Beginners Tools - What to get when you're starting out

It can be tricky to know where to start once you've decided to play an instrument; below are some suggestions and ideas. Feel free to contact Megan if you have any questions or concerns.

Instrument

If you do not have an instrument yet, there are 2 good options to consider. The first is to hire an instrument. This is a great choice for some, especially if you're not sure if violin is for you yet, you're not ready to invest in an instrument, or if your child is still growing and will be needing different sizes (violins typically range from eighth to full size). This is how I started, with a half size violin, only purchasing when I was ready for a full size.

Hiring a violin can range from $25-40 per month, and usually has a 3 month minimum hire fee.

If you are happy to purchase an instrument, a beginner instrument set-up from a shop is approx $400 depending on the brand and size. If you are just starting out, an instrument of this quality is perfect, however if you are after an instrument that is of a higher quality (eg. entry university, or a forever instrument) you are looking at spending between $2,000-$10,000.

When looking for an instrument, make sure to ask a staff member for help, as they will usually recommend an instrument, and let you have a play of it. The stores below are music specialty stores, with knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Music Stores in Perth:

WA Music, Innaloo (https://www.wamusic.com.au/)

Tempest Music, Como (https://www.tempestmusic.com.au/)

Zenith Music, Nedlands (https://zenithmusic.com.au/)

Music Stand

Music stands will make your life a lot easier when practising at home. There are many different kinds you can get, from the portable fold up wire stands to the more solid and stable black ones. I personally use both. They can be purchased online or at music stores.

Metronome and Tuner

If you really want to jump start your practise, do yourself a favor and get a metronome and tuner. Metronomes aid in setting the beat and the speed, helping you achieve excellent timing. The tuner is first used to tune your violin strings, and later to help you with your finger pattern. You can purchase these at music stores if you prefer the physical tools, or you can download apps that are just as effective. I use both.

Apps to try:

Practice+

Simply Tuner

Soundcorset

Note Book and Music Books

Always have a note book for practice notes; either you or your teacher can write in this.

There is a HUGE range of music for beginners; your music teacher will recommend which is right for you, and they can be purchased at specialty music stores or online.

I usually recommend the following methods:

A Flying Start for Strings, books 1-3 (Ages 4-14)

Encore on Strings, books 1 and 2 (ages 8-12)

Fiddle Time Scales, books 1-3 (8-14)

Essential Elements for Strings (Adults)

Once a student is competent reading and playing basic tunes,

the aim would be to start playing AMEB repertoire,

Suzuki repertoire, or your own choice!