Using a shoulder rest for your violin or viola is not mandatory and is mainly about personal preference.  Even though you do not necessarily need one to play violin or viola, we can absolutely help you choose the right shoulder rest for you! Using a shoulder rest is typically recommended for beginners as it helps develop the correct posture. This tool is designed to prevent you from hunching your shoulder or stretching your neck, therefore, eliminating potentially bad and painful habits right from the start. There are some who would pass up on a shoulder rest as they prefer to feel the vibration coming from the body of the violin as part of listening to the sound.  Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what is the best option for you! The first thing you need to do is identify what type of shoulder rest meets your requirements. Perhaps you are looking for a softer-touch shoulder rest that offers you more comfort for your shoulder. Or maybe you are looking for a shoulder rest that holds the instrument firmly in place. You would also need to take your body shape into consideration. Aspects such as your shoulder breadth, and neck height