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How to play musical ornaments on the violin

Sheet music symbols and how to play the most common musical ornaments, trills and mordents on the violin

You’ve probably seen a tr sign or other weird little twirls above or below the notes. What should you do? Most of the times they refer to musical ornaments. This means that you can embellish the note for an elegant sound.

The way you play these differ per musical era, per country and even per composer. It’s possible to write a book on this, but to help you out quickly, I’ve written this reference guide.

For practical use on your music stand I’ve made a one page PDF cheat sheet, which you can download down below this article.

Grace notes on the violin

Grace notes are small notes before the original note. In sheet music the symbol is a smaller note in front of the original note. There are two types of grace notes on the violin: one with a line through it and one without. The first is an acciaccature and the other an appoggiatura. Let’s discuss them both.

Acciaccatura

Before the note, you see a small note with a line through it. Just imagine your violin fingerboard is hot and you accidentally touch the string with your finger, one note above the original note. Auch! And away. You play this grace note very quickly. It’s before the beat and it doesn’t take away the value of the original note.

Appoggiatura

The sheet music symbol is the same, but there’s no line through the smaller note. Certainly in classical era music (for example Mozart) we usually play this as two notes of equal value, the first on on the beat. This grace notes ‘eats’ half of the value of the note. Depending on the length of the note and the musical context the grace note can be played shorter.

Upper mordent

Pay the note, then the note above and then the original note again. In Bach’s music the meaning is different and we play a ‘trillo’. In this example we would play D C D C D C. More on that in this article about trills.

Lower mordent

Most ornaments go above the note, but this one is the opposite of the upper mordent and goes below the note. The rhythm can be slower than shown below, depending on the musical context.

Turn

This is a four note pattern: upper mordent, original note, lower mordent and original note. This is a beautiful embellishment popular in Baroque and Romantic music, but also folk music. There’s an inverted version as well with a line through the S. 

Trill

This is a fast alteration of the original note and the note above. Usually it starts on the note above. How many alternations depends on the length of the note, the musical context and your personal taste. 

Trills are great left hand exercises in themselves. Start slowly and practice them with a metronome. Read more about trills on the violin in this article.

Arpeggio

If a violinist plays a chord of four notes, it’s not possible to play these notes all at once. You can choose to break the chord, meaning you play the lower two notes and then the higher two notes as double stops. You can also choose to play the notes of the chord one by one. We call this an arpeggio. Read more about arpeggios on the violin right here.

Music ornamentation on the violin

I hope this guide has given you some clarity on ornamentation symbols in violin sheet music. As I totally understand that you won’t remember this all right away, I’ve created a one page PDF cheat sheet with all ornaments we’ve discussed. Go to the right (or below on mobile) to download it.

Musical ornaments are a great way to embellish your violin playing. They can make your music very expressive, personal and allow you some creativity.

Whatever style of music play, ornaments are something you will encounter and I hope this guide is a great first step for you to go and explore them.

Download the PDF

Cheat sheet for musical ornaments

What if your toddler doesn’t stick to the violin?

You want to share your own passion for the violin with your child and they are all enthusiastic until… they see a flute, or a piano, or a guitar

We are told to start an instrument as young as possible and you want your child to enjoy music as well.

A violin teacher from Vienna e-mailed me that her son was so enthusiastic about the violin from the early age of just one year old. He took his 1/64 violin everywhere, even to the playground. They just couldn’t be separated.

This was until at two years old he went to a kindergarten event where the teachers played… guitar.

Now he doesn’t want the violin under his chin anymore. He just wants guitar. If he does something with the violin, he plays it like a guitar. ‘I feel playing the violin or at least a bowed instrument is ‘his’, but it doesn’t work anymore’.

How to get your toddler’s motivation back for the violin?

Why was the child so enthusiastic about the violin in the first place? Children love to imitate, which is how they learn, and they love to share in your joy. You play violin and so will your child.

Does this really mean that the violin is their instrument? It can… but it also cannot. Did your son choose the violin, because he likes the timbre or the way of playing better than other instruments? Or is it just because he’s not exposed to other instruments? Or is it just too early to tell?

Bright shiny objects

Every instrument a child sees for the first time is new and exciting. They want to explore how it works and are amazed by this new timbre they hear. The fact that a child wants to explore something at this moment in time, doesn’t tell you anything about what instrument they would play for their whole life. You will see that if he ever sees a trumpet, he will want to play that, and a grand piano etc etc.

It’s all ok to explore those things. Also playing the violin like a guitar… why not? It might just revive his enthusiasm to see that you can also strum a violin.

This is age is all about getting them engaged in music and having joyful experiences

How to bring back the attention to the violin?

Play violin for him. He will want to do it just like you. Or have him hear the difference in sound… that the violin sings beautifully with the bow and that plucking is a bit dull. Let him just soak it in and he might want to get back to the bow.

