St. Paul, MN Violin Teacher, Marnie Thies of Marnie Thies Violin Lessons: Renting vs. Owning a Violin – A Guide for Students, Parents, and Adult Learners

Marnie Thies, a violin instructor near Minneapolis, recognizes the importance of deciding between renting and owning a violin and how it can impact your practice routine and overall musical journey. Whether you are a parent considering violin lessons for your child, an adult rekindling your passion for the instrument, or a student advancing in your musical endeavors, understanding the key factors in this decision is crucial. Marnie Thies offers violin lessons in St. Paul, and for scheduling a lesson, you can contact her at (763) 413-4791. This guide aims to assist you in navigating the essential considerations when choosing to rent or purchase a violin.

Age and Physical Development

For Young Students (under 12): Renting provides flexibility as children grow quickly and require different-sized violins. This option allows for easy adjustments in size without the need to buy multiple instruments, ensuring proper technique and posture.

For Growing Students: Renting remains advantageous during periods of rapid physical development, typically throughout the teenage years. Once growth stabilizes, owning a violin can offer consistency, aiding long-term practice and musical advancement.

For Teenagers and Adults: Transitioning to full-size violins makes owning an instrument more practical, fostering a deeper connection to the music and providing consistency in technique development.

Budget and Cost Efficiency

For Families and Beginners: Renting is a low-risk and cost-effective choice, especially for families uncertain about their child’s long-term interest. Rental fees usually range from $20 to $60 per month and often include maintenance and insurance, helping families avoid unexpected repair costs.

For Long-Term Students and Adults: Purchasing a violin can be a more cost-effective option in the long run. Beginner instruments typically cost between $200 to $500 and can last for years with proper care. As rental payments accumulate, buying often becomes the more economical decision. Rent-to-own programs offer a flexible path to ownership.

Playing Experience and Technical Progress

For Beginners: Rental violins are durable and easy to maintain, making them suitable for developing basic techniques despite potentially lacking a rich tone.

For Advancing Students: As students progress, rental violins may not provide the tonal depth necessary for advanced techniques. Owning a violin allows students to select an instrument with better tonal qualities, enhancing their playing experience.

Instrument Quality and Customization

Quality: Owning a violin enables students to choose an instrument crafted from high-quality materials, offering superior tonal clarity and resonance, which is crucial for advanced students aiming to express complex musical ideas.

Customization: Ownership allows for personalization, such as selecting preferred strings, bows, and accessories, improving playability and tone quality. Minor adjustments can enhance tuning stability and comfort, benefiting dedicated students striving to refine their performance.

Responsibility and Instrument Care

For Beginners and Parents: Rental programs often include maintenance services, alleviating the responsibility of families unfamiliar with violin care. The rental company takes care of repairs and upkeep, making it a convenient option for new students.

For Experienced Students and Adults: Owning a violin entails ongoing maintenance tasks like cleaning, adjusting fine tuners, and rehairing the bow. While maintenance requires effort, it helps establish a deeper bond with the instrument and ensures its longevity.

Commitment to Continued Study

For Parents and New Students: Renting provides a low-risk way to gauge a child’s interest in learning the violin. If the interest persists, owning an instrument can be the next step, offering a personalized tool for growth.

For Serious Students and Adult Learners: Owning an instrument can bolster commitment and emotional attachment to music, supporting long-term progress and stability.

In conclusion, the decision to rent or own a violin hinges on your objectives and circumstances. Renting is suitable for beginners, growing students, or families exploring the violin, offering flexibility and a cost-effective entry point. However, owning a violin offers long-term advantages, particularly for dedicated students or those advancing in their studies. Ownership allows for customization and consistent care, leading to a more personalized musical experience.

Marnie Thies, from Marnie Thies Violin Lessons, guides each student, be it a child, teenager, or adult, in finding the ideal instrument for their needs, ensuring confidence, consistency, and enjoyment in their musical journey. As of May 29, 2025, Marnie Thies provides in-person lessons in St. Paul, Minnesota, including Falcon Heights and North Oaks, as well as online violin lessons. For more information, you can reach out to Marnie Thies at (763) 413-4791.

To see the progress of a student who exclusively learned vibrato online through Thies, visit her online lessons page at proviolin.com. Marnie Thies currently offers lessons near Minneapolis and plans to expand to Andover, Blaine, Coon Rapids, or another area in Anoka County. To collaborate with Marnie Thies, visit her website or contact her through the provided information.

Contact:
Marnie Thies
Marnie Thies Violin Lessons
Website: https://www.proviolin.com/
Phone: (763) 413-4791