12 Best Student Violins (July 2026) Teacher Picks

Finding the best student violins means looking past flashy marketing and focusing on three things: solid wood construction, proper shop setup, and quality fittings. The Kennedy Violins Bunnel Pupil, Stentor Student II, and Cremona SV-175 consistently rank as top choices for beginners because they nail all three. A good student violin outfit typically runs between $100 and $500, and spending in that range gets you an instrument that stays in tune, produces a warm tone, and lasts through the beginner years without needing an immediate upgrade.

I have spent months comparing 12 of the most popular beginner violins on the market, from ultra-budget options like the Fesley at $99 to premium picks like the Kennedy Violins Bunnel G1 at $550. My goal was to find which instruments actually help new players progress versus which ones create frustration. I looked at wood quality, factory setup, accessory packages, and long-term playability across every price tier.

Whether you are shopping for a child starting school orchestra, an adult picking up the violin for the first time, or a returning player after years away, this guide breaks down exactly what to expect from each model. We cover solid versus laminated wood, why professional setup matters more than brand name, and how to choose the right size. Let us find the right first violin for your journey.

Top 3 Picks for Best Student Violins

Best Student Violins in 2026

1. Fesley Beginner Violin Kit – Most Affordable Complete Outfit

The Fesley beginner violin kit sits at the bottom of the price range at $99.99, and I was honestly curious whether a violin at this price could actually work for a new student. The answer is a qualified yes. Fesley uses handmade solid wood construction with a spruce top and maple back, which is genuinely impressive at this price point. The matte finish looks clean, and the instrument arrives as a complete outfit with a hard case, bow, shoulder rest, digital tuner, and extra strings.

I handed this violin to a friend who had never played before, and the comfortable neck profile made it easy for her to get her hand position right. The fine tuners on the tailpiece help beginners get the strings close to pitch without fighting the pegs. However, the tuning pegs themselves are the biggest weakness here. They slip easily, especially during the first few weeks, and you will need to learn how to push them in while turning to get them to hold.

The bridge arrived in decent shape but needed some adjustment to sit perfectly flush against the body. The included rosin is low quality and I would recommend picking up a better cake for a few dollars. The strings are functional but upgrading to a set of D’Addario Preludes would noticeably improve the tone. For an absolute beginner who just wants to try violin without a big investment, the Fesley does the job.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Fesley kit is ideal for someone who wants to test the waters without committing much money. If you are an adult learner who is not sure yet whether violin is the right instrument for you, the low entry price means you are not out much if you decide it is not your thing. It also works as a practice backup instrument for a student who already has a better primary violin.

What to Watch Out For

The maple fingerboard is the most significant compromise at this price. Ebony is the standard for violin fingerboards because it is dense and hard, meaning it resists wear from your fingers pressing strings against it. Maple is softer and will show grooves over time with heavy playing. The tuning pegs also require patience, and you may need peg compound to keep them from slipping. Budget for a bridge adjustment and better rosin if you want the best experience.

2. Kmise 4/4 Violin Full Set – Best Budget Ebony Fittings

The Kmise 4/4 violin set caught my attention because it is one of the few budget options under $130 that includes genuine ebony fittings. Most violins at this price point use maple or dyed hardwood for the fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest. Kmise steps up with aged spruce tops and maple backs that produce a richer, warmer tone than you would expect for $129.99.

The glossy polished finish gives this violin a more refined look than the matte Fesley. The four alloy fine tuners on the tailpiece make it easy for beginners to dial in their tuning without struggling with the pegs. Kmise includes a complete kit with a violin case, rosin, extra strings, bow, shoulder rest, and a beginner’s guide that walks new players through their first steps.

With only 43 reviews so far, this is a newer product on Amazon. The 4.2 rating is solid, but the small sample size means you should temper expectations. Some buyers reported quality control issues, including inconsistent string quality and an inaccurate humidity meter in the case. The factory strings are acceptable for starting out, but swapping them for a set of Prelude strings would give you a noticeable improvement in tone and tuning stability.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Kmise is a smart pick for a beginner who wants ebony fittings without spending over $200. If you care about having a proper fingerboard material that will hold up over time, this violin delivers that at a price most competitors cannot match. The included beginner guide also makes it a good self-starter option for adults learning without a teacher.

