Before everything else, you must start with a quality instrument. I strongly discourage purchasing anything because it looks cool or because it's inexpensive. It is best to start with a quality rental until you are ready to make a serious purchase with a knowledgeable expert who can help you find the best instrument for the right price. That being said, the closer you get to Salt Lake City, the better options you'll have like an onsite luthier and deals that include free string repair. The tradeoff of course is having to travel if there's a problem. If you find someone closer, I'd love to know about it so I can update my website!Â
Here are a few:
Classical Strings - Harrisville
After you have your instrument, here are the other things you'll need:
All students must have access to a music stand for practice, a folding stand is preferable. This allows you to travel with your instrument to places where a stand may not be available. Practicing with a stand maintains the integrity of posture and proper playing.
Although a shoulder rest is not required for good playing, it is strongly encouraged. It is easy to develop bad habits without the use of one.
Every bowed instrument needs good rosin. When you are first starting out, you don't need to be particular. As you progress, you'll develop a preference for certain kinds.
Metronome! If you are not practicing with a metronome, you are only practicing halfway. Music consists of pitch and rhythm. The only way you are going to get that rhythmic portion down is if you have a steady beat to work with. If the student has a smart phone they can download a metronome app for free (there are paid ones too but free ones work as well). If the student doesn't have a smart phone, you can purchase a simple electric one from amazon.com for less than $10. Once again, there are fancy ones that cost a lot more but it doesn't matter which one as long as it does its job.
Music. Bring music you are working on. You will also need to purchase a copy of The Complete Musician by Cynthia Richards and Jerry Jaccard for your instrument. We will determine after your first lesson, which level to purchase.