Also accept that he might not and perhaps the violin isn’t ‘his’ at this point. Sing for him throughout the day. Listen to music together. This age is all about experience and soaking in different tonal and rhythmic patterns.

It could also be a matter of comfort… the violin on the collarbone and against the neck can seem hard. I’ve made a soft cushion myself that covers the chinrest, the brackets and underneath the violin (no shoulder rest), so the violin is nice and soft to cuddle and inviting to place against the neck. My daughter never wanted the violin against her neck until I discovered that the brackets of the chinrest were too hard. A Tido pad or something is a done-for-you option.

What I’m loving for violin for young kids is Stringosaurus resources, which is fun, but also teaches them great basic technique and develops musicianship.

At this age building musicianship might be most important no matter what instrument they’ll pick

At two years old the fine motor skills might not be very much developed yet, but you can develop inner hearing anytime. This will ‘pay off’ much more in the future, whatever instrument he picks.

As a violin player you probably know that no muscle memory can compensate for not knowing if you’re in tune or how a note should sound.

Learn to teach music as a teacher, parent or carer

As a violin teacher we quickly move to teaching the mechanics of our instrument, while for this age it makes much more sense to teach music. Even if they choose to learn violin in the future, this will go much faster.

I’ve used the book Music Play (and done a teacher training for it at GIML) which is based on the music learning theory by Gordon. In the books there are games and the children learn different keys and modes, tonal and rhythmic patterns. I like to mix this method in, but I was missing some connection to familiar melodies that speak to the child’s imagination and culture. This is what brought me to Kodaly.

At the moment I’m doing a Colour Strings kindergarten teacher training online, that is excellent if you want to teach young ones. The great thing is that it’s based on Kodály, so good to build musicianship and train their ears. The songs match the songs in the ColourStrings violin method (and the same methods for flute, piano and guitar), so you can use them side by side.

You can also see if there are Kodály inspired early childhood classes near you (or other early childhood music classes). Being in a class with a teacher and fellow toddlers can be lots of fun.

Sing to your child

When you can sing it, you can play it. You can learn the mechanics of an instrument, but won’t get far if your ear isn’t developed.

Combine singing with movement. Children learn with their whole bodies. Think of rocking, swaying, tapping, walking, stomping, jumping and bouncing. This teaches the pulse and steady beat of the music. You can also use Orff percussion instruments. A simple shaker is already lots of fun. Scarves are also excellent as you can move more in flow with them

Look for songs that teach:

  • different ranges (from a second to an octave)
  • high and low (pitch)
  • fast and slow
  • loud and soft
  • different rhythmic patterns
  • different keys: major, minor, pentatonic, maybe modes like dorian or locrian

Don’t worry too much about it

Two years old is still very young and the pleasure in music is crushed all too easily. I was taking it too seriously in the past, while kids just want to play and go back and forth instruments.

With singing and movement, you can develop their musicianship. My twins have just started school and it already stands out to the teachers that they’re having so much fun when the class sings and they have a good singing voice. Also they learn new songs very quickly, because they’ve been exposed to so many different tonal and rhythmic patterns from the womb to where they are now.

Lots of kids learn mainly ‘Are you sleeping’ and ‘Twinkle twinkle’, which are excellent songs, but if you’re learning the same melodies with different texts, you are mainly developing speech. Listen to different kinds of music together and teach your child lots of different songs.

My 4 year old twins (in the picture 16 months old with their first violins) are just now getting a bit more serious in terms of daily practicing and choosing an instrument.

How my own kids chose their instruments

My twins got their first violins at 16 months and in between our general music learning, they’ve played them back and forth.

Louise stills enjoys playing the violin. Now she’s four she’s playing almost each day and we’re in Colourstrings book B. We started out with lots of harmonics and left hand pizzicato to teach a good left hand set up and intonation (harmonics can’t be out of tune). She doesn’t have stickers on the fingerboard and she hears when something is out of tune.

It’s all still extremely playful and she can’t focus for long, so our practice sessions are very short. However we do spend lots of time singing, with text and with solfa and Kodaly hand signs.

She does have a piano accompanist already though… her brother Victor was mesmerized when I bought a real piano for in our living room. He hasn’t touched his violin since and is very serious about learning. He says he wants to be a pianist when he grows up. I started him on the Kodaly based piano method ColourKeys.

My kids now have the same songs in the Singing Rascals books (Colourstrings kindergarten music lessons) as they have in their violin and piano books. They already know the songs they are about to play on their instruments. For us this is a combination that works very well.

What works for you?

Share in the comments how you’ve introduced your little ones to music and also feel free to ask questions.

20 Beginner Violin Myths Busted

Busting the Top 20 Myths About Your Child’s String Instrument Journey

Guest author Laura Carr, amazing violin teacher specialized in teaching very young violinists and creator of Stringosaurus resources hub, will bust some very sticky beginner violin myths to set your child up for success (and lots of fun) on the violin.

How we wish you knew!

Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Laura Carr—an experienced and highly respected violin educator, renowned for creating a bespoke library of early childhood teaching materials (Stringosaurus), and sought-after as an international presenter and clinician.

Throughout my global connections with string teachers, I’ve discovered something crucial: there are THINGS THEY DESPERATELY WANT YOU TO KNOW. However, the constraints of time and resources often prevent them from communicating all these valuable insights to you.

In this article, I’ve compiled everything we wish you knew. Consider it a treasure trove of knowledge that can be a real game-changer, enriching your child’s musical journey and making it a lifelong passion!

Busting the Top 20 Myths

About Your Child’s String Instrument Journey!

1. Myth: Any cheap instrument will work well enough for a beginner

Unfortunately, a poorly set up, poorly sized, and poorly crafted instrument will turn your child’s learning journey into a miserable experience.

E.g. Particularly cheap violins don’t stay in tune, have an awful sound, and are notoriously difficult if not impossible to play on, even for a professional, as they are made using poor workmanship, dimensions and materials.

Solution:

Rent a good student instrument from a reputable music shop. Take your child in and measure them up so they have the correct size for their build. Having a size too big can create injuries and ultimately, an uncomfortable child won’t enjoy their learning.

Let’s ensure a correct set-up from the start so your child can thoroughly LOVE learning!

If you still want to purchase an instrument, be sure to chat with your child’s teacher first. Get the best you can afford with their guidance.

2. Myth: Doing Countless Numbers of Activities Won’t Affect Learning

It’s natural to want to expose your child to a variety of activities. However, it’s essential to consider how these activities may impact their learning.
Finding a balance between extracurriculars and music practice is key. While exploring diverse interests is valuable, overloading schedules might lead to fatigue and hinder progress in their musical journey.

Solution:

Consider a manageable schedule that allows adequate time for focused and enjoyable practice. By striking this balance, your child can flourish in both their music learning and other activities without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Myth: Screechy Starts? Not Necessarily!

Who said it has to sound screechy and horrible at the beginning? Let’s break the myth! Once you understand the science of playing, allowing the wood and strings to resonate freely, beautiful sounds can be created.

Solution:

Some teachers ask for children to seek out all the nasty noises they can on their instruments, because if they know how to make them, it’s easier to know how to not make them!

With the right kind of guided practice, listening carefully to your child’s teacher, and having a good instrument, your child can avoid cat howling noises and make pleasant sounds in no time!

The key to a beautiful sound is to practice with your child, supporting them and following their teacher’s direction.

4. Myth: Children will remember to just go and get their instruments out without being reminded, especially if they love learning

When I was little, I ADORED learning the violin. However, my mum still needed to remind me and gently encourage me to get my violin out on most days.

5. The Myth of Independent Practice -Unlocking the Power of Together

Life can get hectic, and as teachers/parents/carers, we understand the juggling act all too well. Balancing multiple commitments can feel like a high-wire act without a safety net. In the midst of it all, it’s easy to forget that our younger children are still learning and growing, and most do not yet have the ability to know how and what to practice on their own.

Solution:

Your presence is the secret sauce to your child’s enjoyment and progress! Young musicians rely on their adults to be fully engaged during practice time. By embracing this precious time together, you become the guiding hand that nurtures their musical journey. This may feel daunting, but just wanting to help and support your child is the first step towards their success.

Discuss with your child’s teacher how you can best be an advocate and support in their musical journey.

6. Myth: Penciling in Practice = Practice Happens

Penciling in practice is the first step to creating a time to practice, BUT more importantly, practice needs to be PRIORITISED.

Sometimes, we feel overwhelmed, our child seems exhausted, so even if practice is pencilled in, we may not prioritise it and then that moment is missed.

Don’t feel bad or guilty. You’re trying your best. One missed practice isn’t an issue, but two or three may become a habit. Just prioritise the next practice.

Solution:

Regular small bursts of practice that are joyful and fun are better than the odd long sporadic practice. Children are developing muscle memory, so small amounts of practice are ideal to avoid tension and muscle fatigue.

Practicing little and often is key. Prioritize practice and make it as joyful as possible. Empower your child by giving time.

7. Myth: Learning “Just for Fun” Doesn’t Entail Work Outside of Lessons

Remember those days in school when you struggled with a subject? Did you find yourself loving it even more or growing anxious and disliking the idea of having to do it?

Stringed instruments are renowned for being challenging, so the only way to get a deep satisfaction of learning and a feeling of proficiency and fun is to practise outside of lessons.

8. Myth: Improvement is Linear

Improvement will be happening in proportion to practice but not necessarily be audible until several skills are improved.

9. Myth: Almost Everybody Underestimates How Slow “Progress” is at the Start

Non-teaching grownups may have different perceptions of progress and may be confused as to why they can’t see big improvements. All those little milestones that we celebrate as teachers don’t necessarily translate to the parent’s/carer’s or player’s ears, especially in the early days.