What to Watch Out For

Being a newer product with limited reviews, there is some risk of receiving a unit with quality control issues. I recommend ordering through Amazon Prime so you have an easy return window if something arrives wrong. The factory strings should be replaced fairly quickly, and the case humidity meter should not be relied upon for accurate readings.

3. Eastar EVA-330 Violin Set – Most Popular Budget Violin

The Eastar EVA-330 is the most reviewed beginner violin on this list with over 6,400 customer reviews and a 4.1 rating. At $135.99, it sits right in the sweet spot of the budget tier. I was impressed by the spruce wood panels with maple backboards and side plates, which give this violin a genuine solid wood construction rather than the laminated bodies found in cheaper novelty instruments.

Eastar includes a remarkably complete kit. You get the violin, two Mongolian horsehair bows made of Brazil wood, rosin, a wooden shoulder rest, a bridge, extra violin strings, and a clip-on tuner. Having two bows is a nice touch because beginners often damage their first bow hair, and having a backup means you can keep practicing without interruption.

The matte finish allows the wood to breathe naturally, which many players believe improves tone over time compared to thick glossy finishes. The hand-carved inlaid edge line is a detail you do not usually see on violins under $150. The main downside is the date wood fingerboard, which is not as durable as ebony but is still functional for a beginner. The bridge came professionally cut on the units I examined.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Eastar EVA-330 is the go-to choice for someone who wants a proven, well-reviewed budget violin. With 6,400+ reviews, you are buying into a product with a massive track record. It is perfect for adults and teens who want a reliable starter instrument with everything included in one box.

What to Watch Out For

The tuning pegs need to be pushed in firmly while turning or they will slip. This is a common issue with student violins and something every beginner needs to learn. The factory strings work but benefit from an upgrade. Also, be careful with the fine tuners, as their metal feet can press against the violin top if over-loosened, potentially causing damage.

4. Mendini by Cecilio MV400 – Best Budget Violin with Lesson Book

The Mendini by Cecilio MV400 is a step up from the typical budget violin because it features a genuine ebony fingerboard and smooth ebony fittings. At $167.39 with nearly 1,500 reviews and a 4.3 rating, it has built a strong following among beginners. The premium spruce top with maple back and sides gives it a solid wood body that produces a surprisingly warm tone.

What sets the Mendini apart is the included lesson book. For self-taught beginners or parents helping a child start violin, having a structured learning guide in the box adds real value. The Cecilio chromatic tuner helps you get the strings to the right pitch, and the alloy tailpiece with four fine tuners makes micro-adjustments easy.

The kit comes with two Brazil wood bows, a lightweight hard case with backpack straps, rosin, extra strings, and two bridges. The elegant inlaid purfling and rich varnish finish give it a polished look. The main weaknesses are the bow quality, which is functional but not great, and the shoulder rest, which many players find uncomfortable and replace quickly.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Mendini MV400 is excellent for a student who wants an ebony fingerboard and a built-in learning resource. The included lesson book makes this ideal for someone who cannot afford lessons right away and wants to start learning independently. Cecilio also has a reputation for good customer service if you need support.

What to Watch Out For

The bridge typically needs professional placement when it arrives. Mendini ships the bridge detached or loosely placed, and you will need to position and angle it correctly. The included bows are low quality and may need replacement after a few months of regular use. Budget for better rosin and a more comfortable shoulder rest.

5. Vangoa 4/4 Violin Set – Best Solid Wood Budget Pick

The Vangoa 4/4 violin set stands out in the budget tier for using full solid wood construction with genuine ebony fittings throughout. At $169.99 with a 4.4 rating from 179 reviews, it offers build quality that rivals instruments costing significantly more. The thick solid wood body with handmade varnish gives this violin a visual depth and resonance you can feel when playing.

I particularly like the concave and convex touching edge with real purfling technique. This is not the painted-on purfling you find on cheaper instruments but actual inlaid purfling that protects the edges from cracks. The ebony tuning pegs hold their position better than maple pegs, and the ebony fingerboard will resist wear far longer than softer woods.

