In all of my years of teaching private lessons in Castle Pines, CO, I have gotten many questions about why the correct instrument size is so important. It seems to be a recurring question and honestly, most people new to private string lessons don’t even realize that instruments come in different sizes. The instruments we are most used to seeing are in movies or live performances being played by adults. These instruments are full size. So it is no wonder that when it comes time for a child to start an instrument, their parents are shocked to find that they will be playing a miniature version of the instrument that is so familiar.
Stringed instruments come in sizes just like shoes. Each size is based on different arm lengths and hand sizes. It is incredibly important for a student to have the instrument that best fits their measurements, so they can comfortably reach all of the notes. If a student is trying to play an instrument that is too big, they will not be able to reach any of the notes and the instrument will be uncomfortable to hold. It will actually be impossible for them to play. This is comparable to a child trying to ride a bike that is too big. They think they are not good at riding a bike just because they can’t reach the pedals when in fact they just need a different size. If a student is trying to play an instrument that is too small, everything will feel squashed. Their fingers will feel too close on the fingerboard, and their bow arm will feel too bent trying to play between the fingerboard and the bridge. In conclusion instrument size is extremely important. Before you invest in an instrument, go to a music store and have your child measured for their correct instrument size. I want every student to have their best chance at success when starting a new instrument and having the correct instrument size is crucial.