Getting An Instrument
All students are encouraged to rent an instrument and get all required materials at a reputable music store listed below.
Renting An Instrument
We are encouraging all of our students to rent instruments from our local dealers this year. The music stores in the area know how to set-up the instrument to CLES specifications, and should have a list of all of the other required materials you will need.
It is important for your child to have a properly sized instrument, and to be selective about the quality of the that instrument.
Why be selective?:
Why rent?:
Many stores will measure your child as part of the rental process. If you would like to measure your child yourself, you can use the resource below.
https://www.sharmusic.com/Pages/How-To/Measure-Your-Child/
We are encouraging all of our students to rent instruments from our local dealers this year. The music stores in the area know how to set-up the instrument to CLES specifications, and should have a list of all of the other required materials you will need.
It is important for your child to have a properly sized instrument, and to be selective about the quality of the that instrument.
Why be selective?:
- An instrument is your child’s musical voice
- A responsive instrument makes it possible for a child to gauge his/her musical progress easily
- Your child’s hard work is rewarded with a beautiful sound
- A good quality instrument teaches a child responsibility
Why rent?:
- You’re assured a hand-crafted, professionally set-up and responsive instrument
- You can upgrade to a larger or better quality instrument as your child grows and becomes more advanced
- You can pay over time (no need to buy the whole thing up front)
- Most rental plans include insurance coverage for accidents
- Your child won’t be stuck with an inferior quality instrument
- Your child will enjoy practicing more!
Many stores will measure your child as part of the rental process. If you would like to measure your child yourself, you can use the resource below.
https://www.sharmusic.com/Pages/How-To/Measure-Your-Child/
Purchasing an Instrument
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CAUTION: PURCHASING ONLINE
Before you purchase any instrument, especially one online, please send me an email. If you are planning on buying an instrument online please use caution. There are many poor quality instruments online which can impede enjoyment and progress on the instrument. Please avoid any color-lacquered instruments. The colored-lacquer negatively affects the sound of the instrument. Instruments should be in a traditional varnish. There are many "beginner" products that are of poor quality, break easily, and cannot maintain their tuning. Instruments available for purchase online valued at less than $200 for violins and violas, $800 for cellos, and $1800 basses, should be avoided. Instruments should be acquired from a reputable music store. |
Reputable Dealers
Below is a list of local music stores that carry string instruments and supplies:
Below is a list of local music stores that carry string instruments and supplies:
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Potter Violin Company (not just for violins)
301-652-7070 7711 Eastern Ave Takoma Park, MD 20912 www.potterviolins.com Gailes Violin Shop Inc. (not just for violins) 301-474-4300 800-245-3167 10013 Rhode Island Ave. College Park, MD 20740 www.gailesviolin.com Perrin & Associates Fine Violins (not just for violins) 410-539-0043 9050 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 http://perrinviolins.com/ Perrin & Associates Fine Violins (not just for violins) 410-539-0043 517 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201 http://perrinviolins.com/ Baltimore Brass Co. (Also Rents/Sells String Instruments) (410) 744-1723 99 Mellor Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228 https://www.baltimorebrass.net/ |
Music & Arts Center
Chatham Station 410-461-1844 Route 40 Ellicott City, MD 21042 www.musicarts.com Mike's Music 410-465-0700 4872 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043 www.mikesmusicmd.com Stu’s Music Shop 410-876-7585 723 Baltimore Boulevard Westminster, MD 21157 www.stusmusic.com Washington Music Center 301-946-8808 or 301-946-2300 11151 Viers Mill Road Wheaton, MD 20902 www.chucklevins.com Bob's House of Basses 301-805-9407 www.bobshouseofbasses.com bobbasses@aol.com |
If you are looking to purchase or rent online I recommend websites like www.sharmusic.com or www.swstrings.com
I have had good experiences with instruments from these websites. If you are not sure, please contact me with a link to the instrument you are considering.
I have had good experiences with instruments from these websites. If you are not sure, please contact me with a link to the instrument you are considering.
Rental Fliers
Check here for rental polices and discounts!
