May 12, 2025

How and Where to Buy a Violin in Chicago

If you are are taking Chicago violin lessons and it's time to purchase an instrument this article is for you. There are several excellent shops that offer quality instruments and knowledgeable staff to help you find the right fit.

When buying a violin, size matters—especially for beginners. Most adults will use a full-sized (4/4) violin, but for children, it’s essential to choose a violin that matches their body size. Learning on an instrument that’s too big can lead to poor technique and physical strain. A properly sized violin helps young players develop good habits and play comfortably from the start.

Two great local options are Caesar’s Music of Illinois and the Old Town School of Folk Music Store. Caesar’s Music has a longstanding reputation for quality string instruments and attentive customer service, while the Old Town Music Store offers a wide range of student and professional violins and can help guide you or your child toward the right size and setup.

If you’re not ready to commit to purchasing an instrument, many local music shops also offer violin rentals, which can be a smart, affordable way to get started—especially for growing kids who may need a larger size within a year or two.

And for those looking for pure convenience, sites like Amazon offer a variety of beginner violin kits that can be delivered to your door. While in-person shops provide more personalized service and setup, online shopping can be a quick solution if you know what you need.
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No matter how you choose to get your violin, the important thing is to find the right fit so you or your child can play comfortably and confidently.

We are firm believers that a student shouldn't have to own an instrument before starting their educational journey. Because of this, we have a student violin available for new students to play on during lessons. This violin lives in our studio and is always available to play during lessons. If you'd like to try out violin lessons prior to buying a lesson feel free to check out our violin lessons pages in the links below and book a trial lesson.

Kids & Teens Violin Lessons
Adults Violin Lessons