So your kid is passionate about violins? Stay cool and get up to speed with your kids violin

If your child wants to play the violin but you don't play yourself you might want some pointers.

Or you may be a kid who wants to take up playing and needs some answers? Read on.

First things first. You might be interested in some lessons. And if you plan to have lessons and buy a violin, it makes sense to find your teacher first. They will HELP you find the right violin.

So back to lessons. You might be able to get these through your school.

In my city there are Saturday clubs for kids as young as three or four. These get kids started with music. The instrument playing follows a little later when kids are a bit older.

What age is right to start playing childrens violins?

Controversial subject! Each child is different. Best thing is not to push it too much and be led by the child.

There are a lot of different teaching methods out there too. For example, the Suzuki method is good for younger children as much of it is aural so your kid could perhaps start playing earlier using this method. It seems to get good results.

Click here if you would like to read more about the Suzuki violin method.

Once kids have started to play there are a fantastic range of opportunities to get involved in. Bands, orchestras, summer camps, the list is endless. Many of these can bring a great social life and sometimes travel too. Get started! You won't regret it!

Finding a kids violin.

Made the decision to buy? Great! Lucky kid!

You can often buy your kids violin through their school too and these can be good deals. In the UK, this can be a cheaper way to buy, as instruments bought through schools are VAT free.

BUT it is worth checking the quality of the instrument and the other options before making a decision. Is this the violin your child wants or needs?

Read on for some more top tips.

Violins come in a range of sizes. The following are pretty widely available.

1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 and 4/4 (which means full size).

Worth noting that a 1/2 size violin is not actually half the size of a full size violin. Full size violins have a back around 14 inches long. 3/4 violins are roughly 13 inches long etc.

We wouldn't advise buying your kids first violin online unless you are absolutely sure about the size you need.

You really need to try before you buy.

Your child needs to be able to reach the fingerboard correctly What you are looking for is a violin which your child can hold comfortably under their chin while cupping the scroll in their hand. They should be able to put their hand round the scroll.

If someone experienced can't come to the shop with you then go to a reputable dealer who will have experts on hand.

Once you know the right size you need to think about quality!

Grades of violins

Violins - kids or adults - come in different grades, depending on their quality. Broadly you get what you pay for - but this doesn't always follow.

Check the quality of the construction. Is the purfling (the black lines round the body) inlaid or printed? Make sure the pegs don't slip all the time or your child won't be able to keep it in tune. Does the violin have fine tuners (tuners on the tail piece) so you can fine tune from there rather than solely with the pegs? For a kids violin, or beginners, I would insist on this.

Make sure there are no buzzes etc that shouldn't be there.

If considering a second hand violin (and these can be good buys), check the condition of the instrument for scratches or cracks. Remember, if this is not a full size violin you will want to sell it on sometime when your child outgrows it.

You will need to balance the tone with the cost. If you can afford it, I'd avoid the cheapest of instruments. The tone is not that great on some of the B grade (lower grade) violins and it is worth getting a fiddle that kids will want to play.

You will also be able to sell an instrument with a better tone than one which is not very nice to play. On the other hand, you probably shouldn't spend a fortune when kids are starting out. Things happen to kids violins! They get sat on, dropped, covered in pack lunches - you name it!

You know your budget and your child best.

There are lots of other variables. For example, quality of the bridge (but you can always replace that) and the action of the instrument. Some violins can just seem difficult to play. Its worth checking that the bridge is not too high making it difficult for your child to hold the strings down.

Much better instruments are available from 1/2 size up, inlcuding some fine older instruments. Your child will usually be more experienced by this time and will probably know what they like. To get a good instrument which is reasonably priced its worth taking some time hunting around and trying different instruments.

Many violins are sold as a package and come with the case and bow. Its worth checking the quality of the bow - particularly if buying second hand. Make sure the bow is straight (not warped) but has a spring in it (ie a curve). Many second hand kids bows are wrecked by them being overtightened. Again its best to take someone with you.

Once you have bought a kids violin it is worth teaching your child how to look after it. Click here for our tips on violin care!

Its easy! Don't miss out!