Resources

​Local Violin Shops:

• Stamell Stringed Instruments, Amherst. 413-256-0936 (instruments, rentals, supplies, sheet music)
• Stacey Styles Violin Restoration, Holyoke. 413-322-9391

Product Recommendations:

• Strings:  Dominant A, D & G, and Pirastro Wondertone E 
• Shoulder rests:  First try out for fit and comfort at Stamell Strings. For adults, the Wolf Primo or Secundo have the most height and adjustability.
• Chin rests: For adults, these "center-mounted" chin rests are often most comfortable. You may try them out at Stamell Strings. 
  • Flesch Center-Mounted Chinrest with no hump 
  • Berber Chinrest
• Music Stands: these are tall, sturdy, and have a flat desk:
  • Peak-35 Steel Desk Conductor Music Stand (extra-wide desk)​
  • Peak SMS-50 Collapsible Music Stand (portable)

Instrument care:

• Violins are delicate - don't leave them in the cold or heat, especially in a car. During the winter use a case humidifier with finer instruments.
• Bows: Rosin lightly for about every hour of playing. Never touch the bow hair, and loosen the hairs when you pack up.

​Free Online Apps: (these may not be current)

• Violin Tuner
• Metronome
• Music Dictionary​
• ​Anytune (for Macs & iPhones) - Slows down recordings to practice tempo

Sheet Music:
I specialize in finding eclectic music from other countries which may be hard to find.
(1) First, try local music stores. If they don't have the music,
(2) See if it's on my list of Sheet Music with purchasing links,
(3) Try these online stores specializing in sheet music.

• Southwest Strings
• ​Shar Products 
• Johnson String Instrument
• Stanton's Sheet Music
• ​Sheet Music Plus

Note: the original hard copy sheet music is always a better than downloaded versions.