How to Measure Your Student For a Violin or Viola
- Follow the recommendation of your student's orchestra director or private teacher <OR>
- Use a tape measure or yardstick and follow the directions below:
- Have your student stand straight-up with their left arm extended to the side at shoulder height (see picture below)
- Your student's left arm should be fully extended without any bend
- Gently place a tape measure or yardstick to the side of the student's neck
- Measure to the middle of the studen't palm (on their left hand)
- Use the chart below to rent the appropriate sized instrument for your student
| From | Up To | Violin | Viola | PM Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14" | 15 1/4" | 1/16 (sixteenth) size | - | Sorry, we do not offer |
| 15 1/4" | 16 3/4" | 1/10 (tenth) size | - | Sorry, we do not offer |
| 16 3/4" | 18 1/2" | 1/8 (eighth) size | - | Sorry, we do not offer |
| 18 1/2" | 20 3/8" | 1/4 (quarter) size | 11" (petite) size | Available for rent |
| 20 3/8" | 22 1/4" | 1/2 (half) size | 12" (minor) size | Available for rent |
| 22 1/4" | 23 5/8" | 3/4 (three-quarter) size | 13" (junior) size | Available for rent |
| 23 5/8" | or more | 4/4 (full) size | 14" (intermediate) size | Available for rent |
| 24 3/4" | or more | - | 15", 15 1/2", 16", 16 1/2" (full) size | Available for rent |
Remember:
- As your student grows they will need larger instruments, until they reach a full-sized instrument
- When renting from PM Music Center all instrument exchanges are free of charge
- We do not recommend purchasing an instrument until your student is ready for a full-sized instrument