Blogs

A new year is the perfect moment to commit to something meaningful. For many students and families, that means learning an instrument in 2026 as part of a New Year’s resolution music goal. Whether the plan is joining a school orchestra, playing in weekend jam sessions, or exploring one of the best musical hobbies for beginners, choosing the right beginner string instrument is the first and most important step toward long-term success.

Finding the right holiday gift for a string player doesn't have to mean stretching your budget. Whether you're shopping for a beginner who lights up at every new accessory or an advancing player who knows exactly what they like, there are plenty of gifts under $100 that feel thoughtful, practical, and genuinely useful. Shar Music has gathered a handful of musician-trusted favorites - bows, cases, strings, and accessories that players reach for daily.

If you enjoyed the first round of holiday music activities, this next set keeps the momentum going. December may be packed with distractions, but it’s also the perfect time to spark creativity and strengthen musical fundamentals. From composition projects to festive practice games and cozy performance moments, these ideas help young string players stay curious, motivated, and connected to their music. Whether you’re teaching in the studio or supporting practice at home, these activities bring joy and structure to a busy season.

The holiday season is a perfect time to keep music students engaged with fun holiday activities that spark creativity and community. From collaborative family duets to festive practice games and mini-ensemble challenges, these holiday-themed string activities help violin, viola, cello, and bass students stay motivated while building skills. Teachers and parents will find simple, interactive ideas to support beginner and intermediate string players all season long.

A leaning bridge, a buzzing sound, a tired tone, these are all red flags string teachers can’t afford to miss. This blog post helps you catch common violin, viola, cello, and bass issues before they interrupt your classroom. You’ll learn what to look for, what to teach students, and when to call in a professional. Whether you're running a school orchestra or private studio, this guide is for you.

Keeping school instruments in top shape doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. In this guide, string teachers will find easy-to-teach daily routines that help students protect their violins, violas, cellos, and basses from wear and tear. From bow care to shoulder rest reminders, you’ll learn how to build good habits that save rehearsal time and prevent costly damage all while helping students take pride in their instruments.

Looking for the perfect gift for the string player in your life? Whether you’re shopping for a student, teacher, or performer, our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide features thoughtful picks that inspire creativity, support musicianship, and spread musical joy. From premium bows to relaxing kalimbas, discover gifts that truly resonate.

As the seasons shift and routines change, it’s easy to lose momentum in your music practice. Whether you’re a student, parent, or teacher, now is the perfect time to reset with fresh goals, cozy practice spaces, and seasonal repertoire. Discover simple, effective ways to stay motivated and care for your instrument through the cold months.

As fall temperatures drop and indoor heating ramps up, your string instrument faces new seasonal challenges. From shrinking wood to brittle bow hair, autumn's dry air can lead to costly damage — unless you’re prepared. In this post, we’ll walk you through five essential fall care tips for violins, violas, cellos, and basses so your instrument stays in perfect playing shape all season long.