As the new school year nears, it’s time to gear up for music lessons and orchestra. Don’t miss a beat and prepare beforehand to help ensure your violin, viola or cello sounds its best. Givens Violins has some savvy tips to help kickstart this upcoming journey back into melody making — so sharpen those skills and get ready to hit all the right notes!
Check Your Instrument
Prep for the school year with a checkup of your instrument and bow. It’s time to carefully inspect your instrument and accessories, ensuring all strings are in good condition and that you have everything from a comfortable shoulder rest to rosin to spare strings. This way, when it comes time for lessons or rehearsals, there will be no surprises preventing you from making the most of your valuable practice time. If you prefer us to do a free 5-point check-up, bring your instrument and bow to the shop. Check-ups take 15 to 30 minutes. Make an appointment by calling 612-375-0708.
At each 5-point check-up, we will:
- Check every seam to make sure there are no openings
- Make sure your bridge is straight and that your soundpost is in the correct position
- Check to see if your strings need replacing
- Check your pegs to make sure they are working
- Review your bow for possible repair*: rehair, new eyelet, leather, or tip plate.
* Should you need an instrument or bow to play while a repair is being done by our workshop, we can arrange a loaner instrument or bow at no charge.
Practice Regularly
A great way to ensure that you are prepared for your music lessons and orchestra rehearsals is to practice consistently. Whether 15 minutes a day or an hour several times a week, keeping to a regular practice schedule will help keep your skills sharp, help you apply what you learn in your lessons and rehearsals, and give you confidence in your playing. Plus, with regular practice comes improved technique, leading to more consistency in lessons, practice, and performance.
Set Goals and Practice with Purpose!
It can be easy to become overwhelmed when trying to prepare for both your music lessons and orchestra rehearsals at once, but goal setting can help keep things manageable. For example, instead of trying to focus on every part of your playing all at once, choose one area to focus on each day you practice. For example, you might choose to focus on pitch accuracy, bowing, rhythm, or dynamics, or simply on a small section of a piece of music instead of the whole thing. These small gains will add up over time. Setting small achievable goals and practicing with intention will help you reach larger goals without feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.
With just a few steps taken ahead of time (taking your instrument for a check-up, practicing regularly, and setting achievable goals), you can ensure that your musical performances this upcoming season are at their best yet! At Givens Violins, we are here as resources throughout this process should anything arise — from minor repairs and maintenance needs to accessory questions to helping find your next violin, viola, or cello — so please don’t hesitate to reach out!
We wish everyone a successful and enjoyable back-to-school season.
Essential tips and advice related to this article:
Question: Do you have a trade policy?
Answer: Givens Violins offers, to the original purchaser, a 100% trade-in on instruments and bows purchased from us. The traded item can be used to acquire another instrument or bow of equal or greater value. https://www.givensviolins.com/services/trade-in-policy/
How to Care for Your Instrument:
https://www.givensviolins.com/resources/maintenance-guide/
More on Baroque Violins and Bows:
Many routes exist to starting your early music life. This short video discusses the stages: Claire Givens on becoming a Historical Performance player and associated costs
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call, email, or visit us!
Phone: 612-375-0708
