Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Violin Rentals, Sales & Music Lessons in Boise
Founded in 1967 by Leah and Jim Telford, our business began as a part-time violin repair venture in Boise, Idaho. Recognizing the need for specialized craftsmanship, Jim trained under master luthier Zenon Petesh in Chicago before returning to establish our flagship store. Over five decades, we expanded our offerings to include premium instrument rentals, sales, and private music lessons. Today, led by the Telford family and longtime staff, we continue prioritizing quality, personalized service, and music education.Our team combines generational expertise with formal training, maintaining rigorous standards in instrument adjustment and pedagogy. We measure each student for proper instrument fit, provide comprehensive rental packages, and offer flexible purchase options. Our legacy of excellence is reflected in our curated inventory, certified repair services, and contributions to local musical communities through teaching programs and ensemble leadership.
Services
Violin Rentals
Cello Rentals
Violin Repair
Music Lessons
Bow Rehairing
Case Sales
Rosin Sales
Shoulder Rests
Tuner Sales
Metronome Sales
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1967 with multigenerational instrument expertise
- Certified luthiers providing professional-grade violin repairs
- Custom-fitted rentals avoiding guesswork sizing issues
- 12-month interest-free purchase plan for rental instruments
- Trade-in allowances preserving investment value
Services
Violin Rentals
We provide professionally maintained student violins with precise sizing. Each rental includes essential accessories and insurance coverage. Our program allows six months of payments toward instrument purchase.
Private Music Lessons
Certified instructors offer personalized lessons for all skill levels. Curriculum includes technique development, repertoire building, and performance preparation. Teachers maintain active performance schedules alongside teaching.
Violin Repair
Our luthiers perform professional-grade repairs and adjustments. Services include crack repairs, re-varnishing, and tonal optimization. We maintain original craftsmanship standards for vintage instruments.
Cello Rentals
Student cellos available in multiple sizes with complete accessory packages. Rental rates vary by instrument quality level. Insurance covers accidental damage and broken strings.
Accessory Sales
We sell essential accessories including rosin, tuners, metronomes, and shoulder rests. Inventory includes both entry-level and professional-grade options. Products meet instructors' requirements for local school programs.
People
Geoffrey Trabichoff
Violin Instructor
Graduate of Guildhall School of Music with Russian pedagogy training. Former professor at College of Idaho and concertmaster of Boise Philharmonic. Maintains active performance career while teaching.
Dawn Douthit
Violin Instructor
31 years teaching experience with degrees from Boise State and University of Louisville. Performs with Boise Philharmonic and Arioso Trio. Specializes in beginner to advanced instruction.
Lea Bateman King
Orchestra Director
34 years teaching public school orchestra programs. Bachelor's degree from Northwest Nazarene University. Conductor of Telford Adult Orchestra and chamber music performer.
Melissa Nash
Violin Instructor
30 years teaching experience with Boise State University degree. Founding member of Foothills Rio ensemble. Provides instruction from beginning through advanced viola techniques.
Emily White
Viola Instructor
Holds Master's degree in Teaching from College of Idaho. Combines music education with Spanish language instruction. Offers specialized viola training for developing musicians.
Questions
What rental instruments do you offer?
We rent violins, violas, cellos, and basses with complete packages including cases, bows, and accessories. Sizes accommodate all age groups.
Do you provide music lessons for beginners?
Yes, our instructors teach all skill levels from early childhood through adult learners. Lessons focus on proper technique and musical development.
Can rental payments apply toward purchase?
Our standard program allows six months of rental payments toward purchasing the same or higher-value instrument.
What repair services do you provide?
We offer comprehensive violin repairs including crack restoration, bridge adjustments, and tonal optimization using traditional luthier techniques.
Do you sell music accessories?
Yes, we carry essential accessories including rosin, tuners, metronomes, shoulder rests, and replacement strings for string instruments.