Music Lessons/instruments for 6-1/2 Year Old - Violin or Piano?

Make sure that you can find a teacher. I tried to get a violin teacher for my little one, and couldn't find one available. I would interview teachers first, and find one I liked, and let that be my deciding point.

I would recommend starting with a keyboard. Then if your daughter loves it and sticks with it, then you can upgrade to a piano. -- Learning to read the music will be an asset that can then cross over to other instruments in the future.

Piano would give her a basis to play all other instruments. It teaches more music theory than the violin.

Piano is the most complete instrument, because you have both hands to read, and also gives you a perfect idea about pitch. Even those who learn other instruments most of the time learn also piano. I would probably start with piano and then introduce violin. My piano teacher has her studio in Grapevine. She is from Russia and graduated in music pedagogy. If you want her information, let me know.
Also, I would look at Craigs list or maybe Mr. E's for a used piano. Piano and keyboard are VERY different, so if you can afford go with the piano.
Good luck!

Hi, I do not know alot about the violin other than it is alot harder to learn than the piano. Our 7 year old took paino lessons for quite some time(we moved and took her out due to the distance). My husband who is very musical and can play several instruments believes that the paino is a gateway instument if you will. He has said that once you larn the piano is it very easy to learn any other instument. I do not know about in home lessons but I would look for a musice school in your area and see if they would consider it or if they could refer you. We did not buy a piano, she did use one at her lesson, but we just bought a full scale keyboard. That is what she used to practice at home. They sell some really great ones at Toys "r" us. They range in price and go up to 3 or 400 dollars. Good luck and I hope that helps a little