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From the staff at Royalton Music Center
RMC Insights
Real answers from real experience. For more than 60 years, Royalton Music Center has helped families across North Royalton, Greater Cleveland, and Northeast Ohio with instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. Here's what we've learned.
Strings & Sizing
One of the most common questions we get from parents is about sizing. When do you move up? How do you know? Here's what we tell families every day.
How do I know what size violin my child needs?
Violin size comes down to arm length and comfortable reach, not age. The standard method is measuring from the neck to the middle of the left palm with the arm fully extended. But honestly, measurements only get you in the ballpark. Every child is proportioned a little differently, and arm length doesn't always tell the whole story. The best way is to come in and have us fit it in person. We size kids every day at our North Royalton store and it takes about two minutes. Learn more about our rental program, which lets you size up as your child grows.
When is it time to size up?
It's time to size up when the instrument looks cramped. The two biggest signs: the left elbow is sharply bent when your child plays in first position, and the fingers are crowding each other on the fingerboard. Teachers usually catch it too. We recommend checking at least twice a year, especially during growth spurts. If you're renting from us, sizing up is part of the deal.
What's the difference between fractional sizes?
Violins come in sizes from 1/16 all the way up to 4/4 (full size). The fractions are labels, not percentages, and the jumps aren't even. Going from 1/2 to 3/4 is a bigger change than 3/4 to 4/4. Most students land on full size somewhere between ages 11 and 13, but there's no fixed rule. Some kids stay at 3/4 longer than expected, and that's fine. Playing on the right size matters more than rushing to full size. The same concept applies to violas and cellos.
Can my child play a slightly bigger instrument to "grow into it"?
No. Playing on an instrument that's too big causes bad habits, tension in the shoulder and wrist, and it makes everything harder than it needs to be. It's like wearing shoes two sizes too big. You can walk, but you're not going to run well. This is one of the biggest advantages of a rental program: you never have to guess or compromise on size.
Does sizing work the same for viola and cello?
Same concept, different measurements. Violas are measured in inches (body length) rather than fractions, which confuses a lot of people. Cellos use fractional sizing like violins, but the fit depends more on the player's torso and leg length. Either way, the best move is to come in and let us fit it. We carry all standard sizes in our rental fleet and can get your child set up on the spot.
What if we bought an instrument online and the size is wrong?
Bring it in and we'll take a look. It happens more than you'd think. We'll tell you what size they actually need and go from there. A setup can improve how an instrument plays, but it can't turn the wrong size into the right one. If the instrument does need adjustment, our repair shop handles that too. And for next time, coming in first saves a lot of headaches.
Step-Up Instruments
At some point, a student outgrows their beginner instrument. Not physically, but musically. Here's how to know when that moment hits, and what to do about it.
What is a step-up instrument?
A step-up (sometimes called intermediate) instrument sits between a beginner model and a professional-grade instrument. The materials are better, the craftsmanship is tighter, and the sound is noticeably more responsive. For a student who's been playing a couple of years and is getting serious, it's the difference between fighting the instrument and working with it. Our Professional Suite carries one of the largest selections of step-up and professional instruments in the Midwest, and we'll help you find the right fit.
How do I know when my child is ready for a step-up?
Usually the teacher will bring it up first. But there are signs you can spot too. If your child is putting in real practice time and still sounds flat or thin, the instrument might be the ceiling. If they're frustrated and the fundamentals are solid, it's worth having a conversation. Before blaming the instrument, have the current one checked; a setup issue can sound a lot like a ceiling. Then come in and let your student try a step-up so you can hear the difference for yourself. No pressure, just clarity.
What's the price difference between beginner and step-up?
Expect a meaningful jump. A beginner trumpet might run a few hundred dollars; a step-up is often in the $1,200 to $2,500 range, and professional models go higher. For strings, the range is wider still. The good news is that if you've been renting from us, our Any Instrument, Any Time program lets you apply your rental equity toward a step-up purchase. That equity adds up and can make a real dent in the cost of an upgrade.
Should I buy a step-up instrument online?
We'd strongly recommend against it. At this level, individual instruments of the same make and model can sound and feel different. A step-up purchase should involve playing it first. That's not us being old-fashioned; it's because the variables that matter at this level (response, tone, intonation tendencies) can only be evaluated with the instrument in your hands. Come in, play a few, and take your time. We offer private showings by appointment for step-up and professional selections.
Can a teacher help us pick a step-up instrument?
Absolutely, and we encourage it. Many of our lesson instructors are happy to come along for the selection process or at least weigh in on what to look for. They know your child's playing better than anyone. If they can't join you, ask them for a shortlist of models or features to prioritize and we'll work from that. We coordinate step-up selections with teachers all the time.
What happens to the old instrument?
If it's a rental, you just bring it back and your equity moves to the new instrument. If you own it, you've got options. Some families hold onto it for a younger sibling. Others sell it or ask us about a trade-in. We can talk through what makes sense for your situation. If the old instrument needs any work before passing it along, our repair team can get it back in shape.
Do you offer financing for step-up instruments?
Yes. Financing is available on step-up and professional instruments through our Professional Suite, and you can pre-apply online before you visit. Terms depend on the program and approval. Our advice: pick the instrument that actually fits the player first, then sit down with us and go over the payment options.
Beginner Instruments
Your child just signed up for band or orchestra. Now what? Here's what we tell every parent who walks through our door for the first time.
Should I buy or rent a beginner instrument?
For most families, renting is the smarter move. Kids grow, interests shift, and instruments take a beating in the early months. Our rental program starts with a 60-day introductory period, and after that every monthly payment builds equity toward owning an instrument. If they stick with it, you haven't lost anything. If they don't, you're not stuck with a $600 clarinet collecting dust.
What's wrong with buying a cheap instrument on Amazon?
Most $80 to $150 instruments sold online can't be properly serviced, and many can't be played in tune. This is one of the most common mistakes we see. They look like a great deal until your child can't make a sound, or worse, the instrument breaks in a way that can't be repaired because parts don't exist. Poor materials, bad pad work, inconsistent manufacturing: they frustrate kids out of music. We've seen it hundreds of times. A quality rental from a reputable shop costs less in the long run and actually works.
What should I look for in a beginner instrument?
Stick with the brands your child's teacher recommends. Those are the brands school music teachers trust because they hold up, play well, and can be serviced when something goes wrong, and they're the ones we carry for the same reason. Avoid no-name brands, and avoid anything that seems too good to be true on price. If you want a second opinion on something you're considering, bring it in and we'll give you an honest assessment.
My child doesn't know what instrument to play yet. What do we do?
Start with your school's instrument fitting or trial night; most schools do one. If yours doesn't, come in and let your child hold a few, try a few, and see what feels right. Sometimes it's physical (small hands might lean toward flute over saxophone). Sometimes it's just what sounds cool to them. Either way, there's no wrong answer at the beginning. The goal is to get them started, not to pick the "perfect" instrument on day one.
Does my child need anything else besides the instrument?
Most beginners need a method book, a music stand, and a few maintenance supplies: reeds for clarinet and sax, valve oil for brass, rosin for strings. A case is sometimes included, sometimes not. We put together care kits that cover the essentials so you're not guessing. Your child's teacher will also send home a supply list. When in doubt, bring the list in and we'll get you set up.
What if my child wants to switch instruments?
If you're renting, switching is simple: bring the current instrument back and start a new rental. It happens all the time. A kid starts on trumpet and decides they want to play drums, or tries flute and realizes saxophone is more their speed. Check with the school music teacher first so the new instrument fits the program. That flexibility is one of the best reasons to rent in the first place. We'd rather a kid find the right instrument than quit because they're stuck with the wrong one.
Can I buy a used instrument instead of renting?
Yes. Our Pre-Played Shop sells retired instruments from our own rental fleet. Every one is play-tested and adjusted by our repair team and graded A or B for condition. They often look a little rough and play great. It's a good fit for marching band, a loaner while an instrument is in for repair, or a high schooler who's past the point of needing a rental. Inventory changes constantly, so ask us what's available.
Rentals
Renting an instrument doesn't have to be confusing. Here's how our program works and why most families start here.
How does instrument rental work?
Our band and orchestra rentals start with a 60-day introductory period. You pick the instrument, we set it up and make sure it's playing properly, and you take it home. At the end of the 60 days you can return it, buy it, or keep going month to month with payments that build equity toward ownership. It's not like renting an apartment where the money disappears. Think of it as a flexible payment plan with the option to walk away if things change. Visit our rentals page for current pricing and terms.
What does rent-to-own actually mean?
It means your monthly rental payments build equity you can apply toward buying an instrument. That can be the instrument you're renting, or, through our Any Instrument, Any Time program, a different one down the road. So if your child rents a student clarinet for two years and then is ready for a step-up, those two years of payments count for something. It's one of the smartest ways to manage the cost of a child's music education.
What happens if the instrument gets damaged?
Bring it in and our repair shop will take care of it. Kids are kids, and instruments live in backpacks, lockers, and band rooms. Our Oops! Coverage is included during the 60-day introductory period and continues for a nominal charge after that; it covers the kind of damage that happens in normal use. (The coverage charge itself doesn't build purchase equity.) Don't try to straighten a bent key or force a stuck slide yourself; that usually makes it worse. Intentional damage and total loss are a different conversation, so read the terms or ask us.
Can I return the instrument if my child quits?
Yes. That's one of the biggest advantages of renting. If your child decides music isn't for them, you return the instrument and you're done. Many families use the end of the 60-day introductory period as a natural decision point. No big sunk cost, no instrument sitting in a closet for ten years. We see it as a low-risk way to give your child every chance to find something they love, without the financial pressure of buying outright.
Why rent from a local music store instead of a national chain?
When something goes wrong, you walk in and we fix it, often the same day for minor issues. Try that with an online rental company. Every instrument we rent has been set up and inspected by our team in North Royalton, and you get real advice from people who know instruments, not a call center reading from a script. We work with the band and orchestra directors across Greater Cleveland, so we know what your school expects. And your rental equity stays with you through our Any Instrument, Any Time program when it's time to upgrade.
When should I start the rental process?
As soon as you know your child needs an instrument. The beginning of the school year is our busiest time, and popular instruments (especially flutes and trumpets) can move fast. If you get a letter from the school saying your child is starting band or orchestra, don't wait. Come in early, get fitted, and be ready for day one. We offer in-store pickup and, for schools in our service area that allow it, delivery straight to the band room. You can start the conversation anytime by reaching out to us.
Lessons & Education
Whether your child is just starting out or has been playing for years, lessons are where it all comes together. Here's what parents ask us most.
What age should my child start music lessons?
Most children are ready for private lessons somewhere around age 5 to 7, and a bit later for larger band instruments. Private lessons work best when a child can sit still, follow directions, and hold the instrument comfortably. For younger kids, ages 0 to 5, Kindermusik at RMC builds musical foundations through play, rhythm, and movement. If you're not sure, come in and we'll help you figure out the right timing.
What's the difference between private lessons and group classes?
Private lessons are one-on-one with an instructor, tailored to your child's pace and goals. Group classes are social, fun, and great for building ensemble skills and confidence. They're not an either/or. A lot of students benefit from both. Our lesson program is built around weekly private lessons, with group classes, ensembles, master classes, and recitals offered through the year.
How much should my child be practicing?
For beginners, 15 to 20 minutes a day is plenty. Consistency matters way more than marathon sessions. A kid who plays for 15 minutes every day will improve faster than one who crams an hour the night before a lesson. As they advance, practice time naturally increases. The teacher will set expectations, but the key at the beginning is building the habit, not logging hours.
My child is losing interest. Should we stop lessons?
Not necessarily. Every student hits a wall at some point. The first few months are exciting, then the novelty wears off and it becomes work. That's normal. Talk to the teacher first. Sometimes the fix is a new piece of music, a different approach, or even switching instruments. The kids who push through that dip are usually glad they did. That said, if it's been months of genuine misery, it's okay to step back. Music should be a positive part of their life.
How do I find the right teacher for my child?
