Violin Rental

What Is a Violin?

The violin is the highest-pitched member of the orchestral string family, which also includes the viola, cello and double bass. It is an essential instrument in symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles like the string quartet, acting as a lead melodic voice as well as an important source of harmony. When it’s played well, the violin has a sound — clear, rich and luminous — that is unforgettable.

The violin is also vital outside of classical music. In American country, bluegrass and folk music, it’s often called the “fiddle” and can serve many roles, from carrying the melody and adding harmonic support to delivering rousing solos or propelling the rhythm. The violin turns up elsewhere too — in jazz, folk styles from around the world, pop, rock, electronic music and more. It is one of the most popular instruments in the history of music, owing to its unique yet versatile sound and its ability to express melodies with great emotional impact.

How Do You Play the Violin?

The violin is held between the musician’s shoulder and chin. The left hand presses the strings onto the fingerboard to change pitch, while the right hand draws a bow across the strings to produce longer, sustained tones, or plucks them to create short, abrupt, percussive sounds.

Why the Violin Is a Great Instrument for Your Child

The violin is an ideal instrument for children. It’s lightweight and has a clear, powerful voice that makes it fun and fulfilling to play. As the most common instrument in orchestras and chamber groups like the string quartet, it offers young musicians many opportunities to participate. Beyond classical, the violin’s wide stylistic range allows kids to explore jazz, pop, country and other genres. Learning the violin also empowers children to express themselves while improving their discipline, focus and coordination.

Is the Violin an Easy Instrument to Play?

As with any musical instrument, learning to play the violin takes practice, patience and persistence. The violin is an instrument that requires precise technique in both hands and good posture to achieve a strong, in-tune sound. Music & Arts offers rental violins in a variety of sizes to accommodate young musicians and facilitate their progress.

Renting a Violin vs. Buying

When considering a violin rental, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of renting vs. buying an instrument. If your child is already dedicated to the violin, purchasing may be the better route. For beginners, renting is a low-risk way to discover an instrument without a big initial investment.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Violin?

Violin rental rates at Music & Arts are consistently affordable across the country, with pricing that varies by location and school. Special introductory offers make it even easier to get started. Considering that a top-quality student-level violin with accessories can cost over $1,000, renting a violin from Music & Arts is a smart, budget-friendly alternative.

Accessories for Violin Rentals

Your violin rental comes with everything you need to start playing, including a case, a bow and rosin. Rosin is a sticky substance that helps the bow grip the strings so that they vibrate and produce sound.

Additionally, your child’s music teacher at school will recommend key accessories that you’ll be able to purchase during the rental process, as well as a method book.

To keep your instrument in great shape, we highly recommend purchasing the Strobel Violin Starter Pack. This cost-effective, all-in-one bundle includes essential items to support your child throughout their first year of lessons or orchestra.

A streamlined Strobel Violin Care Kit is also available.

Learn more about the accessories your child needs in this Buyer’s Guide.

After Your Violin Rental: Next Steps

Private lessons: As the leading provider of private music lessons in the United States, Music & Arts is the perfect place for your child to learn to play, advance their skills and supplement their school instruction. Visit our Music Lessons page or find a store near you.

Continue renting: If your child is enjoying the instrument, you can extend your violin rental period with Music & Arts.

Buy an instrument: Music & Arts rental fees act as credit toward the purchase of an instrument. If you wish to buy a rentable, student-level violin, your accrued rental payments can cover up to 100 percent of the instrument’s purchase price. Buy early, before your rental term expires, to receive a discount of up to 30 percent.

Violin Rental FAQs

How do I rent a violin from Music & Arts?

You can rent online in just a few simple steps. First, visit our Instrument Rentals page. Then, search for and select your school. Choose your instrument, confirm or select your trial period, and add any method books or supplies. Finally, enter the student and renter information, choose your delivery method and complete the billing details.

What comes with my violin rental?

Your violin rental includes the instrument, a case, a bow and rosin. To help keep your instrument in top playing condition, we highly recommend adding the Strobel Violin Starter Pack.

Will my rental violin be new?

Most rental instruments are like-new. We recommend renting a previously used instrument, as each one is professionally adjusted for optimal playability. A young learner with a poorly maintained instrument may struggle to progress.

How long will it take to receive my violin?

If you choose Ship to Home, orders are processed within 48 hours and typically arrive within one to five days, depending on your location. For Pick Up at School, delivery is arranged by your child’s music teacher. If you select Pick Up at Store, the store will contact you when your instrument is ready — usually within 48 hours.