Has your child expressed an interest in learning to play a musical instrument? I really wanted to learn to play violin when I was a child, but our school didn't offer any programs at the time. My husband, however, learned to play violin and piano, then taught himself to play guitar as an adult. He's so musically inclined, and I just wish I had the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument as a child. I was really pleased to hear that my nieces would be attending a school with an orchestra. My oldest niece has been playing violin since she was 5 years old and is truly flourishing. Her younger sister is just restarting violin lessons after a a few years off and was in need of a new instrument. That's why I was thrilled when Rozanna's Violins contacted me about featuring a review one of their beautiful designer violins.
Let me first give you a little background on Rozanna herself. Rozanna Weinberger, the founder of Rozanna's Violins, is a a Juilliard-trained musician whose career has included world premieres of concertos by Tania Leon and Maurice Gardner and appearances at the International Viola Congress in Canada and Ireland. Her understanding about technique has come from working with some of the best teachers in the world, including Karen Tuttle, William Primrose, and William Lincer. It's also come from having to overcome the effects of breaking her neck at age 15. As a result of this injury Rozanna had vertebrae in her neck fused together, which had an impact on her ability to move her neck, shoulders and arms. She refused to allow this setback to get in the way of her dream to be a concert soloist. Since she succeeded in achieving her dream, she wanted to inspire children to develop a passion for violin as well. That's why she created a unique line of violins designed to appeal to a child's sensibilities - Rozanna's Violins.
Rozanna's Violins recently launched the Designer Violin collection for students and younger musicians. These violins use images and colorful designs to nurture a child's creativity and imagination. Although the designs are whimsical and fun, you can rest assured these violins are made from fine wood and are high-quality. Rozanna allowed me to choose a violin from their collection (at no cost to facilitate this review), and I selected the Mystic Owl in size ¾ for my 10 year old niece.
Each of their Designer Violins comes in a lightweight protective case that has a carrying handle and place for your child to write his or her name. The case is sturdy and well made and even has an exterior pocket for any music your child may need to transport with their violin. Rozanna's Violins also includes 2 types of Rosin and a long carrying strap in an interior nook. The inside of the case has a deluxe velveteen lining.
Now, let's talk about the violin.
Rozanna's Designer Violins are crafted from wood that has been aged for six years. The Mystic Owl violin has a natural, warm brown finish, although some of the other violins are colored (pink, blue, white, etc.). The front of the violin is solid spruce, and the back, sides and scroll are genuine maple.
The artwork used in creating the Designer Violin series is from top American designers and is just beautiful. I believe the designs are decals and then a custom transparent varnish is used to ensure it lasts and lasts. The Mystic Owl design is really attractive and both of my nieces said it's really an incentive to play. In fact, my youngest niece said she couldn't wait to show her friends her new violin at orchestra practice. Her music teacher also loved the look and thought all the other students would want one.
The violin comes with ebony fittings, including pegs, fingerboard, chin rest and tailpiece. The violin also comes with a genuine Brazilwood octagonal bow with real horsehair. There was a small spot of rust on the metal bracket that holds the chin rest in place, but I discussed this with Rozanna's Violins and they assured me that quality is of their utmost concern and this would be replaced.
Since I have no experience with the violin, I enlisted my nieces to help with the review in terms of functionality and sound quality.
My eldest niece is 13 and this violin is just a tad small for her, as she uses a 4/4, but this violin is perfect for her younger sister (age 10). I love that they can learn from each other and practice together! My eldest niece has been playing violin for about 8 years, so she is somewhat advanced. She thinks that this violin is great for beginners. She mentioned that notes A and E are slightly muted, but that a novice player wouldn't notice the muted sound. She also really liked the case that the violin came in and thought it was wonderful feature to have a place for the student's name and number on the outside of the case. Especially if your child is in an orchestra where there are several students with similar looking cases.
Another thing she noted was that the bridge edge is squared instead of rounded. The other violins that she's played have had a bridge with rounded edges, but I'm not sure how that contributes to or effects sound quality.
Overall, my niece is very happy to have this designer violin! It's exciting for her to play, and she and her friends love the design. These violins inspire creativity and are affordably priced, with most costing between $229 and $399.
Rozanna's offers such a lovely selection of violins and they're coming out with new designs this fall!
Meet Twinkle Star and Flower Party!
Also, be on the look-out for the new Snow Flake Violin coming this October! Plus, they'll be releasing the violin sheet music to the movie ‘Frozen’ through retailers Musician's Friend and Guitar Center. I know my nieces are going to LOVE that sheet music!
Interested in purchasing a Designer Violin from Rozanna's Violins?
GOOD NEWS! They are on Zulily RIGHT NOW for over 50% OFF!
Hurry though, this is a FLASH sale and ends on 9/11/14!
I also have a discount code for violins purchased from the Rozanna's Violins website!
Just use code back2school for 25% OFF!
Connect: You can connect with Rozanna's Violins on Facebook. You can also follow along with Rozanna on her blog.
Buy it: You can purchase Rozanna's Violins on Zulily RIGHT NOW until 9/11/14 for over 50% OFF! Or, you can purchase on the Rozanna's Violins website with 25% off using code back2school. Their violins are also offered on retailers websites Musician's Friends and Guitar Center.
Disclosure: I received this violin at no cost in order to facilitate this review. No compensation was received. Zulily links are affiliate links.
Lindsey G says
My husband and I have talked about encouraging our girls to try musical instruments and the violin is one that I always wished I had tried myself - I love the beauty of these instruments, especially with that added artwork - absolutely lovely!
Rozanna Lee Weinberger says
Dear Ruth,
Thank you so much for sharing info. about our violins with your wonderful readers.
We hope to help brighten peoples lives with our violins and music and appreciate this opportunity to spread the news!
Most sincerely,
Rozanna