By Don Stinson, Band Director, Joliet Central High School (IL)

How to Choose Your Child’s First Orchestra Instrument

A parent guide for getting started — sizing, setup, renting vs. buying, and working with the director.

Quick answer: Choosing a first orchestra instrument can feel overwhelming for families new to school music. Most schools provide parent meetings, fitting events, and guidance from orchestra directors and local retailers so parents can make confident decisions. Correctly sized instruments, a reliable setup, and a clear support system help beginners focus on learning, build healthy playing habits, avoid injury, and gain early confidence.

Starting orchestra is exciting, but choosing an instrument can feel confusing at first. Which instrument should your child play? What size do they need? Should you rent or buy? The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. The goal isn’t a “perfect” instrument — it’s one that fits well, works properly, and supports early success.

Start with school orchestra events

Most schools share orchestra information before school starts: parent meetings, instrument fitting events, and information from the music department. Go to these if you can. Teachers and music store staff can answer questions, size students correctly, and help families avoid common beginner mistakes.

Ask the orchestra director

Your child’s orchestra director (sometimes called a string teacher) is a great place to start. Helpful questions: Which instruments are good for beginners? How do I know what size my child needs? Should we rent the first year?

Make sure the instrument fits

String instruments come in different sizes. Violins and violas are often sized by arm length. Cellos are sized by arm length and hand size. Basses are often sized by height. If your child is between sizes, teachers often suggest the smaller one — an instrument that’s too big can lead to injury. The right size makes the instrument easier to hold, easier to play, and less frustrating to learn on.

Renting or buying?

Many families rent at first. Renting costs less up front, may include repairs, and lets you change sizes as your child grows. Buying means you own the instrument and it may save money later. A good rule of thumb: don’t purchase an instrument until your child is done growing. A 3/4 bass is considered full size, but if your child is projected to grow beyond six feet, a full-size bass may be the better choice. Before spending money on a deal that looks good, always ask your teacher.

What usually comes with a rental

The instrument
A bow
A case to protect the instrument
Rosin for the bow
Basic accessories (cellos and basses also include a rockstop)

Questions to ask the music store

Is it set up for student use, including the bridge, strings, and bow?
Is a maintenance or repair plan included, and what does it cover?
Are broken strings covered?
Does it come with a case and accessories?
What happens if my child needs a different size?

What first-year orchestra is really about

The first year isn’t about playing perfectly — it’s about building skills and confidence. A good instrument setup helps students focus on learning instead of fighting the instrument. You just need a good first step, a few good questions, and people to help along the way.

Get the Free First-Year Orchestra Parent GuideFree one-page PDF · about a minute to read

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we start thinking about an instrument and size?

Most schools share orchestra information before school starts, including fitting events. Checking announcements or contacting the director helps.

How do I know what size my child needs?

Sizing is based on arm length, hand size, or height depending on the instrument. Ask the director or a music store to measure — when between sizes, smaller is usually safer.

Should we rent or buy the first year?

Many families rent first because students often change sizes as they grow. Renting also includes setup and repairs.

Can we buy an instrument online to save money?

Ask your teacher before buying. Many inexpensive online instruments won’t stay in tune or have bows that won’t hold rosin.

What if the instrument feels hard to play?

Small setup problems can make an instrument much harder to play. Talk with the teacher — a minor fix often makes a big difference.

Don Stinson

Band Director, Joliet Central High School (IL)

Don Stinson teaches band at Joliet Central High School in Illinois. With more than 20 years of experience working with music students, he was named a Yamaha “40 Under 40” educator and is the author of books on helping school music programs succeed. He writes about practical ways families and schools can support students in music.