it feels to play, and it’s stylistic range. For beginners looking to acqiure an upright piano, Baldwin pianos are inexpensive and forgiving. For higher-level pianists, Yamaha, Kawai, and Mason & Hamlin pianos are reliable at a reasonable price tag. For students looking to get a high-quality instrument, Steinway & Sons has a gallery right here in Austin.
Size
For Pianos, size is more a concern of budget than playing ability. Upright pianos are perfectly acceptable for all levels of practicing in the home; do not feel that you need to have a baby grand to be a great pianist!
Care
Pianos, like any instrument, need to be taken care of. Inside the instrument, there are strings, hammers, felt pads, and key mechanisms that respond to the environment. Keep your piano in a climate-controlled area—frequent temperature changes will throw the instrument out of tune. Humidity is another concern. Keep in mind what appliances are nearby; a dryer or an AC vent especially can cause issues.
Pianos should occasionally be tuned by a professional, anywhere from 3-12 months depending on the instrument, environment, and amount it is played.
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Violin/Viola Accessories
Instrument cases: Most quality instruments will come in cases designed to protect the instrument. It will be the student’s job to maintain the usability of the case so that the instrument can stay protected.
Shoulder rest: The shoulder rest is a separate piece of equipment that attaches under the instrument to provide the musician support while holding the instrument. This is a required piece of equipment for all students in this studio. They come in many shapes and sizes to fit the needs of each musician. It is okay to try a few different ones out to find what works for you. You can purchase one from a local music store or from Shar Music or Southwest Strings.
Rosin: Rosin is a tree sap-based substance that is rubbed on the bow of your instrument to allow for better grip of the strings. Most instruments will come with a cake of rosin that is perfectly acceptable. Rosin may break over time and more can be purchased from a local music store or from Shar Music or Southwest Strings.
Cleaning cloth: Over time, instruments will accumulate rosin dust and other air born debris from your practice space. It is important to clean of this dust after each practice session to keep your instrument clean, healthy, and sounding pleasant. Caked on dust can reduce the vibrations of your instrument and dampen the sound quality. It can also create an unpleasant scratching sound while playing. You can use any microfiber cloth or even an old t-shirt to keep your instrument clean. Do not use cleaning product or water to clean your instrument!
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Books
Throughout your lessons, I will use books listed below to aid in your learning process. This is not an extensive list, and you may need to purchase other books. Below you will find lists sorted by instrument with links to where you can purchase the books online. I am also able to purchase books for you and attach the payment to your monthly bill.
Violin:
Viola:
Piano
** These link to the “Piano” books. Students may be asked to purchase the “Performance”, “Theory”, or “Technic” books of the same level.
*** This link is for a spiral bound edition. It is slightly more expenive, but will save a lot of headache!