What should we sort out before renting a violin for a 6-year-old's first lessons so we don't buy a pile of things the teacher won't use?
My 6-year-old wants violin lessons this fall. I started looking at rentals and somehow ended up with a list of cases, rests, books and accessories I don't understand. What would you leave until meeting the teacher, and what would you want clear before committing?
I'd get the teacher's equipment list first and ask who checks the fit. I wouldn't choose a size from a shopping listing and hope for the best. Also ask whether they want the child to bring anything to the very first lesson.
The rental return conditions would be on my list. How much notice, what happens if something breaks, and what happens when you need a different size? I'd rather ask those boring questions now than after opening the case.
Ask what practicing at home is supposed to look like for a complete beginner. I would want someone to show both of us how to set things up, rather than leaving with an instrument and vague instructions to practice.