My daughter has been learning violin with a teacher at her studio for 2 years. we used to rent the Violin from her. however, last April, my daughter complained about her arm that it hurt, so, I talked with her teacher, and teacher said we better change the size of violin from 1/8 to 1/4. I think size 1/4, she can use up to 2 years. it is better for us to buy a new one. so, I decided to buy one from a music store. and cancelled to rent the violin from her. during summer we went on the vacation and returned to class. last week, her teacher said, she think my daughter's present violin is too big. we should rent the smaller size for her 1/8 until she can use the size that she had. I got frustrate, i tried to tell her that she is the person who told my daughter to change the size and she discomfortable to use the size 1/8... the teacher said rent the smaller one from her until she is ready for size 1/4 ... my husband doesn't happy for the teacher said. we checked online and found that her size should be 1/4 she is 6 years old and her arm is 17.60 ". .. not sure that I shoudl believe the teacher or.. believe from website. any advice. my husband feels the teacher wants to make money from renting the violin..
My daughter is 6 and just moved to a 1/4. She is tall (not hugely, but average-tall for her age). The 1/8 was getting too small and her teacher said it was time to move up, and the violin store confirmed it. We rent from that store and will continue to as she grows.
If you own the new violin, just insist on using it. Your daughter will fit it soon if she doesn't already.
If I were you, I'd go to a store that rents out both 1/8 and 1/4 size violins, and ask them which one fits your daughter. See what they say. Make sure you ask to work with a person who is experienced in working with string instruments and students.
Is she using a Kaan on her shoulder? If she isn't, get one. That will help her arm and her neck.
How much does she practice? If she doesn't practice enough, her arm can hurt, and if she practices too much, her arm can hurt.
I tend to agree with your husband about the teacher just wanting to make money. I would be interested to know what her answer to your question about why she thinks the 1/4 is too big now that she owns one, since SHE is the one who said her 1/8 size was too small...
If you can find a different teacher, I think it would be wise. I would be concerned both from the standpoint of her trying to shake you down for more money, and from the fact that your daughter's arm is hurting. Perhaps she doesn't know how to teach your daughter proper technique to keep her arm from hurting.
Good luck!
Dawn
Hi, P.:
Get a second opinion from a violin teacher at another place.
Can you purchase a used violin somewhere?
Good luck.
D.
If you think the teacher wants extra money, find another teacher or get a 2nd opinion on the size of the instrument and tell the teacher to work with what you have.
