Reddit – Dive into anything

Hi All! I’m new to this sub so apologies if I am not doing this right. My daughter (5) wants to take up the violin. She’s been talking about it for about 2 years now. I have no idea where she got the idea but am thrilled and want her to go for it.

My question is, where do I begin? It seems like there are a few (slightly pricey) after-school lesson options at various music schools in our town. We also live near a large university with a pretty prestigious music program so maybe paying for lessons from a college/grad student is an option?

Also, grandparents are starting to ask for wish lists for Christmas and I found a Yamaha 61 key keyboard for around $150 that seems decent and reasonable to ask for as a gift. I’ve heard that you should learn to play piano before taking up an instrument. Does that apply to violin/string instruments? Or do I just buy/ask for a violin? I like the idea of a keyboard because I have 2 younger boys so if she hates it or decides she wants to do something else then one of them could use it if they want to rather than have a violin laying around that no one is using BUT if it makes more sense to just start with the violin then I’d rather get her exactly what she wants. Any advice would be much appreciated!