Resources

Before beginning lessons, you will need an instrument.  Beginning violists are encouraged to start on violin and make the switch to viola when they have achieved a certain level of comfort.  Typical prices for instrument rentals are approximately $25/month.  A satisfactory student violin, bow, and case can be purchased for a few hundred dollars, including trade-in option for a larger size as the student grows.  The violin shop will fit small children with a 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, or 1/32 size instrument.  Teenagers and adults should obtain a full size violin.  Below are some reputable sources of instruments for sale or rent.

To get started, you will also need a copy of Suzuki Volume 1 with CD, and preferably also Mark O’Connor’s Book I with CD. These can be obtained from the following sources: