One of the realities for all musicians young or not, is travel with an instrument.
For Suzuki students and teachers traveling to us here are some options for getting an instrument while you are attending the Colorado Suzuki Institute:
Bring your own: The most reliable is to bring your own instrument, bow, all your own appliances such as shoulder rest, chin rest, rosin, end pin stop, etc. If you are flying, many instruments will fit into the overhead bins as a carry on. For larger instruments such as full size cello or basses another option is to own, borrow, or rent a travel case and check the instrument.
Rent cello or bass from CSI: Robertson Violins in Albuquerque has generously donated to the Colorado Suzuki Institute a variety of cello and bass sizes for the Colorado Suzuki Institute to rent to cellists who cannot bring their own instrument. To reserve one of these rental cellos, use the form at coloradosuzuki.org then to the white menu bar across the top of the screen to ‘exhibitors’ and then to ‘instrument rental.’ Adjustment to a rental instrument is always easier if you are playing with your own bow so plan to bring your bow with you and end pin stop.
Ship your own instrument to your hotel: Keep the packing material and then repack and arrange return shipping to your home via USP or FedEx pickup at your hotel when you depart. All hotels will assist you and hold your instrument in a secure location until you arrive. Robertson Violins has produced very helpful videos to show how to pack your instrument for safe travels.
We are very fortunate to have Robertson Violins of Albuquerque exhibit at the Colorado Suzuki Institute for sales and repairs. Robertson does not rent cellos or basses during CSI and will not give any instruments out on loan to ‘try out’ during CSI until Wednesday of each session.
Plan ahead so that you and your instrument arrive safely.
Harp rentals are coordinated through harp faculty member Phala Tracy. Please contact Phala Tracy by email directly.