Please read all the way to the bottom! At Twality we offer orchestra classes with instruction in the four main string instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass. In Beginning Orchestra, we teach you right from the start - no experience necessary! You will have an opportunity to meet with Mr. Lewis before the beginning of the year to help you choose the right instrument for you if you don't already have one in mind. Once you've chosen, now you need to get one! Per Twality guidelines, it is strongly encouraged that students obtain their own instrument, whether by renting or by purchase, to participate at the middle school level. Renting or purchasing an instrument can seem overwhelming at first, but we’ve made this guide to help you with the process! |
Things to Avoid (This is very important!):
· It is so tempting to purchase a $99 special online, but the low quality will make it very difficult for your student to be successful! PLEASE avoid this!
· Colored instruments or instruments with designs drawn or painted on them. If an instrument is painted, then the wood is low-quality, resulting in a bad sound.
· Purchasing on Craigslist, eBay, flea markets, garage sales, etc. Instruments purchased through these venues often need a lot of repairs. When in doubt, show Mr. Lewis the instrument BEFORE purchasing.
· Broken instruments or instruments that need repairs that you plan to “fix”. This will eat your money and will be more expensive than what you would have paid for a quality instrument.
· If you have a family instrument, you need to have it checked out at a dealer or bring it to Mr. Lewis to look at. If it needs a lot of repairs, it might be cheaper to purchase a new instrument.
· Purchasing an instrument that isn’t the correct size because it’s cheaper or because your child will eventually grow into it. Playing on an instrument that is the wrong size can cause pain and physical damage to your child’s fingers, wrists, and arms.
· It is so tempting to purchase a $99 special online, but the low quality will make it very difficult for your student to be successful! PLEASE avoid this!
· Colored instruments or instruments with designs drawn or painted on them. If an instrument is painted, then the wood is low-quality, resulting in a bad sound.
· Purchasing on Craigslist, eBay, flea markets, garage sales, etc. Instruments purchased through these venues often need a lot of repairs. When in doubt, show Mr. Lewis the instrument BEFORE purchasing.
· Broken instruments or instruments that need repairs that you plan to “fix”. This will eat your money and will be more expensive than what you would have paid for a quality instrument.
· If you have a family instrument, you need to have it checked out at a dealer or bring it to Mr. Lewis to look at. If it needs a lot of repairs, it might be cheaper to purchase a new instrument.
· Purchasing an instrument that isn’t the correct size because it’s cheaper or because your child will eventually grow into it. Playing on an instrument that is the wrong size can cause pain and physical damage to your child’s fingers, wrists, and arms.
Renting:
Recommended for: · Students who are not yet using a full sized instrument · Students that might decide to stop playing in a couple of years Cost: · Varies by dealer and instrument · $30-60 average monthly rental fee What to Look For: · The sales clerks at the dealer will help you find the right instrument · Make sure you request the correct size as measured by Mr. Lewis or a dealer · Make sure you rent the entire “outfit”: instrument, bow, case, shoulder rest |
Purchasing:
Recommended for: · Students that are currently playing a full sized instrument that are serious and dedicated to playing in orchestra Cost: · About $250.00 and up for an acceptable quality · Prices are usually negotiable; you may wish to enter into a conversation with the dealer to find out if there is some ‘give.’ What to Look For: · The correct size · A sticker on the inside of the instrument with the maker, serial number, and year; found by looking through the f-holes. Newer instruments generally require less maintenance. · No cracks or open seams (where the glue has come undone) · A straight, un-warped bridge that has been fitted the instrument; if you can slide a piece of paper between the bridge and the top of the instrument, the bridge has not been fitted to the instrument and is more likely to collapse. |
Where:
Tigard Music 11579 SW Pacific Hwy Tigard, OR 97223 503-620-2844 tigardmusic.com Beacock Music 1420 SE 163rd Ave Vancouver, WA 98683 360-694-7134 beacockmusic.com Pete's Upright Bass Shop 4233 SE Boise St. Portland, OR 97206 503-777-7027 petesuprightbassshop.com |
Kennedy Violins 508 SE 117th Ave Vancouver, WA 98683 800-779-0242 kennedyviolins.com David Kerr Violin Shop 4451 SE 28th Ave Portland, OR 97202 503-238-4515 kerrviolins.com Music Man Studio 8261-A SW Wilsonville Rd. Wilsonville, OR 97070 503-682-9829 musicmanstudio.com |
GG Music Service 12480 SW First St. Beaverton, OR 97005 503-626-0854 Allegro Violin and Music 3940 NW Echo Ct. Portland, OR 97229 503-702-7254 www.greatviolins.com |