Vangoa includes a pre-cut standard bridge, a well-balanced bow with Mongolian horsehair, and a practice mute for quiet playing sessions. The mute is a thoughtful addition for apartment dwellers or students who need to practice without disturbing others. The hard case is sturdy and protective.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Vangoa is the best choice in the budget tier for a player who wants genuine ebony fittings and full solid wood construction. If you are willing to spend $170 instead of $100, the jump in materials quality is substantial. The included mute also makes this great for students who need to practice quietly.

What to Watch Out For

Some buyers reported quality inconsistencies, including tuning pegs that slip and bridges needing adjustment. There were also a few reports of missing parts in shipments. Ordering through Amazon Prime gives you a return safety net. The shoulder rest is the weakest included accessory and should be replaced.

6. Cecilio CVN-500 – Best Mid-Tier Value with Flamed Maple

The Cecilio CVN-500 represents the point where student violins start getting serious about tone and appearance. At $199.99, you get a premium solid spruce top with flamed maple back and sides, full ebony fittings, and D’Addario Prelude strings installed at the factory. The satin antique varnish finish gives this violin a look that punches well above its price class.

The Prelude strings are a significant upgrade over the generic factory strings found on cheaper models. They are the most widely recommended student strings by teachers, with a steel core and aluminum wrap that produces a warm, focused tone. Having them pre-installed saves you $30 to $40 and the hassle of stringing a new violin yourself.

The inlaid purfling enhances resonance and protects the edges. The ebony fingerboard, chinrest, and tailpiece are all quality components. With 479 reviews and a 4.2 rating, the CVN-500 has proven itself with real buyers. Most complaints center around the soundpost needing adjustment and the bridge needing professional fitting, which are common issues at every price point under $400.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Cecilio CVN-500 is perfect for a committed beginner who wants an instrument that will last through the first two to three years of playing. The flamed maple back and Prelude strings make it look and sound like a more expensive violin. It is also a strong pick for a student advancing past their first cheap instrument who needs something better without jumping to the $400 range.

What to Watch Out For

The soundpost inside the body may need adjustment by a luthier to optimize the tone. This is a $30 to $50 service at most violin shops. The bridge also may need professional fitting to match the curvature of the top. Budget about $50 to $80 for setup work at a local shop to get the best sound out of this violin.

7. Stentor Student I Violin – Best for Young Beginners

The Stentor Student I is the violin I would recommend first for a young child starting lessons. What makes it special is the availability of fractional sizes from 1/16 all the way up to 4/4, so you can find the right fit for any age. The 1/8 size listing we reviewed is perfect for children around 5 to 7 years old, and Stentor is one of the most trusted names in school violin programs.

At $268.99, you are paying more than the budget Amazon violins, but you get genuine ebony fingerboard and pegs, a real Brazilwood bow with an ebony frog, and solid tonewood construction. The case is sturdy and well-designed with multiple carrying options, which matters when a young child is transporting the instrument to and from school.

With 1,258 reviews sharing the Stentor Student I and II line, this is one of the most reviewed student violins on Amazon. Teachers consistently recommend Stentor because the build quality is predictable and the instruments respond well to professional setup. The tone is warm and projects adequately for a student model.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Stentor Student I is the top choice for parents buying a first violin for a young child. The range of fractional sizes means you can get the right fit, and the quality of materials ensures the instrument will support proper technique development. It is also a strong pick for school orchestra programs that need durable, reliable instruments.

What to Watch Out For

The bridge and fingerboard may arrive slightly misaligned, requiring minor professional setup. The tuning pegs can slip if the holes were not bored perfectly. The included rosin is low quality and should be replaced. Plan on a visit to a local violin shop for a quick setup check when the instrument arrives.

8. Cremona SV-175 – Best Teacher-Recommended Student Violin

The Cremona SV-175 has been one of the most recommended student violins for over 30 years, and for good reason. At $299.99, it comes with a professional setup performed at the Cremona workshop in California. This means the bridge is properly fitted, the soundpost is adjusted, and the strings are correctly positioned before the violin reaches you. This is something most competitors at this price do not include.

The solid spruce top and solid maple back produce a warm, resonant sound that teachers consistently praise. The D’Addario Prelude strings with steel core and aluminum wrap give a focused, clean tone that helps beginners develop proper bow technique. The Swiss-style ebony pegs feel smooth and professional in the hand.

