- What’s the budget? I always advise to buy or rent the best you can afford, even for a beginner. Not to say you should buy a professional violin for a six-year-old, but even a student instrument can benefit from better quality workmanship and upgraded fittings. It will have a more appealing sound (remember everyone in the house will have to listen to it!), will be easier to tune and to keep in tune, and should stay in good condition for longer. Remember, this all adds up to a more positive and enjoyable learning experience, which in turn will help keep everyone motivated.
- How long do you think your child will be learning violin? If you would just like to try it out for a few months, then probably it’s best to rent. It will be cheaper, and you won’t be left with an instrument to try to off-load when your child moves on to something new. If, on the other hand, you as a family are motivated to pursue lessons for at least a few years, then it may be better to buy an instrument.
- How old is your child? Young children will start with a small instrument, and upgrade to bigger sizes as they grow. If your child will likely need a bigger size within 12-18 months, then it’s probably best to rent.
- Are there other siblings who will eventually learn? If your oldest child is learning, say, cello, and you plan on having a younger sibling also learn to play in a few years, then you may wish to buy an instrument which can be handed down when the older sibling needs a bigger size. This could be more cost-effective than renting a small cello for several years.
I hope this helps you decide! For further advice, go to my article on purchasing an instrument.
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