1. HANDLE WITH CARE! Your instrument is made of breakable wooden parts and can crack, chip or break easily. You must be careful not to drop or hit your instrument against something.

2. Do not let anyone play around with your instrument. They may not be as careful as they should be with it.

3 Always store your instrument safely in the case when you are not playing it. Before picking up the case - make sure that the latches are closed!

4. Never push down on the case lid to make it close all the way. Before closing it, check to make sure everything is in place and that you remove your shoulder pad. The lid should close easily without forcing it closed.

5. Keep your instrument clean! After playing, wipe off the rosin dust, smudges, fingerprints, etc. with a soft clean cloth. Always wash your hands before you play your instrument.

6. Do not let your instrument get too hot or too cold. NEVER LEAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT IN THE CAR ON A HOT OR COLD DAY!!!!!!! Heat can dry out and crack the wood or can actually melt the glue that holds your instrument together. Cold can also crack the wood and affect the pegs.

7. If something is wrong with your instrument - please take it to your teacher or an experienced repair person. DO NOT try to fix it yourself.

8. Make sure that you bridge is lined up correctly and standing straight at all times. If it gets out of place, ask your teacher to straighten it for you.

9. If your instrument is out of tune - DO NOT try to tune it with the pegs unless you know how to do it and are using a tuner. This could result in a lot of broken strings!