What Shoulder Rest Best for Me? Why is a Shoulder Rest so Important?

Using a shoulder rest is extremely important to maintain correct posture. It lends support and security, allowing the left arm to move more freely. Using a shoulder rest may also reduce shoulder tension and muscle strain.

There is another school of thought that a shoulder rest is unnecessary and players should learn to play without one, however personally, I am not a proponent of.

The general shoulder rest

The Kun Violin Shoulder Rest has long been regarded as the most popular and widely used shoulder rest. (However, the more economical, sturdy, and more cushiony Everest Shoulder Rest is catching up!*See Below) The Kun offers a wide range of adjustment to fit your violin size and the height of your neck.  Many companies have tried to make cheap imitations of the Kun, do not be fooled. (The Everest Shoulder Rest below is NOT one of them.)  Kun also sells junior sizes and collapsible shoulder rests for a better fit in violin cases. Two of the higher-end Kun shoulder rests are the Kun Bravo, made out of hardwood and brass fittings, and the Kun Voce,  created from authentic aerospace-grade carbon fiber. Both the Voce and the Bravo boast increased acoustic properties. The Classic, Super, and Collapsible models are made from composite materials with brass fittings and latex-rubber feet.

The Kun is priced between $20 and $100 depending on size and style selected.

Shoulder rest for long-necked violinists

• The Bon Musica shoulder rest is perfect for long-necked violinists, however it can also be used as a general shoulder rest. It has a longer metal platform that wraps over the shoulder lending greater height and stability than a normal shoulder rest. The platform can also be bent to a small degree to customize the shape.
  The Bon Musica is priced at about $60.

• The Wolf shoulder rest can adjust in height up to three inches. The platform can be bent for customized fit as well. The Wolf Forte Primo and Secundo are best-selling versions within the brand.
  Wolf shoulder rests are priced up to $50.
  
  
  The Everest Shoulder Rest ***** 5 stars. This personal favorite rest of mine is only for players who do not care to pay more than necessary for an accessory item but insist on the best quality. Very economical ($13.99 -18.99 on Amazon), this product does not, as I said, compromise on quality, is comparable to KUN, and is in fact now being preferred over KUN by many players who have discovered it. You can find scores of favorable reviews on the Everest Shoulder Rest here as well as here. It "grows" with your player to fit another size up (so select your size with this in mind), is fully adjustable, very cushiony & comfortable, and does not slip off the violin as many other kinds do, which can be very distracting and annoying, especially for young learners. You can just about hold the violin up by this rest itself. (But don't try it!) The rubber "feet" are very very nice so this model grips like no other I have found on the market. Please DO look into this model before buying anything else!!
  

  

Shoulder rests for short-necked and child violinists

• The Play on Air shoulder rest is great for short-necked individuals, children or violinists who dislike the bulky hard shoulder rests. The shoulder rest is blown up manually with air and provides cushion and comfort as an end result. Play on Air shoulder rests are priced at $20 or less.
  
  
  
  

How Soon is Too Soon to Join a Local String Ensemble?

Wondering if you or your child can join a string ensemble and not feel overwhelmed? Don't let the thought discourage you from looking into this very worthy endeavor. Generally speaking, the guidelines for orchestra are that you have been playing  for at least one year and can read music. For most people at the basic skill level, it is easy to lose your place in the music. But it does get easier over time, and there is no better way to learn sight-reading than to force yourself to do it in a group!  A small group your violin teacher can pull together with other students is often the best way to break into playing with others. You can also look into joining a local church orchestra. Hymns are pretty easy to learn. Either way, this kind of involvement will go far to advance your reading skills fast. You may just surprise yourself at how quickly you can catch on & learn, and it's really a lot of fun!

Approach the director and make the request that you would like to try just playing the first note of every measure, or the last note in every measure.  Just keep counting! Whatever you do will help your playing and in time you will become a strong asset to the group. I have seen very young musicians take off! The fun of the involvement with others and the exposure in this rich musical environment will definitely heighten your sensitivity to music and give you rewards to match your efforts,  especially if you are patient enough to get through the first few months.

Be sure to ask me about the very good Family Gospel simple hymn series from The Violin Book for playing different parts and instruments in groups. Any age and ability can easily learn to play a hymn such as Amazing Grace, Nearer My God to Thee, Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee with the accompaniment CD, piano, or guitar. Perfect for church performances, family worships, and other special occasions. Your whole family will enjoy playing along together!