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RMC Insights
Real answers from real experience. We've spent decades helping families navigate 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?
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. The best way is to come in and have us fit it in person. Every child is proportioned a little differently, and arm length doesn't always tell the whole story. We size kids every day and it takes about two minutes. Learn more about our rental program, which includes free sizing as your child grows.
When is it time to size up?
There are a few signs. If the scroll (the curly part at the top) is sitting really close to their face when they play, that's a big one. If they're struggling to reach fourth position or their arm looks cramped, it's probably time. 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 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 14, 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"?
We get this question a lot, and the short answer is no. Playing on an instrument that's too big can cause bad habits, tension in the shoulder and wrist, and it just 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?
It happens more than you'd think. Bring it in and we'll take a look. We can at least tell you what size they actually need and go from there. If the instrument needs a setup or adjustment, our repair shop handles that too. And for next time, coming in first saves a lot of headaches. We'll get them sized, talk through options, and make sure they leave with something that actually fits.
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. We carry a range of step-up options in our shoppe and can 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. We're always happy to let a student try a step-up in the store so you can hear the difference for yourself. No pressure, just clarity.
What's the price difference between beginner and step-up?
It varies a lot depending on the instrument. Generally, you're looking at a meaningful jump. A beginner trumpet might run a few hundred dollars; a step-up could be $1,200 to $2,500. For strings, the range is wider. The good news is that if you've been renting from us, your rental credits apply toward a 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. That's what we're here for.
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. We work with teachers all the time on step-up selections and can coordinate a time that works for everyone.
What happens to the old instrument?
If it's a rental, you just bring it back. If you own it, you've got options. Some families hold onto it for a younger sibling. Others trade it 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.
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. Renting lets you avoid a big upfront cost, and with our rent-to-own program, every payment builds equity toward a future purchase. 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?
This is one of the most common mistakes we see. Those $80 to $150 instruments 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. Cheap instruments are often made with poor materials, bad pad work, and inconsistent manufacturing. They don't play in tune, they don't respond properly, and 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?
Honestly? Let us handle it. We know which brands hold up, play well, and can be serviced when something goes wrong. The brands we carry are the ones school music teachers trust, and there's a reason for that. If you're shopping on your own, stick with names your child's teacher recommends. Avoid no-name brands, and avoid anything that seems too good to be true on price. If you want a second opinion, 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?
That's totally normal. Most schools do an instrument fitting or trial night. 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?
Usually yes. Reeds, a music stand, a method book, valve oil, rosin, a case (sometimes included, sometimes not). It depends on the instrument. 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?
It happens. A kid starts on trumpet and decides they want to play drums. Or they try flute and realize saxophone is more their speed. If you're renting, switching is simple. Bring the current instrument back and start a new rental. 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.
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?
You pick the instrument, we set it up and make sure it's playing properly, and you take it home. You pay a monthly rental fee that covers the use of the instrument, and in our program, that money builds toward ownership. It's not like renting an apartment where the money disappears. Think of it more like a flexible payment plan with the option to walk away if things change. Visit our rentals page for full details on pricing and terms.
What does rent-to-own actually mean?
It means every rental payment you make builds equity. That equity can be applied toward purchasing the instrument you're renting, or in many cases, toward a different (often better) instrument 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?
Kids are kids, and instruments live in backpacks, lockers, and band rooms. Things happen. Our rental agreements include maintenance and repair coverage for normal wear and tear. If something breaks during regular use, bring it in and our repair shop will take care of it. We're not going to nickel-and-dime you over a bent key or a cracked reed. That said, intentional damage or total loss is a different conversation, which is why we offer optional insurance too.
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. 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 you rent from us, you're getting an instrument that's been set up and inspected by our team. If something goes wrong, you walk in and we fix it, usually the same day. Try that with an online rental company. You also get real advice from people who know instruments, not a call center reading from a script. Plus, your rental equity stays local and applies to anything in our shoppe. It matters more than people realize.
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. 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?
It depends on the instrument and the child, but generally somewhere around age 5 to 7 for most instruments. For younger kids (ages 2 to 5), group programs like Kindermusik are a fantastic way to build musical foundations through play, rhythm, and movement. Private lessons work best when a child can sit still, follow directions, and hold the instrument comfortably. 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 offers both formats, and our instructors can recommend what makes sense based on where your child is right now.
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 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. Check out our current lesson offerings to see who's available.
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.
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 repair shop can do a full inspection and let you know what needs attention.
My child's instrument sounds weird. Is something wrong?
Maybe. Sometimes it's technique, sometimes it's the instrument. If a note won't come out, keys feel sticky, slides are stuck, or there's a rattle that wasn't there before, something mechanical has likely shifted. Bring it in. We can usually tell pretty quickly whether it's a playing issue or a repair issue. There's no charge just to take a look and give you an honest answer.
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. 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, 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?
It depends on what needs to be done. Minor adjustments and emergency fixes, we can often handle same-day or next-day. Bigger jobs like a full repad, dent removal, or crack repair take longer, typically a week or two depending on the workload. We always 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), let us know and we'll do what we can. Learn more about our repair services.
Have a question we didn't cover? We're happy to help.
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10167 Royalton Road,
North Royalton, Ohio 44133
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