For orchestra lessons, your child needs two things: a book and an instrument. The book is called, "Essential Elements for Strings," and can be purchased at Rieman Music, Becker's Fine Stringed Instruments or Uptempo Music. (See Instrument Store Guide for information.) They can also be purchased in your school office. Please be sure let the office or store know which instrument your child plays as the books are different for each instrument.
Your child will have the best experience using a rental instrument from a music store if this is possible. Please see the instrument store guide for area vendors. You will generally get a brand new instrument to use and have the option of renting until the price of the instrument is paid off and you will own the instrument. Most students will need to start with a smaller than adult size instrument and stores will work with you to trade up to larger sizes as your student grows. I strongly suggest inquiring about the store's insurance program. This usually is a small extra fee that covers repairs and broken strings.
You may have an instrument in the family that no one is currently using. If so, please take your instrument to a music store to get it checked out to make sure that it is playable. Strings, the bridge or bow may be missing or broken, which are needed to play the instrument. Rosin and shoulder pad or rock stop are also necessary for playing the instrument. You can check with me to see if your instrument may need repair.
We do have instruments at school that can be borrowed for the school year. The district charges a $50 fee for using a school instrument each year. You will not have to pay this fee or it may be smaller if your family qualifies for waiver or reduction of other school fees, such as book fees. The office manager will be able to answer any questions about this fee. If there are any problems with this, please let me know. Please click the following link if you need a form to request a school instrument. performingarts.dmschools.org/instrument-rental.html
PLEASE CONSULT WITH ME BEFORE BUYING ANY INSTRUMENT FROM ANOTHER WEBSITE OR STORE. Inexpensive instruments are not worth the money, as they will not perform well and most stores in town will not repair them as they cannot guarantee their repairs. Please do not buy painted instruments or instruments in any color expect a wood varnish for your child. They are usually of poor quality and stringed instruments should be stained, not painted to insure a quality sound.
Your child will have the best experience using a rental instrument from a music store if this is possible. Please see the instrument store guide for area vendors. You will generally get a brand new instrument to use and have the option of renting until the price of the instrument is paid off and you will own the instrument. Most students will need to start with a smaller than adult size instrument and stores will work with you to trade up to larger sizes as your student grows. I strongly suggest inquiring about the store's insurance program. This usually is a small extra fee that covers repairs and broken strings.
You may have an instrument in the family that no one is currently using. If so, please take your instrument to a music store to get it checked out to make sure that it is playable. Strings, the bridge or bow may be missing or broken, which are needed to play the instrument. Rosin and shoulder pad or rock stop are also necessary for playing the instrument. You can check with me to see if your instrument may need repair.
We do have instruments at school that can be borrowed for the school year. The district charges a $50 fee for using a school instrument each year. You will not have to pay this fee or it may be smaller if your family qualifies for waiver or reduction of other school fees, such as book fees. The office manager will be able to answer any questions about this fee. If there are any problems with this, please let me know. Please click the following link if you need a form to request a school instrument. performingarts.dmschools.org/instrument-rental.html
PLEASE CONSULT WITH ME BEFORE BUYING ANY INSTRUMENT FROM ANOTHER WEBSITE OR STORE. Inexpensive instruments are not worth the money, as they will not perform well and most stores in town will not repair them as they cannot guarantee their repairs. Please do not buy painted instruments or instruments in any color expect a wood varnish for your child. They are usually of poor quality and stringed instruments should be stained, not painted to insure a quality sound.