Bay Area Stores--rentals, purchases, supplies and repairs.
Ifshin Violins --This beautiful shop in El Cerrrito has lovely sounding instruments for purchase or rent. Easily accessible by car or BART. Very helpful staff! This is my first choice for rentals in the Bay Area. Good prices on violin strings when you need a new set.
Roland Feller--I have been going to Roland Feller since I first moved in town. Located in an old Victorian, Roland and his wife Lois offer first rate service, repairs and gorgeous instruments for sale. Be prepared to be amazed when you enter their shop.
The Fiddle Mercantile --Brandon Godman is an amazing fiddler and teacher. His shop in the Mission district of SF offers rentals, instruments for purchase, strings etc. He is extremely helpful and friendly.
Sunset Music Company--The Sunset Music Company has been serving the community since 1960. A great place to shop for metronomes, music stands, rosin and sheet music. They also will change violin strings for you in a pinch.
Internet orders
As much as I like to shop locally, sometimes what I am looking for is on the Internet. Here are my favorites:
Shar Music--This was my music store as a child. Every few months we would receive a paper catalog in the mail. I would read it like a book. Anything you need or want including violin rentals, supplies, sheet music galore, rosin, DVDs, instrument cases etc.
Southwest Strings--Another fine online store. Their Klaus Mueller violin outfits are good quality, have a lovely tone and are very reasonably priced.
The Practice Shoppe--Counters, stickers, dice, and other products to make practice more fun.
Supplies
In addition to the correct size violin, you will need the following items for lessons and practice:
- Suzuki Violin School Volume 1 --Score and CD (please purchase the Hilhary Hahn version)
- notebook (for taking notes during lessons)
- Shoulder rest-- I prefer the Viva-Flex shoulder rest or a small sponge.
- Tuner/Metronome--This one by Korg is very good.
- Music stand--This portable one is very sturdy and will grow with your child.
There are also an abundance of tuner and metronome apps to download.
Books
Please plan on reading Dr. Suzuki's first book, Nurtured by Love, before lessons begin. I have included a few other books for further reading and enrichment.
- Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki
- Helping Parents Practice: Ideas for Making it Easier by Edmund Sprunger
- This Will Help You Grow: Advice & Encouragement for Suzuki Parents by Brittany P. Gardner