10. Myth: Playing a String Instrument is Just an “Activity” for 30 mins of Lesson Time

In order to progress daily/regular quality practice is essential.

Just like in snakes and ladders, progress involves ups and downs on your journey. Keep going!
-Laura Carr

11. Myth: Taking 3 Months Off Over the Summer Won’t Affect Progress

We completely understand that summer break is a much-needed time for relaxation, fun, and family bonding. Taking a break from the routine is essential for rejuvenation. However, we’d like to share some insights about the impact of an extended break from learning their stringed instrument. When a three-month hiatus occurs, it’s natural for some of the progress achieved during the school year to fade away. Learning an instrument is a skill that benefits from consistent practice, and an extended break may result in some loss of proficiency.

Solution:

  • Shorter, Consistent Practice: Instead of daily long practice sessions, consider shorter, more frequent sessions during the summer. This way, your child can maintain their skills without it feeling overwhelming.
  • Fun Musical Activities: Encourage your child to engage in fun musical activities during the break. They can explore playing familiar tunes, experimenting with creative improvisation, or even composing their melodies. This keeps the joy of music alive!
  • Music Camps or Workshops: Look for summer music camps or workshops in your area. These can be a great way for your child to continue learning in a fun and supportive environment while making new friends.
  • Instrument Exploration: Summer can also be an opportunity to explore different aspects of their instrument, such as its history, famous musicians, or the physics of sound. This enriches their musical knowledge.
  • Setting Goals: Before the break, set achievable musical goals together with your child. It can be learning a new piece or mastering a challenging technique. Having goals will keep them motivated and focussed.

12. Myth: Hiring a Teenager to Teach a Beginner is a Great Way to Start

We understand that there might be a belief that hiring a teenager to teach a young beginner in strings could be a viable option, especially if they have some musical knowledge. However, we’d like to shed light on why experience plays a crucial role in a child’s early musical education.

Teaching a beginner is a delicate process that requires not only musical expertise but also a deep understanding of child development and effective teaching methods.

Experienced teachers possess the knowledge and skills to tailor lessons to the individual needs and learning styles of young students, fostering a strong foundation for their musical journey.

Solution/Ideas to Ponder:

  1. Pedagogical Expertise: Experienced teachers have dedicated years to mastering the art of teaching. They can employ various techniques and approaches that engage young minds and nurture their musical growth.
  2. Patience and Encouragement: Teaching young beginners requires exceptional patience and encouragement. Experienced teachers have honed these qualities, creating a positive and supportive learning environment.
  3. Technical Knowledge: Learning a string instrument demands precise techniques for proper posture, hand position, and bow control. Seasoned teachers can guide students with accuracy and finesse.
  4. Long-term Vision: While a teenager with some musical knowledge might be enthusiastic and helpful, they may lack the comprehensive understanding of a child’s long-term musical journey.
  5. Safe Learning Environment: Experienced teachers ensure that young beginners develop correct playing habits, preventing potential physical strain or injuries in the future.

Our intention is not to pass judgment but to emphasize the significance of expertise in shaping a child’s musical experience. Engaging an experienced teacher from the outset can lay a strong foundation for your child’s musical growth and instill a lifelong love for strings. We believe that investing in quality education early on will set the stage for a remarkable musical adventure!

13. Myth: Only Naturally Talented Students Will Succeed

As parents/carers, we naturally wonder about our child’s potential and talent. When it comes to learning a stringed instrument, it’s essential to understand that talent is only a tiny fraction (if any) of the equation. Most talent that I’ve seen is created by environmental factors and dedication.

Here’s how we can foster a growth mindset and create the right environment for success:

  1. Encouraging Effort: Emphasize that effort and dedication are far more critical than innate talent. With consistent practice and perseverance, any child can make remarkable progress.
  2. Cultivating Curiosity: Encourage curiosity and exploration of music. Let your child experiment with various instruments and genres, allowing them to discover their passion.
  3. Celebrating Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate every milestone achieved. Progress might be gradual, but it’s a testament to their hard work and commitment.
  4. Setting Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable goals, both short-term and long-term. Celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small.
  5. Nurturing a Love for Music: Create a supportive and nurturing musical environment at home. Listen to music together, attend concerts, and share the joy together.
  6. Seeking Guidance: Enroll your child with a skilled and experienced teacher who can provide proper guidance and support in their musical journey.
  7. Encouraging Exploration: Let your child explore different aspects of music, such as composition, improvisation, and music theory. This broadens their understanding and passion for music.
  8. Emphasising Practice: Explain that regular practice is the key to improvement. Encourage them to view practice as a positive and enjoyable process.
  9. Fostering Perseverance: Remind your child that even the greatest musicians faced challenges and setbacks. Encourage them to persevere through difficult times.
  10. Celebrating Effort, Not Perfection: Praise the effort they put into practice and learning, rather than solely focusing on perfect performances.

