The Need for a Step Up Instrument
When students start their musical journey, they usually begin on a student grade instrument. Student grade instruments are built for durability, less prone to damage, and more economical to repair. This allows young students to become accustomed to playing and caring for a new instrument. However, within the first two years of learning, most students reach a point in their musical development where they are ready to step up to a performance level instrument.
Performance level instruments are crafted from higher quality materials and undergo more hand craftmanship. Students experience improved sound and tonal quality, better feel and response, and enhanced playability. These improvements impact confidence and growth, helping them to continue progressing in their musical journey.
What Does Performance Level Mean?
When parents hear performance level, they might imagine an extremely high quality instrument with a price tag to match. However, performance level does not automatically mean professional level. For students looking to upgrade their instrument, Menchey Music offers two categories of performance level instruments: intermediate and professional.
Intermediate Level Instruments
When students enter middle and high school, most will be ready to play an intermediate level instrument. These instruments are made with a higher level of craftmanship, possess additional features absent from most student grade instruments, and have a higher capacity for creating a pleasing tone. Students experience these benefits without the price of a professional level instrument. This makes intermediate level instruments a great choice for students who are ready for the next step but unsure if they want to play at the competitive level.
Professional Level Instruments
Professional level instruments are made from fine materials, are almost entirely handcrafted, and undergo strict production standards to ensure precise sound and quality are achieved. Because of materials and craftmanship, these instruments cost more than intermediate level instruments. This makes professional level instruments best suited for students seeking to play at the competitive, collegiate, or professional level.
Are You Ready to Step Up an Instrument?
As you and your child are exploring step up instrument options, Menchey Music is here to help! The best way to see what each instrument has to offer is by visiting a Menchey Music Store near you. You can view available step up instruments, discuss your options, and receive answers to your questions!
Learn more about stepping and sizing up orchestral string instruments here.
