What Size Violin Does My Child Need? A Sizing Guide for Parents
Updated: Oct 8
Violins come in eight common sizes, from a tiny 1/16 up to a full 4/4. A violin that is too big makes a child stretch, strain, and sound worse than they should. Getting the size right is the first step toward a good start. Here is how to measure and what to expect at each stage.
How to measure your child
Have your child stand up straight and extend the left arm fully out to the side, palm facing up. Measure from the base of the neck to the middle of the palm. That number, in inches, tells you the size. Do not go by age alone, because children of the same age vary a lot in arm length.
Violin sizes by arm length
1/16 size: about 14 to 15 inches, often ages three to five
1/10 size: about 15 to 16 inches, often ages four to five
1/8 size: about 16 to 18 inches, often ages five to six
1/4 size: about 18 to 20 inches, often ages six to seven
1/2 size: about 20 to 22 inches, often ages seven to nine
3/4 size: about 22 to 23 inches, often ages nine to eleven
4/4 full size: about 23 inches and up, often ages eleven and older
The ages are only a rough guide. When a child is between sizes, choose the smaller one. A slightly small violin is easier to play than a slightly large one, and the child will grow into the next size soon enough.
Rent or buy
Children move through sizes quickly, so most Wilmington families rent until the student reaches full size. National music store chains with Wilmington locations, such as Music & Arts, offer student rental programs, and local violin shops sometimes do as well. A rental usually includes a case and bow. Ask about a trade-up policy so you can swap sizes as your child grows.
What comes with the violin
A beginner needs a shoulder rest sized to the violin, rosin for the bow, a soft cloth, and a music stand. Finger tapes on the fingerboard help young students find pitches at first. Your teacher can put the tapes on at the first lesson and check that the shoulder rest and chin rest fit comfortably.
Let the teacher check the fit
Even with careful measuring, the final test is how the violin feels in the child's hands. An Evergreen Studios teacher checks the size, posture, and setup at the first in-home lesson and tells you if a change is needed. Every teacher completes the EvergreenCertified process before entering a home. Our guide to what to expect at your first violin lesson walks through the rest of that first visit.
Read more about in-home violin lessons in Wilmington, our violin lessons in Leland, or viola lessons for students who prefer a deeper sound. Families with a young beginner can also read about when kids can start violin lessons.
How to get started
Private violin lessons are $320 for one month. That covers four 45-minute lessons with the same teacher in your home.
Call (910) 613-0704 or email evrgreencompany@gmail.com.
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