Remember, every child’s musical journey is unique. By providing a nurturing environment, celebrating their efforts, and promoting a growth mindset, you’re laying the groundwork for a lifelong love for music. With the right attitude and dedication, they can achieve greatness beyond what they might have initially thought possible.

14. Myth: Your Young Child Needs a Violin to get Started

No Violin, No Problem! Start with a DIY Practice Setup
Younger children can kick off their musical journey without a physical violin. Create a homemade box violin or foam violin and use a dowel or pencil as the bow. It’s a fun and playful way to begin practicing essential techniques before diving into the real instrument!

15. Myth: It Won’t Take Long to Play Songs/Pieces We Know and Love

It’s essential to understand that your child’s musical journey takes time and patience. At the beginning stages, they might not play a whole song right away, and that’s perfectly normal.

Expect them to focus on open string pieces, where they’ll learn crucial foundational skills like proper bowing and instrument placement.

Just like building a sturdy house requires a strong foundation, learning a stringed instrument demands mastering these basic techniques. Embrace this process, as it sets the stage for their future melodic masterpieces.

Learning a simple song/piece of music on a stringed instrument takes much longer than most people realize.
Trust that it will all fall into place and be patient.

16. Myth: Easy on One, Easy on All? Not Quite!

Learning a stringed instrument takes more time and effort initially compared to piano, flute, or recorder. Unlike these instruments that produce immediate melodies, strings have a gradual and challenging learning curve. Patience and dedication are required to build the foundational skills for beautiful melodies. The initial journey may take longer, but the rewards of mastering a stringed instrument are truly remarkable.

17. Myth: Private Lessons and Talent

It’s crucial to debunk the myth that suggesting private lessons means your child lacks talent or can’t succeed in group classes. Private lessons offer unique benefits that complement and enhance the group learning experience.

Here’s why:

  1. Personalized Attention: In private lessons, your child receives focused, one-on-one guidance. The teacher tailors the instruction to their specific needs, accelerating progress.
  2. Addressing Weaknesses: Private lessons help target and address individual challenges, turning them into strengths. It’s like a customised musical roadmap for success.
  3. Building Confidence: With personalised support, your child gains confidence in their abilities, positively impacting their performance in group settings.
  4. Extra Support, Not Lack of Talent: Private lessons act as a supplemental boost, not an admission of inadequacy. They provide extra help to maximise potential, even for the most dedicated students.
  5. Amplifying Group Learning: The combination of private lessons and group classes creates a well-rounded musical education, fostering both technical prowess and collaborative skills.

So, let’s reframe the narrative. Suggesting private lessons is a testament to your belief in your child’s potential and commitment to their musical growth.

Embrace this harmony of learning options and watch your child’s musical journey flourish in ways you never thought possible!

18. Myth: The Instrument, the Teacher, and the Community Culture Surrounding the Child Aren’t All Inevitably Essential

It’s important to know that the instrument, teacher, and community culture are essential elements of your child’s learning journey, not forgetting that the MOST important element in this process is your child.

  1. Instrument Choices: While selecting a suitable instrument is crucial, it doesn’t mean there’s only one right choice. Exploring options and finding what resonates with your child’s passion is key.
  2. Teacher Impact: A skilled teacher can make a significant difference, but different teachers can bring unique approaches. Finding one who connects with your child’s learning style is beneficial.
  3. Community Support: An encouraging musical community is valuable, but it can take various forms and will always start with you! It takes a village to raise a child and it takes an even stronger village to raise a child to play a string instrument!

Mum knew what she was doing, and I’m forever grateful for her wisdom and support!

19. Myth: The Child Should Only Play the Instrument They Really Want to Play From the Beginning

When I was around 7 years old, I pleaded with my mum for a violin. I couldn’t wait to start playing as I loved how the sound made me feel. Christmas morning arrived, and I excitedly unwrapped a gift, only to find a recorder inside. I looked at my mum, feeling a mix of surprise and confusion. “But I wanted a violin,” I said.
My mum smiled and explained her plan. She wanted me to learn the basics on the recorder first, to build my music reading skills. If I could master the recorder, she promised to consider getting me a violin. I realised that she had a clever strategy to help me become a well-rounded musician.

20.The Joyful Truth: Playful Learning Enhances Progress

Let’s dispel the myth that making string lessons playful means your child isn’t learning as much. On the contrary, infusing playfulness into the learning process can enhance their progress and musical development in remarkable ways.

Here’s why:

  1. Engaged Learning: Playful lessons capture your child’s attention and enthusiasm, fostering an engaged and curious mindset. When they’re excited about the lessons, they’re more likely to absorb and retain information.
  2. Memory and Retention: Playful activities stimulate various parts of the brain, promoting better memory retention. Your child will remember concepts and techniques more effectively through fun experiences.
  3. Positive Association: By associating music with enjoyable moments, your child develops a positive attitude towards their instrument, leading to long-lasting passion and commitment.
  4. Creative Expression: Playfulness encourages creative expression, allowing your child to explore their musicality and unique voice on the instrument.
  5. Confidence Boost: When your child enjoys the learning process, their confidence soars. This positive reinforcement strengthens their skills and motivates them to excel.
  6. Multi-Sensory Experience: Playful learning often involves using multiple senses, providing a richer and deeper understanding of music concepts.