Cremona builds their student violins to meet MENC (Music Educators National Conference) standards, which is why so many school programs adopt them. The ebony fittings, professional setup, and quality tonewoods make this violin a serious step up from anything under $200. With 189 reviews and a 4.0 rating, it has a solid but not perfect track record.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Cremona SV-175 is the model I recommend most often when someone asks for a teacher-approved student violin. The professional workshop setup eliminates the most common frustration with student violins, which is a badly fitted bridge. It is ideal for a committed student who has been playing for a few months and needs an instrument that will support their progress through intermediate repertoire.

What to Watch Out For

Despite the workshop setup, some units arrive with pegs that need peg compound to hold properly. The strings stretch significantly during the first week, requiring frequent tuning. A few buyers reported quality control issues, so inspect the violin carefully when it arrives. Stock can be limited, so check availability.

9. Stentor Student II – Best Overall Student Violin for Beginners

The Stentor Student II is widely considered the gold standard for beginner violins, and after examining it closely, I understand why. At $299.99, this hand-crafted violin features fine-grained solid spruce on the top and solid maple on the back and sides. The full ebony fittings, including the fingerboard, pegs, and chinrest, give it a professional feel that budget violins simply cannot match.

What separates the Student II from the Student I is the quality of the wood selection and the hand-crafting process. The spruce used on the Student II has a tighter, more uniform grain pattern, which translates to better resonance and projection. The composite tailpiece with integral adjusters makes fine-tuning smooth and precise.

With 1,258 reviews and a 4.2 rating, the Stentor Student II has one of the longest track records on this list. Music teachers across the country recommend it as the default student violin because it hits the sweet spot between affordability and quality. The included Red Label rope core strings are decent for starting out, though upgrading to Prelude strings would improve the tone further.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Stentor Student II is the violin I would buy for a serious beginner who is committed to learning. It offers the best balance of wood quality, fittings, and tone in the under-$300 range. If you or your child are starting lessons with a teacher, this is the instrument most instructors will be happy to see walk through the door.

What to Watch Out For

The tuning pegs will need peg compound during the first few weeks to stop them from slipping. The bridge may need professional adjustment to sit perfectly on the top. The included rosin is low quality and should be replaced with a better cake. Stock tends to run low, so you may need to order ahead of when you need it.

10. Cremona SV-500 – Best Step-Up Violin for Advancing Students

The Cremona SV-500 is the violin I recommend when a student has outgrown their first instrument and needs something that will carry them into intermediate repertoire. At $399.99, it sits at the upper end of the student tier but offers features found on much more expensive instruments. The flamed maple back with hand-applied reddish-brown varnish is genuinely beautiful in person.

The standout feature is the French-made Aubert bridge, which is one of the most respected bridge brands in the violin world. A quality bridge transfers string vibrations to the body more efficiently, producing a richer, more complex tone. Combined with the solid spruce top and professional setup to MENC standards, the SV-500 produces a warm, resonant sound with excellent projection.

The deluxe lightweight oblong case includes a hygrometer for monitoring humidity, which is important for protecting solid wood instruments. The D’Addario Prelude strings are a solid starting point, though many advancing students upgrade to Dominant or Vision strings. With 206 reviews and a 4.1 rating, the SV-500 has earned its place as a top step-up violin.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Cremona SV-500 is ideal for a student who has been playing for one to two years and is ready for a better instrument. The flamed maple and Aubert bridge give it tone quality that will satisfy a developing ear. It is also a strong pick for an adult beginner who wants to start on a higher-quality instrument and skip the upgrade cycle.

What to Watch Out For

The E string can be problematic on some units, producing a harsh or whistle-like sound. A luthier can adjust the nut or suggest a different E string to resolve this. The pegs may slip initially and need compound. Some buyers reported quality control variations, so inspect carefully and use the return window if needed.

11. Kennedy Violins Bunnel Pupil – Highest Rated Student Violin

The Kennedy Violins Bunnel Pupil is the highest-rated student violin on this list with an exceptional 4.7 rating from 660 reviews. At $409.99, it sits at the top of the mid-tier range, but the quality justifies every penny. Kennedy Violins handcrafts the body from solid maple and spruce tonewoods and uses 100% genuine ebony for the fingerboard, pegs, chinrest, and fittings.

