Tuning?

How do I help tune my child's instrument if the teacher is not there?

- If the strings are very out of tune, you will need to use the pegs at the top to tune. The safest way to do this and ensure they don't snap is to continually pluck the string while you are turning the peg so you don;t overstretch the string. Check the note first on a piano or use an electronic tuner to find the note you want to find. While turning slowly, also push the peg inward so it doesn't slide out again, you will need to be quite firm with this. Once you are close to the note you want, you can use the fine tuners at the bottom near the tailpiece.

Places to Visit: (On the web and  in the real world)

  • There is a brilliant website called stringsalong.com that  allows your child to play their Suzuki pieces with imaginative accompaniments
  • In London, the most reliable stores for all things violin/sheet music are "Chimes" music stores. There are branches in South Kensington, Barbican and Baker Street areas.
  • For fancier violin shops in London if you are looking to buy a more quality violin, there is Stringers and Guiviers, which also do repairs and rehair bows.

Learning aids

  • Hal Leonard "Flash Cards" are available from Amazon or Musicroom. They come in Beginners and Late Elementary sets. These make learning easy and fun. I always use them with new students, and they are very popular
  • Music manuscript is great for practicing note learning and composition.

Whats the right product??

  • Strings - A reliable and not too pricey option are Dominant strings over all violin sizes. Try to have a spare set in your child's violin case. The E string and the A string at least, as they are thinner and more likely to break.
  • When buying rosin, I suggest buying ones in easy to open boxes or material, the ones in tin boxes (usually round) tend to get jammed shut easily - not great for kids!
  • When buying violins, if you are buying from the internet, make sure the violin comes with a fitted bridge. To fit a bridge properly to a violin you will end up paying extra
  • For a reliable factory (cheaper) violin, the Stentor model is totally adequate

Other Useful Items

  • Try a portable book stand for your childs music when traveling. This makes for easy suitcase packing when a music stand is too heavy. There are a variety of options on amazon.
  • When buying full size music stands, consider investing in a lighter option as its likely you will be carrying it around for gigs/concerts in the future