So, let’s embrace the magic of playful learning! When we combine joy and education, we create a harmonious environment for your child to flourish as a string musician.

Remember, their laughter and smiles are the sweet sounds of progress!

I hope that you now feel empowered, uplifted and excited for your shared learning journey.

I admire you as I know it won’t always be easy, but dig down deep and you will pull through. Just keep remembering the reasons why you are embarking on this journey. Write them down, pin them up on the wall, stick them on the fridge.

My mum was an inspirational support to my sister and I on our journeys. We both LOVED playing and practicing our violins, but we still needed our mum’s guidance and patience as we were prone to the odd meltdown!

Hang in there! Your child’s teacher sent you this article (perhaps) because they want to support YOU and your child. They will be there for you if you ever need guidance… just reach out.

Thanks for reading this. We believe in you.

Love,
Laura

Creator of Stringosaurus, early childhood violin resources hub

You are a vital piece of the puzzle… Thank you for your incredible support and dedication to your child’s musical education.

Hi! I'm Zlata

Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.

READ MORE

Closing note by Zlata

After teaching violin for over ten years, I thought I knew what to do when my own children would start the violin. Well… I wasn’t prepared that they would want to ‘play like mama’ from the age of 1,5 years old. This is when I met Laura and I started my journey as a ‘Teachosaurus’ and member of her online resources hub Stringosaurus.

After MANY hours of watching her videos and playing along with my own (now five under five) kids, I can highly recommend what she’s offering. You can seamlessly combine it with any method you’re currently using. 

If you have little ones who play violin or you are a teacher who wants to teach early childhood violin, click here and explore the wonderful world of Stringosaurus.

What size violin does my child need?

A comprehensive guide by Kennedy Violins

Choosing the right size violin for your child is not just a matter of aesthetics or comfort; it is crucial for their learning experience. An ill-fitting violin can make the learning process difficult, leading to a lack of enthusiasm or even physical discomfort.
At Kennedy Violins, we understand the importance of this decision, and we’re here to guide you through the process. This article will walk you through the various factors to consider when choosing a violin size suitable for your child.

Why Violin Size Matters for Children

Physical Comfort

An oversized violin can be cumbersome for a child, causing strain on their neck, arms, and hands. Similarly, an undersized violin may be uncomfortable and limit the quality of sound that the player can produce.

Playability

The right size violin ensures that a child can easily access all finger positions. It also aids in achieving the correct posture, which is crucial for effective playing and learning.

Sound Quality

A properly sized violin will produce a better sound, which can be motivating for young learners. An ill-fitting instrument can compromise tone and pitch, diminishing the overall learning experience. As a general rule, the larger the instrument, the better sound. However, if the student is attempting to play on an instrument that’s too big, it could cause tension issues and bad technique.

Standard Violin Sizes

Violins come in various sizes, generally ranging from 1/16 to 4/4 (full-size). The ideal size depends on the child’s individual measurements. Some kids are bigger or smaller for their age. Here are some general guidelines of age ranges in the standard sizes:

● 1/16: Suitable for ages 2 to 5
● 1/10: Suitable for ages 3 to 5
● 1/8: Suitable for ages 3 to 5
● 1/4: Suitable for ages 4 to 7
● 1/2: Suitable for ages 6 to 10
● 3/4: Suitable for ages 9 to 11
● 4/4: Suitable for ages 12 and above

The size of the bow, case and shoulder rest should correspond with the violin size. Most of the times a violin comes in a set or outfit.

How to Measure Your Child for a Violin

Arm Length Method

Have your child extend their left arm straight out, perpendicular to their body.
Measure from the base of the neck to the center of the palm. For help with the measurements for violin and other orchestral instruments you can refer to Kennedy Violins Sizing Guide.

Violin Sizing Chart

  • 14″–15″ arm length: 1/16th-size violin
  • 15″–16″ arm length: 1/10 size violin
  • 16”–18″ arm length: 1/8 size violin
  • 18″–20″ arm length: 1/4 size violin
  • 20”–22” arm length: 1/2 size violin
  • 22″–23″ arm length: 3/4 size violin
  • 23″ and above: 4/4 size violin

For more specific measurements, check out my own violin size chart right here.

Consult With a Teacher or Professional

If possible, consult your child’s music teacher or a professional violinist to validate your measurements and suggestions.

When to Upsize your Child’s Violin?

Growth Spurts

Children grow, and their violin should grow with them. Keep an eye out for sudden growth spurts, as this is often the time to consider upsizing.

