Choosing the Right Violin Size for Your Child

Choosing the Right Violin Size for Your Child

Choosing the right violin size for your child is an important first step in their musical journey. Playing the violin should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience, but if the violin is too big or too small, it can be really frustrating. If you’re unsure about how to choose the right size violin for your child, we’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about selecting the right violin size, why it’s important, and how to measure your child for the perfect fit.

Why Is the Correct Violin Size Important?

You might be surprised to learn that violins come in many different sizes. This allows the violin to be an accessible instrument for players of all ages, from young children to adults. If a child plays a violin that’s too large, they might have trouble reaching the fingerboard and holding the instrument properly, which can lead to bad posture and discomfort. On the other hand, if the violin is too small, it may be difficult for your child to learn the proper technique because they won’t be able to fully extend their fingers or bow arm. Playing an instrument comfortably is crucial for developing good habits and making progress as a musician. 

How to Measure Your Child for the Right Size Violin 

Measuring your child for the correct violin size is easy to do at home with a tape measure. Here’s how:

  • Have your child extend their left arm straight out to the side, parallel to the ground, with their palm facing upward. This is the arm that will hold the neck of the violin.
  • Using a tape measure, measure from the base of their neck (where the violin will rest) to their wrist. This measurement will help you determine the appropriate violin size.
  • Match the Measurement to the Violin Size:
  • 14 inches or fewer: 1/16 or 1/10 size violin 
  • 15-16 inches: 1/8 size violin 
  • 17-18 inches: 1/4 size violin
  • 18.5-20 inches:1/2 size violin
  • 20-22 inches: 3/4 size violin
  • 23 inches and above: 4/4 (full size) violin

Trying Out the Violin

Once you’ve determined the most appropriate size, it’s a good idea to have your child try holding the violin to see how it feels. When holding the violin, the top of the violin neck, known as the scroll, should rest comfortably in the hand when the elbow is slightly bent. If your child has to stretch their arm too far or the violin feels too heavy, that means the instrument might be too large. Another way to check for the right size is to have your child hold the violin in playing position, with the violin resting on their shoulder. Ask them to wrap their fingers around the scroll without straining or overextending their arm. If they can do this comfortably, the violin is likely the right size.

Growing into the Next Size

It’s important to know that children will outgrow their violins as they get taller, so you’ll need to upgrade to a larger size as their arm length increases. Keeping an eye on how your child holds and plays the violin can help you determine when it’s time to move up in size. Generally, children outgrow their violins every 1-2 years. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to upgrade, you can always check with a violin teacher. They’ll be able to review your child’s playing position and let you know if they’ve outgrown their instrument.

Renting vs. Buying a Violin for Beginners

When choosing a violin for your child, one decision you’ll need to make is whether to rent or buy. Renting can be a good option for young beginner violin students, especially since they’ll likely need to switch sizes as they continue to grow. Rental programs often allow you to exchange violins for larger sizes as your child grows, which can help save you money in the long run. If you want to buy a violin, make sure to choose a quality instrument that’s set up properly. Purchase a violin from a reputable music store or work with a music teacher to find the best instrument so that your child has a good experience.

Ready to Help Your Child Start Playing the Violin?

At Lessons In Your Home, we bring personalized violin lessons to you. Our experienced music teachers can help guide you through choosing the right violin size so that your child develops proper technique from the beginning. Whether you prefer in-home lessons or virtual instruction, we’ll work with your schedule. Contact Lessons In Your Home today to schedule your first violin lesson!

Choosing the Right Violin Size for Your Child