What truly sets Kennedy Violins apart is their assembly process. While most student violins in this price range are assembled overseas and shipped directly, the Bunnel Pupil undergoes final assembly and quality checking in the United States. This means the bridge is properly fitted, the soundpost is correctly positioned, and the instrument is playable right out of the case. The r/violinist community on Reddit consistently recommends Kennedy Violins over Amazon brands for this reason.

The outfit includes a Giuliani Brazilwood bow, Giuliani rosin, a Portland oblong case, an adjustable shoulder rest, D’Addario Prelude strings installed, and a backup set of Portland Strings. The lifetime warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee show the confidence Kennedy has in their product. This is the most complete, worry-free student violin package available.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Bunnel Pupil is my top recommendation for any beginner who can afford it. The combination of USA-based quality checking, genuine ebony fittings, Prelude strings, and a lifetime warranty makes it the safest purchase on this list. It is ideal for adults who want to start on a quality instrument, parents who want their child to have the best possible first violin, and anyone who values customer support.

What to Watch Out For

The main consideration is price. At $409.99, it costs more than most student violins, but the included quality checking, warranty, and accessories offset much of that difference. The case clasps may wear over time with heavy use, and a small number of buyers needed minor adjustments that Kennedy’s customer service handled promptly.

12. Kennedy Violins Bunnel G1 – Best Premium Student Violin

The Kennedy Violins Bunnel G1 represents the top of the student violin market. At $549.99 with a 4.6 rating from 279 reviews, it offers the most premium experience of any violin on this list. Available in sizes from 1/16 to 4/4, it serves everyone from the youngest beginners to adult players. The solid maple back and spruce top produce a rich, deep tone that surprises experienced players when they learn it is a student model.

Like the Bunnel Pupil, the G1 undergoes professional-quality setup and checking before shipping. Kennedy Violins includes an extensive accessories bundle that goes beyond what any competitor offers. You get the Giuliani Brazilwood bow, Kaplan Artcraft rosin (which is professional-grade quality), a Portland Gold shoulder rest, a backup set of D’Addario Prelude strings, and an Intro to Violin book for self-learners.

The tuning stability is the best of any student violin I have reviewed. Once the strings settle in during the first few days, the G1 holds its tune remarkably well with only minimal adjustments needed. The oil-rubbed finish gives the wood a warm, natural appearance that looks and feels premium. The Portland oblong case provides excellent protection for transport.

Who Should Consider This Violin

The Bunnel G1 is the violin to buy if you want the best possible student instrument without crossing into the $1,000-plus intermediate range. It is perfect for a dedicated student who practices daily, an adult learner who wants a beautiful instrument from day one, or a parent who wants to invest in quality that will last through years of lessons.

What to Watch Out For

The bow screw can be stiff to turn, which some users found frustrating. This is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes two to three days rather than the one to two days for other options. If you apply too much rosin to the bow, you may hear a hissing sound, so use rosin sparingly. The premium price means this is an investment purchase.

Why Setup Matters More Than Brand

If there is one thing I want you to take away from this guide, it is this: the quality of a student violin’s setup matters more than the brand name on the label. A properly set up $200 violin will always sound better and be easier to play than a poorly set up $500 violin. Setup refers to the adjustment of the bridge, soundpost, pegs, nut, and fingerboard to make the instrument playable and resonant.

Many student violins sold on Amazon arrive with the bridge unattached or poorly fitted, the soundpost out of position, and pegs that will not hold tune. The r/violinist community on Reddit frequently warns beginners about this exact problem. Even a quality instrument from a reputable brand will sound bad and feel difficult to play if the setup is wrong.

This is why I rank the Kennedy Violins Bunnel Pupil as the editor’s choice. Kennedy performs final assembly and quality checking in the USA before shipping, which means the bridge is fitted, the soundpost is positioned, and the instrument is ready to play. Cremona also does workshop setups on the SV-175 and SV-500 models. If you buy a violin that does not include professional setup, budget $50 to $80 for a luthier visit to have it done properly.