Signs of Discomfort

If your child is showing signs of discomfort or complaining about difficulty in reaching the fingerboard, it may be time to upsize. An easy way to check this, is to look at their 4th finger in 1st position. If they are not able to reach the proper place on the fingerboard, and play in tune, there’s a good chance the instrument is a bit too big for them. Of course, this is dependent on them having proper left hand technique as well, so the advice from a professional is often very helpful.

Professional Guidance

Regular checks with a music teacher can help you determine when it’s time to move on to a larger violin. Usually a qualified violin teacher will tell you in the lesson when it’s time to upsize your child’s violin.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct size violin for your child is an important step in their musical journey. With the right fit, not only will the learning process be more comfortable, but it will also be more enjoyable. At Kennedy Violins, we are committed to helping you make this critical choice and are always available for consultations and advice. With easy returns and exchanges, we make it very easy to find the perfect violin for every student.

We hope this guide helps you in choosing the right violin size for your child. For more personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to us at Kennedy Violins. Happy playing!

Hi! I'm Zlata

Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.

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Closing note by Zlata

Thanks to Kennedy Violins for writing this article. I’m publishing it, because they are an amazing violin shop that sells quality violins with a professional set up at very reasonable prices. Here are some of my personal recommendations as a violin teacher:

Ricard Bunnel G2 Student Violin Outfit

Available in all sizes this is a great instrument to start playing the violin.

Buy here

Louis Carpini G2 Violin Outfit

Ready to upsize your child’s violin? This is a great next step:

Buy here

Best Violin Strings for Children’s Violins

Oops, your kid’s violin string broke!

Here are good strings to buy for kid’s violins recommended by violin teachers

Let’s start with a quick top 3 buying guide

After that I will share some more about when and how to replace your violin strings and you’ll find more in depth violin string reviews of the five best strings for children’s violin.

#1 Pirastro Tonica violin strings

Best overall

Most popular and most recommend by violin teachers. It’s a synthetic core string that has a great well-rounded open sound on all fractional sizes.

Buy here

#2 D’Addario Prelude

Most affordable

Affordable steel strings that have a warm open sound even on the smallest sizes children’s violins.

Buy here

#3 Thomastik Aphayue

Most stable

This one is really popular on rental instruments by luthiers. Beautiful synthetic core strings with great tuning stability at a very reasonable price.

Buy here

When to replace your children’s violin strings?

Obviously when a string snaps, you need to replace it. However it’s best to not let it come that far. Usually when strings are worn down they don’t sound as good and waddle a bit in pitch. Certainly the last thing can get in the way of your child’s violin progress as the string won’t stay in tune even if your child plays in tune. This is very confusing.

When you bought a relatively cheap violin set online, think anything below $ 200, usually the strings are very bad quality steel strings. Steel core strings aren’t that bad (see my violin string reviews below), but sometimes the quality that ‘comes with the violin’ is very disappointing and sometimes even impossible to stay in tune and play.

Can I replace my child’s violin strings myself?

Of course your child’s teacher will be happy to replace the string during the lesson, but then you need to wait until the lesson and it will cost you valuable lesson time. It’s perfectly doable if you’re a bit careful to replace violin strings yourself. Watch this video for a close up step by step guide to replacing violin strings by yourself.

Which size of violin strings should I buy for my child?

It’s very important that the sizing on the string set corresponds with the sizing of the violin. If you place for example 4/4 stings on a 1/2 violin, the string tension will be too low when you’ve tuned them. It will be impossible to play. If you lost what size violin your child has, just measure the body or total length of the violin and look it up in this violin size chart.

Why should you use good quality violin strings for your child?

Even if your child just started playing the violin, good strings are very important. Cheap strings can injure your kid’s finger tips (very painful cuts are possible from low quality strings) and can also be hard to learn on. Learning to play the violin is hard enough as it is and bad strings can really hurt your kid’s motivation for the violin.

What difference do strings make?

Bad, cheap, old or worn down strings make it impossible to play in tune on the violin. Besides that they can cause very painful cuts in your child’s finger tips. Here are the differences between bad and good quality violin strings:

  • Comfort: cheap strings are often very thin and tight. This will hurt the finger tips sometimes up to the point that your child get’s a finger tip cut. Besides painful (and a dent in the motivation), this also means that they can’t play the violin for a while.
  • Tuning stability: bad strings don’t stay on the right pitch. Playing in tune on the violin is hard enough as it is. Let’s make sure your child plays on good strings that don’t make it harder.
  • Stability of pitch: cheap, old or worn down strings waddle. It’s a bit different than my point above. Waddling means that the string stays on the same tension, but while playing the note changes in pitch. Very annoying and really gets in the way of your child’s practice.
  • Sound: good strings simply sound a lot better. It can even seem like you have a different violin. If you bought a cheap violin set, upgrading it with a set of good quality strings can make a BIG difference.
  • Durability: With good strings you end up saving yourself money. They might cost a little more, but you can enjoy them much longer. Sometimes even over a year, depending how much your child plays.

