Orchestra

School Rental Program

Orchestra Department Mission Statement: "We strive to provide quality instruments, instruction, and repairs at a fair price so people's lives will be positively changed through the experience of music." Student to Advanced String Instruments

Professional & Upgrade Instruments

Whether you're a beginning orchestra student or an adult, we can help find the right instrument for you!

• Impressive selection of over 500 violins, violas, cellos, string basses, and electric violins
• Most complete selection of bows, bridges, chin-rests, tailpieces, & shoulder rests from around the world
• Expert Advice
• Experienced Service Technicians
• New & Used Instruments
• Various Brands to fit your budget
• Flexible Rent-to-Own Programs

We value our customers and are dedicated to helping them find the right instrument.

We feel it is important to spend the time to find you a quality instruments, whether you're at a beginner, intermediate, or professional level.

Come check out our newest addition to the orchestra department, the electric strings! We carry the largest selection of electric violins (4-string, 5-string), as well as the electric viola, cello, and bass.  

Watch Lindsey Stirling with her Mark Wood Viper!

Testimonials:

"I want to commend Dorsey Music for their expertise in providing quality string instruments for students.  As a teacher, I have seen a huge improvement in my students interest when they have an instrument that meets their needs.  It is so important that a student has an instrument and bow that matches their level of skill.

There seems to be a misconception that "any" instrument will do for beginning students.  Students need to hear themselves making a beautiful sound -- this inspires them to keep practicing and making music.  I have experienced parents regret of purchasing an instrument that they had no knowledge of its condition.  In most of these situations, a significant amount of money is required to make the instrument playable.

I appreciate the time that Dorsey Music's string department takes to allow students to try out and find an instrument that meets their level of skill for beginning to advanced players.  Many of my students have been inspired and excited to learn their instrument once they have one that fits their needs."

     - Melanie Henry

BA music, private violin, viola & piano instructor

You can find all of your instrument needs right in one stop.

Download Essential Playing Criteria	Download Orchestra FAQ

Levels of Playing

Beginner Violinists:

In the first two years of playing, a beginner learns the basic fundamentals, which includes: note reading, bowing, fingering, tone production, dynamics, and rhythm.

Beginner instruments must meet the following criteria:

Intermediate Violinists:

The 3rd & 4th years of playing are focused more on developing a beautiful tone and working on extended techniques and vibrato. This level of playing concentrates on double stops, slurs & phrasing, and developing a broader dynamic range. An intermediate instrument is usually sufficient to last through high school and into college, unless the student is a performance major, in which case he or she will need an advancing instrument. At this point, a student will want to upgrade his bow & rosin to one that will improve not only the sound, but also the playability of the instrument.

Intermediate instruments must meet the following criteria:

Advanced Violinists:

Typically college-level and performers require this level of instrument. Advanced players have learned nearly all techniques and instead look for an instrument with particular tone colors, projection, & improved responsiveness for more confidence in playing. Generally at an advanced level, the player looks for an instrument that will give her the unique sound she is looking for. Also at this level, it becomes more important to have an instrument that projects a powerful tone in a larger setting. 

Advanced instruments must meet the following criteria: