Caring for Violins
As we mentioned above, a well-maintained violin not only produces superior sound quality but also ensures longevity and durability. When cared for diligently, violins can last hundreds of years, and today many beautiful handcrafted instruments are still passed down generationally in musical families. To increase the lifetime of your violin, ensure your care covers the following points of consideration:
Storage
Proper cases, as well as the right storage environment (i.e. avoiding rooms that are too humid or too dry), are key to avoiding premature wear and tear. Cases help to protect instruments from dust, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and damage that can occur during transit. As a general rule of thumb, if your instrument isn’t being played, it’s best to keep it in its case to avoid the potential for accidents.
Cleaning
Skin oil and dust can lead to issues with strings, frets, and the body of the violin itself. To prevent buildup, players should lightly wipe down their instruments after playing with a soft, dry cloth. Be careful not to use anything abrasive, and use a delicate hand when cleaning.
String Maintenance
Damaged strings can significantly alter your violin’s playability. Regularly assess the tension and condition of the strings and replace any worn or damaged ones as quickly as possible. On average, strings need to be changed out entirely every 6-8 months, but it’s important to be aware that this time frame may shorten if you play regularly or in a semi-professional capacity.
Bow Care
Much like instrument strings, the bow of your violin must be maintained for optimal performance.
Keep the bow hair clean and free from rosin buildup by wiping it with a soft cloth after each use, and loosen the bow hair when not in use to prevent warping and maintain its elasticity.
Professional Maintenance
Finally, regular inspections and maintenance help any instrument shine, and violins are no exception! Taking your instrument to a skilled luthier like the team at Musicworks makes it easy and convenient to ensure your violin is in peak condition and avoids costly repairs down the road by catching issues before they progress.
Benefits of Violin Lessons for Kids
Violin lessons offer numerous benefits for children (and learners of all ages) on both an academic and personal growth front. From the discipline gained from regular practice to learning the value of time management, perseverance and commitment, and feeling empowered, students learn how much their abilities can grow over time with patience and dedication.
Music lessons also offer considerable cognitive benefits like better memory, problem-solving skills, and more. Most importantly of all, they help children find a healthy and productive form of self-expression while learning a valuable skill they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives!
Violin Lessons and More at Musicworks Canada
With over 40 years of experience and a skilled team of music and academic teachers ready to help students achieve both online and in-person at our 25+ locations, our team is here to help your child learn the violin and empower them to grow with confidence. Alongside violin and music classes, we offer We offer tutoring for math, English, multiple languages, coding and more, as well as rentals and purchase options for those who may need to acquire an instrument to practice at home.
Learn more about our music lessons here or by contacting our team today!
