How To Choose A Violin Shoulder Rest
During performances, some violinists choose to play with a shoulder rest. Using a shoulder rest will help you to handle the instrument better and perform better. The shoulder rest provides some comfort to your shoulder and neck while playing. You can grip the instrument easier, too.
There are many brands of violin shoulder rests, just like bows and violin strings. It’s always best to choose a fine shoulder rest that will suit your violin. Overall, the best recommendation for selecting a shoulder rest, is to try several to find a comfortable fit—the brand that is the most expensive might not always be best for you if it is uncomfortable.
First, you need bring your violin to the musical instrument store. Each violin is different; a shoulder rest will not fit all the violins the same way. The shoulder rest needs to be the appropriate size and shape for 
both the violin and the violinist.
The appropriate size should have the shoulder rest platform covering the shoulder; it should be comfortable to you when the violin is raised up to play. Your chin should not feel stretched out; if so, the shoulder rest is the inappropriate size. Tell the store assistant to look for tension in your neck and shoulder, as these are signs of a bad-fitted shoulder rest.
You should be able to hold your violin in place without your hand. If it stays in place and you don’t have to strain your shoulder or chin, it is probably the right fit for you.
