is a shoulder rest for a violin necessary for a beginner?

Question

... pls indicate what kind should i use and its price...

Answer 1

Oh dear, I couldn't agree less with the majority of the above answers. A shoulder rest is not by any means necessary! The great violin makers never made them and they were often looked down upon by the great violinists of the 20th century. Some violinists today, such as Aaron Rosand, get rid of a new student's shoulder rest first thing!

That being said, it really depends on your body type. Do you have a long neck? If not, there is absolutely no reason you need one. A shoulder rest dampens the sound of the instrument and prevents the player from becoming one with the violin. It acts as a barrier. Learn to hold your violin correctly without one. Trust me, it is possible and you'll be thankful for it years later. Only too often is a rest used as a crutch-- used to hide the problem leading to injury. Many feel that it improves posture, while it actually just conceals the problem for the time being.

An exception can be made with those with impossibly long necks. Kun is recommended by many people I know. It really doesn't matter, as long as you buy one that's adjustable.

My advice: Save your $25. If you insist on something between your neck and shoulder, use a sponge. Cheap and efficient.

Answer 2

Well I have played the viola (practicly the same as violin but lower in sound) for 3 years and I do not have a shoulder rest. They can be kind of exspensive and I think they are rather uncomfortable. Especially to start off I would suggest a regular kitchen sponge around 1 and a half inches thick or maybe even a little thicker. Much cheaper and to me more comfortable. I hope this helps you. :-)

Answer 3

I think a shoulder rest makes holding the violin more comfortable and less awkward. But I have a long-ish neck, so...
When I started out, I got a sponge. I can't remember the exact price, but it was definitely less than $10. They should be at any local music store that rents stringed instruments.
There are many kinds of shoulder rests out there, and you'll just have to keep experimenting to find the one that you feel comfortable with.

Answer 4

Some of these answers are right.. some are dead wrong.

Bottom line are these things:

It depends ONLY on the size neck/shoulders of the player. Find something comfortable.. have a reputable violinist (like a teacher or performer... not some high school kid who thinks he knows) check the person out to see if posture is good.. this will prevent those injuries.

SPONGE!!! that's perfect. Get a kitchen sponge and a rubber band and you save yourself a lot of money.. plus it's actually going to be MUCH MUCH better for an amateur player.

THIS is the correct answer.

Answer 5

It's not essential. Note that original Baroque players do not use it and still survive without it! But, it really helps you keeping the instrument in place avoiding excessive movements. You can find shoulder rests in variety of shapes, sizes and prices, that is $10 to $100 or more I'd say. I'd suggest you try a few shapes and see which is the most comfortable for you.

Answer 6

a shoulder rest is a good idea for a beginner the size (and cost depends on the player) it all depends on the person playing .... some need it because a long neck and it does facilitate holding the violin up so left hand is free to have its proper position and not be bothered by holding the violin up as far as cost they can be $7 and up ... I use the $7 ones it works perfectly fine for me but the more expensive ones might be right for you

Answer 7

It depend.s 1 of my pupils does not use one because she can hold the violin comfortably without one, but, generally, they are a good idea. Wolf make a good one, but they're quite expensive. Go to ur local music shop & see what's available. Take your violin with u and explain what u need. When u can hold the instrument between ur chin and shoulder comfortably, with ur left hand not holding the neck at all, u've found the right one. Hope this helps

Answer 8

Yes! Even if you do not need additional thickness, you need the assistance with support and grip of the instrument. You should be able to walk around holding the violin *comfortably* with just your shoulder and chin. Your left hand should NOT support the violin - it is there to PLAY THE NOTES, not hold it up!

Only your teacher can determine what kind of rest YOU need. You can check out several at www.shar.com (I think that is the website - Shar Music)

Answer 9

Yes.All of the violinists should have a shoulder rest.
It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or ...
I play violin for 4 years and I have a shoulder rest.
Even my teacher has 1 of them.
So,it's necessary.And you can ask your teacher about that.
He/She can help you.

Answer 10

In the U.S. it is pretty standard for today's beginners to use shoulder rests. I would definitely suggest using one because it could prevent future physical injury/pain.