Violin Size Guide
Measure the arm of a child or student and find out which violin size is likely to fit – before the first lesson or after a growth spurt.
From the beginning of the neck to the beginning of the palm, with the arm stretched out to the side.
Approximate size chart
| Violin size | Arm length | Age | Violin length (body/total) | Bow length |
|---|
This is an approximate guide to choosing an instrument size. Only an experienced violin teacher can give the best estimate!
How to measure
- Have the child raise the left arm perpendicular to the body, just as if playing, and fully extend it with the palm facing up.
- With a tape measure, measure from the beginning of the neck to the beginning of the palm (the wrist).
- Enter the measurement above and check the chart.
The scroll test
Place the violin correctly in playing position. Have the child fully extend the arm, palm facing up. If they can hug the curve of the scroll with their fingers comfortably and without stretching, the violin is the right size.
Between two sizes?
It’s always better to choose the smaller of the two. Playing a smaller instrument is easier than playing one that is too big.
When to move up a size?
The violin teacher will give the best answer. Even when the child has grown enough, it may be better to wait until after an important concert or exam – it takes a few weeks to get used to a new instrument.
Can you skip a size?
It’s not recommended. It’s like shoes: you can always wear bigger ones, but you’ll be clumsy and uncomfortable in them.
Buy or rent?
Children grow fast, so a new violin may fit for only a few months. Renting for a while could be cheaper than buying several violin sizes in quick succession. For an important concert or competition, you will probably need to buy a quality hand-crafted instrument.
Full article: How to choose the right violin size
First steps on the violinFor children aged 5 and up: Let’s Play Violin! 1 from The Pizzicato Method – step by step, with pictures, games and songs from the very first lesson.
“Colourful signs, tips and tricks, numerous games and exercises and appealing little drawings will not only attract the very young player, but also teach them the rudiments of reading music.”
Mary Nemet, Stringendo (AUSTA), 2021
“Your method book is filled with so many adorable illustrations that my students smile every time they turn the pages.”
Moe Omura, toitoitoi violin school, Japan