Back-to-school season is here, and for string players, that means more than pencils and notebooks-it means prepping your instrument, gear, and practice space for a successful year of music-making! Whether you're a parent of a young beginner, a teacher setting up your studio, or a student returning to orchestra, this checklist from will help ensure you're fully tuned up for a great start.
The Ultimate Back to School Checklist for Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass Players
🎒 1. Properly Sized Instrument
Before the school year starts, make sure your child or student is playing the correct size instrument. Playing on the wrong size can cause physical strain and hinder progress.
Imagine trying to write with a pencil that’s three feet long. It might technically work, but it would feel awkward and frustrating. That’s exactly what an incorrectly sized instrument feels like for a beginner.
- A well-fitted instrument:
- Supports proper posture and playing technique
- Reduces physical strain, especially on the arms and shoulders
- Builds confidence and encourages consistent practice
- Improves sound quality and ease of tone production
- For teachers and parents, taking a few minutes to ensure proper sizing can make a world of difference in your child’s musical journey.
Want more information? View this sizing chart from Shar Music
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Shar Tip: Our Franz Hoffmann™ line offers great quality at every level, from Amadeus (beginner) to Maestro (advanced student)
🏠 2. Case Check-Up
Your case is your instrument's home. Protect it!
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Inspect zippers, latches, and handles for wear and tear
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Replace worn padding or broken straps
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Shar Recommends: Look for cases with suspension padding and weather-resistant shells, like the Bam Hightech or American Case Continental, to keep your instrument safe on the go.
🎯 3. Bow Inspection & Rehair
A neglected bow can hinder tone and playability.
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Check for missing or fraying hair
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Look for warping or cracks in the stick
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Maintenance Tip: Most bows need to be rehaired 1-2 times a year. Check this blog for a step-by-step guide on bow rehairing and maintenance.
🧼 4. Clean & Condition
Back-to-school is a great time to clean up your gear.
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Wipe instrument and bow after every use
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Use only commercial polish when needed (never furniture polish!). We recommend our Shar Cleaner and Polish Kit.
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Replace rosin if it's old or crumbling. View our selection of Rosin here.
💧 5. Humidity Control
Protect your instrument from seasonal humidity shifts.
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Keep humidity between 40-60%
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Use case humidifiers like Humidi Guard or Dampit
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Install a hygrometer in the case to monitor levels
Looking for more information? Check out our video below!
🎻 6. Fresh Set of Strings
Old strings sound dull and are harder to play.
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Change strings every 3-6 months, depending on use. See our recommendation chart below.
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Look for signs: fraying, pitch instability, dull sound
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Use proper tools or ask your teacher/luthier for help
Here’s a general guideline for when to change your strings based on playing habits:
| Playing Frequency | String Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Daily (1+ hr/day) | Every 3–6 months |
| A few times per week | Every 6–9 months |
| Occasional playing | Once a year |
Looking for more recommendations? View our String Care Secrets article.
🔧 7. Setup Check: Bridge, Pegs, and Soundpost
The setup affects sound and ease of playing.
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Ensure the bridge is straight and not warped
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Pegs should turn smoothly but hold tension
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Unusual buzzing? Might be an open seam or loose soundpost. Check our blog on open seams for more information
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Schedule a yearly check-up with a luthier from Shar Music
🎒 8. Must-Have Accessories
Check these off your list:
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🎵 Rosin (fresh and appropriate for your instrument)
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🪑 Shoulder rest (violin/viola) or rock stop (cello/bass)
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🎧 Practice mute for silent rehearsals
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✏️ Pencil for marking music
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🎼 Music stand and binder
🎓 9. Practice Space Refresh
A welcoming space encourages practice.
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Comfortable chair and proper lighting with a Mighty Bright Encore Music Stand
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Metronome/tuner combo. We recommend the Korg TM-70T Combo Tuner-Metronome
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No distractions (put phones away!)
🧠 10. Set Your Musical Goals and Practice Schedule
Set small, achievable goals for the year:
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Master 3 new pieces
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Join your school's advanced ensemble
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Prepare for regional auditions or festivals
Looking for ways to streamline your practice time? View 15 Ways to Optimize Your Violin Practice
Final Thoughts
At Shar Music, we believe that music builds friendships, inspires creativity, and starts with being prepared. Let this checklist be your roadmap to a successful, stress-free school year filled with music.
