Has your child been measured? The following is a general guideline to determine what size instrument they will need.
Violin & Viola Players
Have the child stretch out their left arm, straight to their side. With the palm facing up, measure the distance from the left side of their neck (where the curve is) to the center of their palm.
Have the child stretch out their left arm, straight to their side. With the palm facing up, measure the distance from the left side of their neck (where the curve is) to the center of their palm.
| Violas: 21-23″ — 13″ 23-25″ — 14″ 25-26″ — 15″ 26″+ — 16″ |
Violins: 20-22″ — ½ size 22-23″ — ¾ size 23+ — 4/4 or full size |
Cello Players
Have the child stretch our their left hand, fingers as wide as they can spread, as if they were trying to grasp a basketball. Measure the distance from the index (pointer) finger to the pinky (little) finger.
Have the child stretch our their left hand, fingers as wide as they can spread, as if they were trying to grasp a basketball. Measure the distance from the index (pointer) finger to the pinky (little) finger.
| Cellos: Less than 5″ — ½ size 5-6″ — ¾ size More than 6″ — 4/4 or full size |
Again, these are general guidelines. They are usually correct, but your child’s instructor will know best what size instrument is optimal.