The best teacher isn't always the most accomplished player. It's someone who connects with your child, makes them feel confident, and knows how to keep things moving. Our instructors are degreed, experienced, and vetted, but personality fit matters. If the first match doesn't click, let us know. We'd rather switch teachers than lose a student. Meet our instructors and see which days they teach.
Do you offer lessons for adults?
We do. Whether you played in high school and want to pick it back up, or you've always wanted to learn guitar and finally have the time, we have instructors who work with adult students. No judgment, no pressure. You'd be surprised how many adults walk in thinking they're too old. They're not. Music doesn't have an expiration date.
How do I enroll in lessons?
You can enroll online in a few minutes. Fill out the student form, purchase your first month of tuition, and we'll contact you within two business days to confirm the teacher, day, time, and start date. Tuition is $145 a month for weekly private half-hour lessons. Availability shifts constantly, so your requested time isn't locked in until we confirm it. Not sure who to pick? Choose "Contact me" on the form and we'll call to walk you through it.
Repairs & Maintenance
Instruments are built to last, but they need care. Here's what every player (and parent) should know about keeping an instrument in good shape.
How often should an instrument be serviced?
For most band and orchestra instruments, once a year is a good baseline. Think of it like a car. You don't wait until it breaks down to change the oil. A yearly checkup catches small issues before they become big ones. Pads wear out, corks dry up, strings lose their life, valves get sluggish. Our in-house repair shop can do a full inspection and let you know what needs attention.
My child's instrument sounds weird. Is something wrong?
Sticky keys, a stuck slide, a new rattle, or a note that won't come out usually mean something mechanical has shifted, not a technique problem. Sometimes it really is technique, or just a bad reed. Don't force anything. Bring it in and we can usually tell pretty quickly whether it's a playing issue or a repair issue, and give you an honest answer about what it would take to fix.
How should my child store their instrument?
In the case. Always. Not on the bed, not on a chair, not leaning against the wall. More instruments get damaged from being left out than from being played. Beyond that, keep it away from extreme temperatures. Don't leave it in the car in August or January. Humidity matters too, especially for wooden instruments like violins, clarinets, and oboes. A stable, room-temperature environment is ideal.
What does humidity do to instruments?
A lot more than people think. Northeast Ohio winters are dry, and that dry air causes wood to shrink. On string instruments, that can mean open seams, buzzing, or even cracks. On woodwinds, dry conditions can crack bores or cause pads to seal poorly. In the summer, excess humidity can cause swelling and stickiness. A simple in-case humidifier goes a long way during the heating season. Our shoppe carries them and they're inexpensive insurance.
Can you fix an old instrument that's been sitting in a closet for years?
Usually, yes. We see this all the time. Mom or dad played in high school, the instrument's been in a case in the basement for 20 years, and now a child wants to use it. It almost always needs work (pads, corks, strings, a good cleaning), but it's often worth it, especially if it's a decent instrument. Bring it in and let us assess it. We'll tell you honestly whether it makes sense to restore it or whether your child would be better off with a rental.
How long do repairs usually take?
Minor adjustments and emergency fixes are often same-day or next-day. Bigger jobs like a full repad, dent removal, or crack repair typically take a week or two, depending on parts and the workload on the bench. We give you a timeline upfront and do our best to get students back playing as fast as possible. If it's urgent (like a concert next week), tell us and we'll do what we can. Learn more about our repair services.
Can I mail an instrument to RMC for repair?
Yes. Our mail-in repair program accepts student, step-up, and professional band instruments from anywhere in the country. Start by sending us photos and a description of the problem so we can give you an estimate before anything ships. We'll send packing and shipping instructions, and the repair page explains how your instrument is protected while it's with us and on the way back. One rule: don't ship anything until you've coordinated with our repair team first.
Have a question we didn't cover?
We're happy to help. Stop in, call, or send us a note.
(440) 237-9400 mail@royaltonmusic.com
Royalton Music Center, 10167 Royalton Road, North Royalton, Ohio 44133. Program details, pricing, and availability can change; the linked service pages always have current terms.
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10167 Royalton Road,
North Royalton, Ohio 44133
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