The study of western musical instruments in China is booming

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Many things are noteworthy about the transformation that’s taken place in China over the last 40 years One of them is the study of western musical instruments which is booming, especially for stringed instruments and piano. The population of China is now nearly 1.4 billion and the number of of households with members owning and studying these and other instruments is also astonishing. It’s hard to believe these instruments were actually outlawed in China during their Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).
A very talented conductor from Singapore, who trained in Germany and Austria and is currently the music director of an important orchestra in China, recently told us that five years ago there were 66 full time/professional orchestras China; now there are 88!
The Chinese are devouring luxury goods and experiences with great zeal. One can see this in their gleaming and new performing arts facilities, airports and urban architecture — all featuring daring innovation and experimentation and the finest materials.
As with luxury goods, brand names are everything — only items with strong reputations will do. In the case of stringed instruments (violins, violas, cellos and double basses) orchestras, schools and parents want their children to have the very best. For them, this usually means antique instruments with strong reputations (Italian, French, German, Czech, etc.) or instruments from modern (most European) makers whose instruments have captivated soloists and ensemble players around the world. European and American teachers and have also been engaged to assist in training new generations of Chinese musicians that for one reason or another do not go abroad to study (as many do). It all adds up to musical and cultural renaissance that may surpass what took place earlier in Japan and Korea.

How to choose the right violin

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When Buying a Stringed Instrument for a Beginner or in a Lower Price Range

Be Sure the Size is Right —

For children it’s especially important the instrument size be proportional. This is best determined by an experienced sales person at a shop that deals with violin-family instruments (violin, viola, cello or double bass) or with the help of a string teacher that works with young people. For adults who play the violin, those with smaller hands might consider a 7/8-size which although sometimes hard to find can be worth the effort. Violas come in a variety of sizes from ca. 38 to 42 cm of body length or more. The average seems to be about 16 inches or 40.5 cm. Cellos and their bows come in fractional sizes (similar to violins) while ¾- double basses are fine for most adult players. Smaller size basses are available too. 

Generally, look for European instruments and Bows. Chinese instruments and bows are improving all the time but it’s probably fair to say the least expensive instruments and bows a shop offers will be Chinese. These instruments can sometimes be affected by the extreme difference in weather and humidity conditions between the east coast of China and Europe or North America. Instruments made solely in Europe are difficult to find in fractional sizes (3/4 , ½, ¼, etc.) but are often preferred in full sizes. German, Czech, Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish & Hungarian instruments are especially good in the lower price ranges.

Outfit or Individual Elements? It’s usually less expensive to buy a set or outfit (instrument, bow & case) than the individual elements separately. However, buying a better violin (especially in fractional size) can be easily paired with an inexpensive and basic case and  

Match the Level of the Bow and Its Price to the Instrument’s. As a rule of thumb, we advise to spend about 20% of the value of a violin, viola, cello or double bass on its bow. If an instrument is 500 Eur or USD, 100 for a bow will make it much more likely to have a qualitative match.  

Average and General Weight of Bows

Violin bows (full size) – from 60 to 62 grams

Viola bows – 68 to 72 grams

Cello bows – 78 to 86 grams 

Ask the shop to weigh the bow for you, if possible

Shoulder Rests, Rosin and Cleaning and Maintainence Products should also be considered, buying from a knowledgeable and specialized shop. With shoulder rests it’s a good idea to see what the teacher requires for beginners, some go with sponges or other makeshift solutions before they ask students to buy commercial shoulder rest.