How to save on music lessons & instruments for kids?

scfr · #1 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 05:46 PM

My little niece would like to take violin lessons. My sister would like to get the lessons for her, but is looking for suggestions on how to do it as inexpensively as possible, because: 1) They have no way of knowing whether this is something my niece will continue to do or if it's just a passing fancy and 2) They don't have a lot for discretionary spending.

She's planning to look in to either renting a first violin, or buying one used (someplace like Craigslist).

If any parents, music teachers, musicians, or anyone else can offer suggestions, it would be very much appreciated! Any lesser-known places to buy used instruments cheaply? Any tips on getting a great deal on lessons?

Thanks!

Daylily · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 08:17 PM

Find a really good high school student for lessons? Just make sure the student is a good player because you wouldn't want your niece to start out by learning incorrectly (bad hand position, bad bowing technique, etc.)

Can you ask around at the school and find a student a little older who played the violin but got tired of it? Perhaps the parents would part with the instrument.

simpleyme · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 07:42 AM

it is a tradition in my family started by my MIL that you can play any instrument you want as long as it is the clarinet

we own a clarinet and a trumpet so those are our instruments

so play what you already have or can get cheap is a good way to start, put the word out and someone might have an instrument they can donate or sell cheap

also how old is the child? my kids have all taken band at school and have learned to play that way ,very inexpensive way to learn, you just have to make sure they practice every night

MonkeyMama · #4 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 02:42 PM

Hmmm, I wish I had more advice. I have been wondering about this myself as I am a musician myself but learned much through the public school system, though little is offered these days (certainly harder to find). With band you don't need to practice every night because you practice every DAY. There really is no better way to learn - but many no longer have that option...

I used to teach piano and rule #1 is don't buy a piano until you know you are going to stick with it - hehe. But really goes to any instrument - renting or buying used were top of mind but you already thought of that.

My teacher had so much business she hired here students to help, which was win-win for me. We did not have the experience and did not charge as much as the master, but when you are just starting you don't need a master teacher. I think it is a good idea to look for some starving students (local college - music students?) to get a good price on teaching. Regardless it will be rather expensive though. Private lessons don't come cheap no matter how you slice it. Look and see if there are also group lessons avilable. If done right it could be an affordable option.

Good Luck.

Marcymox · #5 (**permalink**) 08-25-2007, 03:48 PM

Violin is a tough cone. My dd has played for 4 years now, and only started because the school had a strings program for FREE ( like taking band or choris or whatever) we still had to rent the instrument which was 30.00 per month for a full size - 4/4. Plus 4.95 a month for insurance. We could never afford for her to play with the youth symphony in our town- not sure if she's good enough to try out for them anyway though.

This year her school has discontinued the strings program due to lack of teachers . There is a huge teacher shortage for orcehstra/strings instruments- Violin, Viola, cello, bass, harp. For some reason in our area they do not combine these instruments with the clairnets and all of those.

We have not been able to find a private teacher. I've been told that Violin is one of the most difficult instruments to play, and to teach, therefore the shortage of quality teachers. That's why you will always see ads for piano lessons pasted everywhere- easier to play and teach.

Check your parks and rec catalog- ours has piano but maybe you will get lucky for Violin. Also you could call the arts department of your school distirct, or your local school and see if they have a strings program. If so - see if there are teachers that would offer private or small group lessons.

Also you can check the places that rent musical instruments, they are usually pricer, but the smaller momand pop places might have a deal for beginner students instead of the chain places.

Good luck- violin is so pretty.

PrincessPerky · #6 (**permalink**) 08-25-2007, 06:50 PM

This may not help you, but for parents of younger children, look around at churches if you don't mind, they often have a children's choir, and if they do about half tend to have an instrumental portion..nothing in depth, but a great start at simply high vs low, and what a note looks like.

helpful for a mom who can't read music, nor tell which is higher in a pair of notes!

Cassandra · #7 (**permalink**) 08-25-2007, 09:23 PM

You could check freecycle.org for the violin in your area. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but it's worth looking into.

I second going to the local college looking for a teacher. Look for the bulletin boards and if you can't find any flyers offering lessons, contact a music teacher (or music department head) asking them if they know of anyone who is teaching the violin. You could also attend a concert at the college and speak with some of the players afterward (that's how I found my cello teacher!).

Cassandra

cschin4 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 05:31 AM

All 3 of my kids play instruments. It is an expense but I really view it as an investment in their development. I doubt any of them will be professional musicians. I look at it as a way to enhance their lives and something that will bring them a lifetime of enjoyment.
I pay about $12-15 for a half hour lesson. I don't think that is expensive. Think how easily we fritter away $15 at McD's, some trinket, a toy or whatever. So, I think that is bargin.
As for buying an instrument. Buying a used instrument is probably the best bet. However, I would caution that you do some research by checking music stores, etc before purchasing anything used. There are good instruments and their are junk instruments. You may be better off buying a new instrument from a reputable music store so you know what you are getting. A poor quality instrument will frustrate the child and if the child does take off he/she will quickly progress and a good instrument can take them a long way.
My 5 yr old daughter is taking piano. I have a full size organ and a keyboard. However, I realized that there are many nuances to a piano in terms of the hammer action and so forth that could not be realized on a keyboard or organ. So, I did purchase a digital piano with hammer action and true piano action. It was an expense but I think well worth it.
My son plays trumpet and i bought him a new low-end price trumpet which is adequate. I do wish I would have bought an intermediate quality now that he is playing so well. I may sell his and buy up.
My other son plays drums. I did start him with just an inexpensive drum pad to see what his level of interest was. He stuck with the lessons so I purchased him a drumset for Christmas.
And, my trumpet playing son decided he wanted to learn the Bass guitar. Because he has stuck with trumpet, I went ahead and bought him a bass on which he is now taking lessons. I bought a good quality bass guitar which he can play all his life.
Anyway, you can see I have the whole band in my house! Now you know how I fritter my money away!

katwoman · #9 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 08:40 AM

As far as the instrument is concerned I've seen violins for sale at Target and on Amazon for cheap.

Lessons - Starting out the best way to go is group lessons. Costs less and if the kid doesn't like it you didn't spend a fortune to find that out. Personally, for violin I like the Suzuki method.