<p>Not sure about viola, but I heard from my child that he could rent a violin from the following store, which is within walking distance from Yale. The price seems to be reasonable.</p>
<p>Neighborhood Music Center
100 Audubon St, New Haven, CT - (203) 624-5189</p>
<p>I know it is painful to take your instrument to the school. Been there, done that.</p>
<p>I believe that they also have all kinds of music lessons for children. (I know you are not a child anymore 
But many classical music activities may involve children and parents. At one time. my child ran into his professor who took his D there for either music or ballet lesson.)</p>