Frequently Asked Questions

Categories

General

  • How young can a DRMA student be?

    • Piano, Voice and Violin - Ages 4+ 
    • Guitar, Drums, Ukulele, Viola - Ages 7+
    • Cello, Bass Guitar, All Brass & Woodwinds - Ages 9+

  • Is there a discount for family members?

    There is!  We offer a $10/month discount for each additional membership.

  • Do you teach adults?

    Absolutely!

  • Can I rent an instrument from you?

    In most cases, Yes! 


    Instrument you can rent:


    Brass - Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, and more 

    Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

    Woodwinds - Flute, Clarinet, all Saxophones 

    Percussion (snare drum, bell kit) 


    More info can be found on our Rentals page. 


    We DO NOT rent these instruments:


    Guitar | Drum Set | Bass Guitar | Piano | Ukulele | Banjo | Mandolin 

  • Should I buy an instrument on Amazon?

    Probably not. It's best to talk to a professional about instrument selection. But if you really want to purchase an instrument online, do so through a reputable musical instrument supply company such as Sweetwater.

Piano & Voice

  • What will I need for Piano Lessons?

    Your instructor will most likely recommend a method book for piano studies. They may also recommend some access to apps like metronomes, etc.

  • Do I need to buy a Piano?

    No, you don't need to buy an Acoustic Piano. Most students learn well on an Digital Piano. Speak wih a DRMA staff member about what options might be out there for you.

  • What size Digital Piano should I get?

    This depends on how much space you have available for the Piano itself. Digital Pianos are usually measured by the amount of keys they have. Here's a helpful online guide to purchasing a Digital Piano.


  • What will I need for Voice Lessons?

    Just bring your voice! In some cases, an instructor may require a method book. 

Strings

  • What accessories will I need?

    Apart from the instrument, ALL strings students will need rosin for the bow. Violin and Viola students will also need a shoulder rest .

  • What kind of rosin do I need and what is it for?

    Light rosin is favored for the higher strings (violins and violas) as it is harder and less sticky than dark rosin. 


    Cellos will need dark rosin.


    Rosin is needed to help create friction which in turn produces sound. Your bow should be rosined each time before playing.

  • How do I rosin my bow?

    Tighten your bow. Slowly and carefully spread the rosin back and forth starting from the bow frog to the top of the bow and back to the frog.


    Here are a few tips on using rosin:


    • New bows will need more rosin.
    • Do not move too quickly as the friction generates heat and can solidify the rosin cake.
    • Too little rosin and there will be little sound created by the violin. The bow will not slide easily over the strings.
    • Too much rosin and the sound emitted will be scratchy. The bow will feel stickier on the strings and will require more effort to move.

    Note: It is important that you never touch the bow hairs. The oils from your fingers will prevent rosin from sticking.

  • How do I tune my instrument?

    The easiest way to tune your Strings instrument is by using an electric tuner.


    The pegs are used for larger adjustments.


    If only slightly out of tune, use the fine tuners.

Guitar & Bass

  • Should I buy or rent a Guitar?

    Buy a Guitar. We sell beginner model Guitars that are affordable (between $100-150). A rental may cost as much as $40/month!

  • Should I buy an Electric or Acoustic?

    Your instructor will guide you on which instrument you'll need.  In most cases, beginner players should start on an acoustic. 

  • Should I buy a Guitar on Amazon?

    Probably not. It's best to talk to a professional about this. But if you really want to purchase an instrument online, we recommend do so through a reputable musical instrument supply company like Sweetwater.

  • What size Guitar should I get?

    This depends on the size of the student. Either an instructor, or a DRMA staff member can fit you for the right guitar in-store.

  • What accessories will I need for my Guitar?

    You should have a case, a tuner and some picks. Your instructor may require a method book as well.  And, they may require access to digital apps like metronomes, etc.

Drums

  • Do I need a Drum Set to practice?

    Not at first. Students can use a pair of sticks and a practice pad for quite some time before they need a Drum Set. Your instructor will inform you when the time is right to get a set of drums. DRMA Staff members can help guide you through the purchase process as well.

  • Should I buy or rent a Drum Set?

    Definitely buy. It may be quite difficult to find a rental Drum Set at all!

  • Should I get an Electronic or Acoustic Drum Set?

    This can vary depending on your household. Both the DRMA Staff and your instructor can help you figure out which option is right for you. 

  • Should I buy a Drum Set on Amazon?

    If you're buying an electronic Drum Set, maybe. But your instructor should be involved in selection. 


    If you're buying an acoustic Drum Set, No! Do not buy an acoustic Drum Set on Amazon. 

  • What Drumming accessories will I need?

    You will need a pair of sticks and a practice pad at first. Your instructor may also recommend a method book. And, they may require access to digital apps like metronomes, etc.

Brass Instruments

  • Should I buy or rent an instrument?

    For beginners, we recommend a rental instrument. If the student has years of experience, they should probably own their own instrument.

  • Can I rent a Brass Instrument from you?

    Yes! You can rent a brass instrument from DRMA. You can find more info on our rentals page.

  • What accessories will I need?

    Depending on the instrument, you may need certain things like cleaning and maintenance kits. Your instructor may require a method book as well. We can help guide you through the process.

  • Should I buy an instrument on Amazon?

    No. Do not buy a brass instrument on Amazon. 

Woodwind Instruments

  • Should I rent or buy an instrument?

    For beginners, we recommend a rental instrument. If the student has years of experience, they should probably own their own instrument.

  • Can I rent an instrument from you?

    Yes! You can rent nearly any Woodwind instrument from DRMA. You can find more info on our rentals page.

  • What accessories will I need?

    You will most likely need a cleaning or maintenance kit to go along with your instrument. Some instruments like Saxophone and Clarinets may require a reed purchase. Additionally, Your instructor may recommend a method book and access to digital apps such as metronomes, etc.

  • Should I buy an instrument on Amazon?

    No. Do not buy a Woodwind instrument on Amazon. 

Violin Size 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 3/4 4/4
Age 3-5 3-5 4-7 6-10 9-11 12+
Arm Length 14"-15" 16"-18" 18"-20" 20"-22" 22"-23" 23"+
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