He loves the violin. Before orchestra started, he watched his instructional DVD and was soon explaining to me the proper way to care for and position the violin and bow. It was definitely challenging in the beginning, but he didn't give up. One day he told me amusingly, "I am never quitting, so you will keep buying me violins!" He needed a 3/4 size, but they only had half size. That's getting a little uncomfortable for him, so next year he will grow into a full size one. I think the rentals were $25 per month and the guy at the music store said we should spend about $700 to get anything decent, so we could rent to own. That would take at least two years to pay off. Of course, he strongly cautioned me against buying anything used because it might have some defects we aren't aware of, but I think we could manage to find a good one with some help.
#2 has to return his violin after orchestra ends and he really wants to have something to play over the summer. That presents quite a budgeting challenge for us because we are trying to buy a house. How to get a house and a violin?
Our farmers market allows people to do some busking with their permission. He's very excited about this idea and is already telling everyone about his plans and has an offer to make some money washing a car.
I remember paying off my Oboe when I was in Junior High. I switched from Flute to Oboe between 8th & 9th grade, and that summer we rented an oboe, but then bought it once school started and I realized how much I loved it. Babysitting was the way to go... if only #2 was a little older, and a girl... he could make some good money that way :)
ReplyDeleteI think the grocery challenge was good for him to learn about how much things really cost and hope it helps him stay motivated to make some money for a violin! I'm excited that he is so in love with it, music is the best thing ever!