What are the best strings to buy for my children’s violin?

Now you know how to replace your child’s violin strings, when to replace them, what size you need to buy and what difference good strings make, it’s time for some in depth reviews. These strings are not only my personal picks as a violin teacher, but I’ve also surveyed over fifty violin teachers to learn their favorite strings.

#1 Pirastro Tonica violin strings

Pirastro is a German string brand that is used by soloists as well as orchestra violinists all over the world. The Tonica strings are nylon core strings that give violins of each size an open, well-rounded and balanced sound. What I also like about these strings is that (like other synthetic core strings) they are not too thick and not too thin. When strings are too thick, on some fractional sizes they are very hard to place. When strings are too thin, they are not comfortable under your finger tips. The strings are easy to play, even in high positions. Tonica’s have short break in time, the tuning stability is good and the last relatively long.

Set price: $ 42

Buy here

Pros:

  • Great sound
  • Last long
  • Not too thick
  • Available down to 1/32 size

Cons:

  • Sizing is grouped 4/4, 3/4 to 1/2, 1/4 to 1/8 and 1/16 to 1/32, not a ‘size per size’
  • Some find these too expensive

#2 D’Addario Prelude violin strings

Warmest sounding affordable steel core violin strings. Some violin players associate steel core strings with bright or even harsh sound. For fractional sized children’s violins however, you might need some extra brightness. Children’s violins have to produce the same pitch as 4/4 adult violins, while they are much smaller. A bright steel core string might just bring out a bit punch and volume a children’s violin might need. These Prelude strings are relatively warm sounding. With just under $ 20 per set, they are a good quality affordable option.

Set price: $ 19,99

Buy here

Pros:

  • Warm sound
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Great tuning stability
  • For each size one size (no grouping), so the string is well adjusted to the size of the violin
  • Separate 1/16 even, so you don’t need to use 1/8 strings for a 1/16 size (which often means a low string tension)

Cons:

  • Less warm sounding than synthetic core strings
  • Slightly higher string tension than synthetic core strings (synthetics feel softer)

#3 Thomastik Alphayue violin strings

If you’re renting a children’s violin at a violin shop, changes are it has the Alphayue strings. They are good sounding affordable synthetic core strings that are comfortable under the finger tips. Thomastik Dominant’s have been the gold standard for years, but are quite expensive at the moment and the Alphayue strings are an excellent alternative. As we’re used to from Thomastik they have a short break-in time and great tuning stability.

Set price: $ 31

Buy here

Pros:

  • Short break-in time
  • Great tuning stability
  • Durable
  • Synthetic core strings at a very reasonable price

Cons:

  • For a warmer tone, choose the Tonica strings

#4 Thomastik Dominant violin strings

Thomastik Dominants are one of the first synthetic core strings and they are absolutely the gold standard for violin strings. They are used by famous soloists like Hilary Hahn and Anne Sophie Mutter. You absolutely can’t go wrong buying dominants. For viola it’s a big advantage that they’re available in fractional sizes just as for the violin. Almost every violinist grew up with Dominants and teachers still recommend them. I do find that over the years they’ve become a bit on the expensive side, while personally I don’t find them much better than Tonicas.

Set price: $ 77

Buy here

Pros:

  • Wonderful neutral sound
  • Durable
  • Short break-in time
  • Great tuning stability

Cons:

  • They’ve gotten a bit expensive over the years

#4 Super-Sensitive Red Label violin strings

Don’t be put off by the ‘bright sound’, because certainly in the smaller fractional sizes this could just mean that it brings out the sound and the small violin doesn’t sound too soft. Red Labels are the industry standard for school instruments and fiddlers. Their durability and tuning stability is great. If you’ve used Preludes and miss a bit of volume or punch in a smaller sized violin, it could be sensible to switch to Red Labels.

Set price: $ 22

Buy here

Pros:

  • Bright sound
  • Durable
  • Great tuning stability
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Not available in 1/16 size
  • Might be too bright for some instruments

Hi! I'm Zlata

Classical violinist helping you overcome technical struggles and play with feeling by improving your bow technique.

READ MORE

Closing notes

I hope I’ve given you some reassurance that in the case your kid’s violin string breaks that you can select a good string and replace it at home. Also when you’ve bought a cheap violin set, the renewal of the strings can make a big difference in sound and playability.

Guide to buying violin strings

If you’d like to read a lot more about violin strings, what they’re made of and see a lot more string reviews, check out this violin string buying guide.

Free online violin tuner

If you just replaced your strings, tuning the violin might be a challenge. New strings typically need some time to break in and you need to tune the violin very often. Use my free online violin tuner right here to make it a lot easier for yourself, even if you’re a beginner.

What strings are on your child’s violin? 

And what do you like about them? Leave a comment and share your experience with other budding violinists and their parents.