What is a Shoulder Rest? And Do I need one?

Do You need A Shoulder Rest? More than likely, Yes!

If you have started Violin Lessons you might have heard your teacher talking about a “Shoulder Rest”. Essentially that these do is to elevate or bring up the Violin from your shoulder, where it stays when you are playing, up by a couple of inches. In the early stages plenty of people can use a sponge and a rubber band (see below)

From Childrens Music Workshop

Can I use a Sponge in stead of a Rest?

Absolutely, Yes! Its a cheap and effective way to prop the Violin up especially for younger players. Your Violin doesn’t grow with you, as you get taller (until Full Size), you will be changing Violin and also Violin Rest’s as they are specific to the Violin

A Violin Rest’s worth the Money?

Yes but with any accessories to any instruments you need to look after them. Modern Violin Rests can be very cheap to by and in some cases you can buy a 1 Size Fits All Model which you can re-shape to the Violin as you move up a size.

How Much Does a Violin Rest Cost?

Anywhere from €12.95, well, this is going to sound wild but….. €325! This Pirastro Korfker Rest Viola Model 2 (see right) is €325 online…. which might be the cost of your Violin already! So, don’t worry about getting anything too expensive. Pick something from €12.95 to €30 depending your own budget.