Just getting started?  Here's what you'll need: 
  • A Violin, (With case & bow & rosin) - see below for recommendations.
    Please do NOT buy a VSO from Amazon!  (violin-shaped-object)  
  • Shoulder Rest - there's tons of types out there, but I've had the best luck with these: 
  • Finger tapes - "First Frets Position Indicator"  ($3.25) in the correct size.  If you are local, I can put finger tapes on for you and you don't need to get these. If you have a good ear and/or have previous musical experience, these might not be necessary for you. Talk to me first! 
  • Tuner or tuning app on a smartphone - everybody needs this! see below for recommendations
  • Pencil with a good eraser.  Always  pencil, never a pen! 
  • Small stickers to help with hand placements (young beginners) 
  • Ability to view / print music & instructions
  • Method Books & sheet music - based on your level and will be necessary at some point. This will be discussed in lesson! 
  • Optional: 
    • music stand - strongly recommended! You will need one eventually - see below for recommendations 
    • "bow hold buddy"  frog - ($26.96) bow hand teaching aid. Especially useful for young violinists. I have tried many teaching aides and this is by far the best one for forming the correct bow hand. 
    • 3-ring binder for music & assignments, 3 tab dividers - just makes life easier! 
 Violin Rentals, Rent-to-Own & Instrument Purchases
Choosing an instrument is among the first steps in your musical journey. Instruments vary in size and quality and selecting the right one will make the learning experience easier and more enjoyable! 

SharMusic.com  is a trusted supplier of string family instruments, bows, sheet music, cases, strings and accessories, and a favorite among music teachers! Click here to see their selection of beginning level violins to purchase, ranging from $170 - $389 including the case & bow. For beginners, we have also good results with the Shar Standard violin outfit, (violin, bow, case, rosin) which rents for $17.99 per month. They have a very good rent-to-own program where you can accumulate equity as you pay, and trade up sizes as needed.  For more advanced players there are many options and it is something to discuss during lesson. 

Sacramento - Local Resources 
  • Kline Music:  A long-time favorite store in the Sacramento region. Let the know you're my student! They have a large selection of sheet music and accessories.  Located at 2200 Sutterville Rd. in Sacramento, near City College.  Tell them Ingrid says hi! 
  • Tims Music:  Student instrument rentals. NOTE:  their new location is 6818 B Fair Oaks Blvd. in Carmichael. 

Sacramento Luthiers 
Music Stands:  Every musician will eventually need a music stand! Solid desk stands are best. Avoid the folding metal ones! I own (several) of these two brands: 
  • Manhasset stands ($59.99) -the industry standard. Pros: they hold a ton of music, are very sturdy, and will last forever. Every musician should have one eventually as their main music stand. Cons: they're expensive and don't travel well. 
  •  Peak stands ($34.99) are also great as they are solid but lightweight and travel very well.  Every musician needs a travel stand, and this one can serve double duty as a main stand as well. 
Tuners & Metronomes  There are smartphone apps work really well, as long as the student has access to them whenever needed. There's nothing like the old-school version though to get the job done! 
  • Tonal Energy  - my favorite tuning app because it can tune in perfect 5ths and has a great metronome.  And a happy face when you're in tune! 
  • Epic Tune - a good free app for tuning only. 
  • Seiko Quartz Metronome - ($29.99) no fuss, old school & distraction free.