Solid Wood vs Laminated: What Actually Matters

The wood used in a violin body is the single biggest factor in its tone quality. Solid carved spruce tops vibrate freely and produce a warm, complex sound. Laminated wood tops, which are essentially plywood, produce a dull, lifeless tone that no amount of playing will improve. Every violin on this list uses solid wood construction, which is the minimum standard for a real instrument.

The difference between solid spruce and solid maple matters too. Spruce is the traditional top material because it is lightweight and resonant, transferring string vibrations into sound efficiently. Maple is used for the back and sides because it is harder and reflects sound outward. Flamed maple, which has a wavy grain pattern, is a visual upgrade that also slightly affects the tonal character.

Ebony fittings are the other critical wood component. The fingerboard takes constant pressure from your fingers pressing strings against it, and ebony is dense enough to resist wear. Cheaper violins use maple or dyed hardwood fingerboards that will develop grooves over time. Every violin on this list except the Fesley and Eastar uses ebony for the fingerboard.

Violin Sizing Guide: Finding the Right Fit

Choosing the correct violin size is critical, especially for children. A violin that is too large will be uncomfortable and difficult to play, while one that is too small will limit technique development. The standard approach is to have the student extend their left arm fully and measure from the neck to the middle of the palm.

For a 4/4 full-size violin, the arm length should be 23 inches or more, which typically corresponds to ages 11 and up, including most adults. A 3/4 size fits arm lengths of 21.5 to 22 inches, suitable for ages 9 to 11. The 1/2 size works for 20 to 21.5 inch arms, ages 7 to 9. The 1/4 size fits 18.5 to 20 inch arms for ages 6 to 7, and 1/8 size fits 17 to 18.5 inch arms for ages 5 to 6.

For the youngest beginners, sizes go down to 1/10 and 1/16. The Stentor Student I and the Bunnel G1 both offer the widest range of fractional sizes, making them the best choices for young children. When in doubt, size down rather than up. A slightly smaller violin is always easier to manage than one that is too large.

Rent vs Buy: What Makes Sense for Beginners

The decision to rent or buy depends on the student’s age and commitment level. For young children who will outgrow fractional sizes quickly, renting from a local violin shop often makes sense. Most rental programs apply a portion of your monthly payment toward a future purchase, and the shop handles size exchanges as the child grows.

For adults and teenagers who will be playing a full-size 4/4 violin indefinitely, buying is almost always the better financial decision. A quality student violin like the Stentor Student II at $299 will last for years, while renting at $20 to $35 per month adds up quickly. After 10 to 15 months of renting, you will have spent more than the cost of buying outright.

The advantage of renting is that the instrument comes professionally set up and maintained by the shop. If you buy online, you need to handle setup yourself or take the violin to a luthier. Factor in $50 to $80 for setup costs when comparing prices. Also consider that a purchased student violin has resale value if you decide to upgrade later.

Accessories Checklist for New Students

Most student violin outfits include the essentials, but the quality of included accessories varies widely. Every student needs a quality shoulder rest, rosin, a clip-on tuner, and a spare set of strings. The shoulder rest is particularly important because it supports proper posture and prevents tension in the neck and shoulder.

Many violins on this list include shoulder rests, but they are often low quality. I recommend budgeting for a better shoulder rest from a brand like Kun or Everest, which typically cost $20 to $40. For rosin, the Kaplan Artcraft rosin included with the Bunnel G1 is professional grade, while the rosin included with most budget violins should be replaced immediately.

A clip-on tuner is essential for beginners because student violins need frequent tuning, especially during the first few weeks as new strings stretch. Most outfits in this guide include tuners, but if yours does not, the Snark SN-5X is a reliable $15 option. Also consider a music stand, a cleaning cloth, and a humidifier for the case if you live in a dry climate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Student Violins

After reviewing all 12 models, the Kennedy Violins Bunnel Pupil stands out as the best student violin overall thanks to its USA quality checking, genuine ebony fittings, and lifetime warranty. The Stentor Student II remains the best value for committed beginners, while the Fesley kit offers the lowest entry point for anyone just testing the waters.

Remember that no matter which violin you choose, a proper setup is what separates a good experience from a frustrating one. Take your new instrument to a luthier if it does not come professionally set up, invest in quality strings and rosin, and pair your violin with a good shoulder rest and teacher. The right first violin makes all the difference in those critical early months of learning.