Your Instrument: You need a functional violin, guitar, or other instrument to learn to play music. Open Strings Music Studio does not sell or rent instruments or other merchandise. Local music stores are your best source for quality instruments. Specimens found on E-bay, craigslist and other random sources are occasionally below acceptable standards of quality and playability. A candid assessment of your instrument will be given, and, if needed, recommendations for repair or replacement.

Your Binder: You will get lots of music handouts. A sturdy 3-ring hard cover binder that opens flat is ideal for managing your collection. Plastic sheet protectors, (economy weight, non-glare) available at any office supply store, are recommended to hold each page, as well; punching holes in the music is a less durable option. Please bring your music with you to lessons, especially if it includes personal notes.

Other recommended accessories include:

Electronic Tuner:  Highly recommended; there are a wide variety to choose from; violinists should choose an “automatic/chromatic” model.

Music Stand:  If you lay sheet music on your desk or coffee table, you will wind up with a sore neck. Basic music stands are cheap and available at any music store.

Recorder: An inexpensive voice recorder can be a helpful aid to learning and remembering music. Your iphone, ipod or blackberry can possibly do the job.

For guitarists: For guitarists: Picks, strap, capo, fresh strings (extra light, .010” high ‘E’ recommended for steel-string), a case or lightweight ‘gig bag’.

For violinists: For violinists: A functional bow (carbon fiber or fiberglass types are usually best in the lower price ranges; ), rosin, possibly a shoulder rest of some kind. Violins should have fine tuners on all four strings! Synthetic strings are recommended.