How to Choose the Correct Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass Size for Your Child (Australia)

Choosing the correct size violin or string instrument for your child is one of the most important decisions when starting music lessons. A properly sized instrument helps young players develop good posture, correct technique, and confidence, while an instrument that is too large can cause discomfort, poor playing habits, and frustration.

At Carlingford Music Centre, we’ve helped thousands of families across Sydney choose their first student violin, viola, cello, and double bass. This guide explains exactly how to measure your child, what size instrument they need, and how to avoid the most common mistakes parents make.

If you’re searching for:

• violin sizes for kids
• What size violin for my child
• student violin size guide Australia
• cello sizes for beginners

This is the complete expert guide.

---

Why the Correct Instrument Size Matters for Young Musicians

Children’s string instruments come in fractional sizes designed to match their arm length and body size.

When the instrument fits correctly, students can:

• Maintain relaxed posture
• Reach notes comfortably
• Develop proper bow technique
• Avoid shoulder and wrist strain
• Progress faster in lessons

An oversized instrument is one of the most common reasons beginners struggle in their first year of learning.

---

How to Measure Your Child for the Correct Violin Size

Sizing a violin is based primarily on arm length, not age.

Step-by-Step Violin Measurement

1. Ask your child to stand upright.
2. Have them extend their left arm straight out to the side.
3. The arm should be parallel with the floor, palm facing upward.
4. Measure from the base of the neck (nape) to the centre of the palm.

This measurement determines the correct violin size.

---

Violin Size Chart (Kids & Beginners)

Violin Size	Arm Length	Approx Age
1/16	35–38 cm	3–4 years
1/10	39–42 cm	4–5 years
1/8	43–46 cm	5–6 years
1/4	47–51 cm	6–7 years
1/2	52–56 cm	7–8 years
3/4	57–60 cm	9–11 years
4/4 (Full Size)	60+ cm	11+ years

Important Tip

If your child falls between sizes, choose the smaller violin. It is easier for students to adjust to a slightly smaller instrument than one that is too large.

---

Viola Sizes for Students

Violas use a slightly different sizing system based on body length (inches) rather than fractional sizes.

Viola Size	Arm Length
12″	53–55 cm
13″	55–57 cm
14″	57–60 cm
15″	63–65 cm
15.5″	65–67 cm
16″	67+ cm

Because violas are larger and heavier than violins, proper sizing is essential for shoulder comfort and hand reach.

---

Cello Sizes for Beginners

Cellos are sized differently because they are played while sitting.

How to Check Cello Fit

Ask your child to sit on a chair and place the cello between their knees.

A correctly sized cello will have:

• The top of the cello body near the centre of the chest
• The C-peg is sitting just behind the left ear
• Knees lightly holding the lower bouts
• Comfortable reach to the fingerboard

---

Cello Size Chart (Students & Children)

Cello Size	Approx Age
1/10	4–5 years
1/8	5–6 years
1/4	6–8 years
1/2	8–10 years
3/4	10–12 years
4/4 (Full Size)	12+ years

Most children begin on 1/4 or 1/2 size cellos, depending on height and arm length.

---

Double Bass Sizes for Young Players

The double bass is the largest instrument in the string family, so correct sizing is extremely important for beginners.

Quick Double Bass Fit Test

Have your child stand with the bass upright.

A properly sized bass will have:

• The bridge is roughly aligned with the knuckles of the right hand
• Comfortable reach to the fingerboard
• Relaxed playing posture

---

Double Bass Size Chart

Bass Size	Approx Age
1/16	3–4 years
1/10	4–5 years
1/8	5–7 years
1/4	7–9 years
1/2	9–13 years
3/4	13+ years

A 3/4 double bass is the standard adult size used by most orchestral players.

---

Common Mistakes Parents Make When Choosing a Violin

Buying an instrument that is too big

Many parents try to “buy something the child can grow into.” Unfortunately, oversized instruments make learning much harder.

Using age alone

Age is only a rough guide. Arm length is far more accurate.

Buying very cheap instruments online

Low-quality beginner violins often have poor tuning stability and uncomfortable setup, which makes learning frustrating.

---

Should You Rent or Buy Your Child’s First Violin?

Because children grow quickly, many families start with instrument rental.

Benefits of renting include:

• Easy upgrades to larger sizes
• Lower upfront cost
• Professionally adjusted instruments
• Ideal for beginners unsure about long-term commitment

Many parents purchase their instrument once the student reaches 3/4 or full size.

---

How Often Should You Check Instrument Size?

Children grow quickly, so we recommend checking instrument size every 6–12 months.

Signs your child may need a larger instrument:

• The elbow becomes cramped while playing
• Fingerboard feels too short
• Teacher recommends upgrading

---

Expert Advice for Choosing the Right Student Instrument

At Carlingford Music Centre, our team regularly assists beginner students, school orchestra players, and AMEB exam candidates in choosing the correct instrument.

When selecting a student instrument, we always consider:

• Arm length and hand span
• Shoulder comfort
• Finger reach
• Bow control
• Overall posture

Even a two-minute in-store fitting can make a huge difference to your child’s learning experience.

---

Start Your Child’s Musical Journey the Right Way

Choosing the correct violin size for kids or a beginner string instrument ensures your child develops strong technique and enjoys learning music.

Proper sizing helps students:

✔ Learn faster
✔ Play comfortably
✔ Build confidence
✔ Develop great musical habits

If you’re unsure which size instrument your child needs, visit Carlingford Music Centre and our team will happily measure your child and help you find the perfect fit.

Carlingford Music Centre

About Us