Violin Lessons for Kids - What Instruments Do You Need?

Types of Fractional Violins

Small violins for children are generally referred to as ‘fractional violins’, with sizes like 1/2 and 1/4. In contrast, adult violins are called 4/4 (full size).

Fractional violins come in the following sizes:

• 3/4 (Three-Quarters)
• 1/2 (Half)
• 1/4 (Quarter)
• 1/8 (Eighth)
• 1/10 (Tenth)
• 1/16 (Sixteenth)

In the picture below, from left to right, the sizes are 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4.

Occasionally, there is also a 7/8 size, which is slightly larger than a 3/4 but smaller than a 4/4, often called ladies’ size.
There are even 1/32 violins, and rumors suggest the existence of 1/64 violins...

Choosing the right size violin according to your child’s height and build is essential.

The Meaning of ‘Fractional’

You might simply wonder, “What do these fractions represent?”
The answer is somewhat unclear.

Even instruments from about 100 years ago, when mass production of violins was common in Germany and France, had sizes corresponding to 1/2 and 3/4. Back then, there were no specific standards for length and height like today.

Did Suzuki Violin Set the Global Standard!?

It seems that as time passed, Japan’s Suzuki Violin established the fractional size sets and completed the height comparison chart as far as I know.
Suzuki violins have been exported worldwide for many years and can be said to have set the global standard for fractional violins.
Suzuki Violin sets have been standard for a long time.

Suzuki Violin / No.230 1/2 Outfit Violin Set, 　59,800 yen (tax incl.)

In Europe, the 1/2 size was made first, followed by the 3/4 size between the 1/2 and 4/4 sizes, and then the smaller instruments were named 1/4, 1/8, and so on.

Rather than being based on a numerical scale (such as the fraction of string length), fractional sizing seems to be a way to understand the sizes of instruments in ascending and descending order.

Cost Considerations

Starting with a small size and upgrading as the child grows can be expensive. However, PLAYTECH fractional violins can ease this concern significantly.

PLAYTECH PVN300 Series
The picture at the beginning of this article shows various fractional sizes of the PVN300 Series.

For instance, this is the PVN312 1/2 violin.

PLAYTECH / PVN312 1/2 Violin,　14,800 yen (tax incl.)

What?
14,800 yen?

At this price, it’s easy to provide a small child with a violin...
You might want to have your children try out what the violin is like. This price will greatly encourage parents to buy their children violins.

Not Just Any Instrument Will Do

Even if the violin is inexpensive, it’s not a toy. It’s crucial to understand it.
While some might think it’s okay if a cheap violin breaks, providing a violin teaches children to handle it with care. If you teach them to treat it gently, they will take good care of it without throwing or hitting it.
Unfortunately, accidents can still happen, but rather than just taking a commemorative photo and being done with it, consider enrolling in lessons.

What Instrument Is Suitable for Lessons?

When your child starts violin lessons, the teacher or school may specify the instrument. In such cases, it’s generally best to follow their recommendations. Some may reject online-purchased instruments.
However, more teachers are now open to using properly inspected instruments from online stores. At Sound House, we offer quality instruments suitable for lessons.
Why not consult with your teacher about using a PLAYTECH violin for lessons?

Moms Can Join In Too

I’ve talked about lessons for children, but often, parents might be asked to join lessons to support their children.
If so, parents might need their own violin.
While some schools offer rentals, owning a personal instrument can be beneficial.

PLAYTECH / PVN544 Outfit Violin Set (4/4),　27,800 yen (tax incl.)

The PVN544 is especially recommended among PLAYTECH violin sets. The set includes the bow, case, rosin, and shoulder rest, making it the cost effective kit.

More than the price, the experience of caring for your own violin can be a valuable experience for both moms and kids.

Conclusion

The era of thinking that violin lessons are too expensive may be coming to an end. More instructors are lowering barriers and welcoming students without insisting on expensive instruments. PLAYTECH violins offer excellent cost performance among online violin options.

Whether you’re taking lessons or learning on your own, start your violin journey with a PLAYTECH violin!