Where to Rent or Buy a Violin in Boulder: A Parent’s Guide

If your child is ready to begin violin lessons, you may be wondering where to rent or buy a violin in Boulder. Whether you're looking for a beginner-friendly rental or a high-quality instrument to purchase, Boulder offers several excellent options for parents and students alike.

This guide will walk you through the best local violin shops and rental programs in Boulder, what to look for in a beginner violin, and how to avoid common mistakes when choosing an instrument. Plus, once you’ve secured your violin, we’ll show you where to turn for in-home violin lessons in Boulder to get your child started on the right foot.

Why Renting a Violin Might Be the Right First Step

For many families, renting a violin in Boulder is the ideal starting point. Violins come in a variety of sizes, and younger students typically start with smaller instruments (like a 1/2 or 3/4 size) before eventually graduating to a full-size violin. Rental programs allow for easy size exchanges as your child grows.

Additionally, renting can be a cost-effective way to test the waters. If your child is just starting lessons, renting reduces the initial investment and often includes perks like maintenance and insurance.

Where to Rent or Buy a Violin in Boulder

Here are some of the top places in Boulder where you can rent or purchase a violin:

1. HB Woodsongs

📍 Location: 3101 28th St, Boulder, CO 80301

HB Woodsongs is a well-loved, long-established music shop in Boulder that offers both violin rentals and sales. Their rental program is popular with local school music programs and private teachers alike. They offer fractional sizes for younger students and also rent bows and cases.

Whether you're renting or buying, their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to help you find the right size and fit.

What Parents Love: Flexible rental plans, rent-to-own options, and easy size exchanges.

2. Kolacny Music

📍 Location: 1900 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210 (about 35 minutes from Boulder)

While technically located in Denver, Kolacny Music is a trusted name across the Front Range. They specialize in string instruments and offer high-quality violin rentals and sales. For families seeking a step up in craftsmanship or a more refined rental, Kolacny is worth the short drive.

What Parents Love: Expert instrument setup, solid reputation among professional musicians, and a wide range of violin quality levels.

3. The Loft Violin Shop (Longmont)

📍 Location: 1155 S Main St, Longmont, CO 80501 (25 minutes from Boulder)

Located nearby in Longmont, The Loft Violin Shop focuses exclusively on string instruments. Their expertise makes them a great resource for both new and advancing students. They offer personalized fittings and high-quality instruments for rent or purchase.

What Parents Love: A boutique, string-specific experience with a focus on craftsmanship and care.

4. Bernstein Violins 📍 Location: By appointment only – contact via their website

If you're seeking a more curated and specialized experience, Bernstein Violins is a hidden gem. This appointment-only workshop provides one-on-one service and sells carefully selected violins, violas, and cellos.

They do not offer rentals, but if you're ready to purchase a higher-quality violin or upgrade from a student instrument, this is a fantastic option.

What Parents Love: Personalized service and exceptional attention to detail.

What Size Violin Does My Child Need?

Violin sizing is based on arm length. A teacher can help determine the best size, but here’s a quick guide:

• 1/4 Size: Ages 4–7

• 1/2 Size: Ages 7–9

• 3/4 Size: Ages 9–12

• 4/4 Size (Full Size): Ages 12+

Most local rental shops will measure your child and ensure the correct fit. Starting with the right size makes a big difference in comfort, posture, and enjoyment.

What to Look for in a Beginner Violin Rental

When renting a violin in Boulder, make sure your rental includes:

• A case, bow, and rosin

• Bridge setup and tuning by a professional luthier

• Option to exchange sizes as your child grows

• Insurance or replacement protection (especially important for young players)

Cheap online violins might seem tempting, but they often arrive unplayable or poorly set up. It’s worth it to work with a reputable local shop.

When Should You Consider Buying?

If your child has been playing for a year or more—or shows a strong interest in continuing—you may want to invest in a violin of their own. Buying is also a good choice for older students who are using a full-size instrument and don’t expect to size up again.

Many local shops offer rent-to-own programs, which apply your rental payments toward a future purchase. This makes the transition from renting to owning smooth and affordable.

Once You Have Your Instrument…

Once you’ve picked up your violin, it’s time to start learning!

🎻 Start violin lessons in Boulder with Mountainside Music Academy

We offer in-home violin lessons in Boulder, which means one of our friendly, experienced teachers will come to you—no driving, no stress. Our lessons are personalized to each student’s pace, interests, and goals.

Whether your child wants to play classical pieces, fiddle tunes, or popular songs, we help make learning the violin fun and accessible.

Why Parents Love Our Violin Lessons:

• In-home convenience (no more rushing across town)

• Warm, professional teachers who make music approachable

• Flexible scheduling for busy families

• All ages and skill levels welcome – from total beginners to advancing players

We work closely with families to make sure your child has the right instrument, the right teacher, and the right experience from day one.

Finding the right violin is an important first step in your child’s musical journey. Fortunately, Boulder is home to several excellent violin rental and sales options—each offering quality instruments and expert guidance.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect violin, the next step is to start learning how to play. And that’s where we come in.

🎻 Ready to begin violin lessons in Boulder? Book your first lesson today!

Let’s turn that new violin into a lifelong love of music.