My friend and I are having an argument...she used to play violin and now plays viola while I stick true to the violin. What do you think is a better instrument to play...the violin or viola?
Violin or viola?
For the instruments themselves, there are few differences. The violin uses treble clef, which is more widely used than the viola's alto clef, but most viola players learn to read treble clef anyway. The viola is bigger, and can be easier to handle for larger people.
In an orchestra, there will always be less viola players and so there will be less competition which is why I played the viola through out high school and college and would say the viola is a better instrument to play, because you'll have more opportunities.
Reply:Vodka
Reply:Q: What is the difference between a violin and a viola?
A: A viola burns longer.
Seriously, though, I don't think either instrument can be said to be better than the other. Your choice will have to depend on what your personal musical goals happen to be. As Sabrina mentioned, the relative shortage of viola players can lead to more consistent employment.
On the other hand, the fact that there is so much more music written for the violin can lead to its own opportunities for the truly gifted soloist. Any casual fan of classical music can probably name several famous violin players off the top of their head, but well-known viola players are more difficult to come by.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Should I play the Violin or Viola?
Okay... I'm in 6th grade and I moved to a new school and they had an orchestra! If I started there I would probably be playing the violin or viola. I've played the piano and clarinet so far. I don't really care if the instrument is hard to play because with both of my instruments i practiced 1.5 - 2.5 hours. So I absolutely know i wanted to play viola or violin. I read that size matters and I'm 4ft. 6inches so if that helps then yeah... Money's not an issue... I heard that people would rather hire violist because of thier scarce amount. I heard that violins are popular are the "main" part of an orchestra (as in majority of sound). But... violoa's get more soloes so right now I'm leaning on the viola side 3/2 (reasons to be viola on left and reasons for violin on left). I know this is a decission I should make but I just want to see the outcome.(If everyone say's violin I would like a good reason in the LONG run not like the first year you got it.) So yeah...
Should I play the Violin or Viola?
Well, there are two possibilities if you play the viola.
a) You could become a great player, and since orchestras are ALWAYS looking for good violists, you could be guaranteed to have jobs for the rest of your life.
b) Since there's very little competition for violists, you could, potentially, end up being content with mediocrity, and always be a lesser musician compared to the violinists.
But, it sounds to me like you have a decent level of dedication if you've already committed some time to piano and clarinet. If you can motivate yourself to work and improve, even when there's no competition, you could be a great violist. I played euphonium for a good 8 years, and I had absolutely no competition, but I always pushed myself to improve because I knew that there were better players out there. Now, I'm principally a trombone player, and I have far more competition, but I still have about the same level of motivation.
In short: If you're self-motivated, take the viola. If you need competition to motivate you to work, take the violin.
Also, if you play viola, you'll need to put your pride aside, because you'll rarely get solos. (Although, in the case of viola-playing composers such as Dvorak, orchestral viola parts are sometimes more interesting than the violin parts.)
Reply:Keeping this short(no wall of words): play the violin.
Reply:Viola. EVERYONE and their DOG plays violin. You'll be in demand.
Reply:Violas do not get more solos. The viola will NEVER get a solo.
Violins get all the solos and most of the interesting parts but there is always a shortage of viola players. The extra size of the viola can present difficulties to most people. I do not play the viola for that reason. I learn the violin because the viola is just too big for me. It is only a difference of a few inches but it seems huge once you get it up on your shoulder. Can you put your left arm around the scroll and still have a bend in your elbow ? That is the test for size.
You will only get to play a solo on the violin if you are very good.
You will need private lessons for both instruments. The violin and viola are very difficult instruments to learn.
Good luck.
http://violinmasterclass.com/mc_menu.php
PS I actually prefer the mellow sound of the viola ; everybody loves it.
Reply:You should play the cello, my personal favorite.
But if I was in your position I would think of the benefits of both. With the viola, if you become professional with it and become very good then you can for sure get a scholarship to a good music school because violas are scarce. But you need to realize that violas do not really get solos in orchestra/ symphony pieces. I don't know where you got the idea that a viola solos more than a violin. A cello gets a lot more solos usually than a viola does in pieces. But to be honest I don't like the viola sound that much. To me it does not have that big of a range. I would pick the violin if I were you. The violin is featured a lot throughout pieces and has more solo opportunities. But when you play violin, it seems like everyone else does too. It is played a lot more often and so it can make it hard to audition for things unless you are really good. But violas always seem to be needed, so if you want to stand out a little bit more, then choose the viola.
Good luck to you!
Reply:I think most people would agree that there's more fun stuff to do with violin. Violas rarely get the melody (though that's certainly not a bad thing necessarily). But there are tons of violinists and auditions can get really competitive. And viola does have a really lovely sound, plus more low notes. There's more written for violin though.
A lot of people start out on the violin and then switch to viola. (I sort of tried viola for a little but stopped because I was too busy with violin!) Both are beautiful instruments, anyway, and I don't think you'll regret whichever you pick. Good luck.
Should I play the Violin or Viola?
Well, there are two possibilities if you play the viola.
a) You could become a great player, and since orchestras are ALWAYS looking for good violists, you could be guaranteed to have jobs for the rest of your life.
b) Since there's very little competition for violists, you could, potentially, end up being content with mediocrity, and always be a lesser musician compared to the violinists.
But, it sounds to me like you have a decent level of dedication if you've already committed some time to piano and clarinet. If you can motivate yourself to work and improve, even when there's no competition, you could be a great violist. I played euphonium for a good 8 years, and I had absolutely no competition, but I always pushed myself to improve because I knew that there were better players out there. Now, I'm principally a trombone player, and I have far more competition, but I still have about the same level of motivation.
In short: If you're self-motivated, take the viola. If you need competition to motivate you to work, take the violin.
Also, if you play viola, you'll need to put your pride aside, because you'll rarely get solos. (Although, in the case of viola-playing composers such as Dvorak, orchestral viola parts are sometimes more interesting than the violin parts.)
Reply:Keeping this short(no wall of words): play the violin.
Reply:Viola. EVERYONE and their DOG plays violin. You'll be in demand.
Reply:Violas do not get more solos. The viola will NEVER get a solo.
Violins get all the solos and most of the interesting parts but there is always a shortage of viola players. The extra size of the viola can present difficulties to most people. I do not play the viola for that reason. I learn the violin because the viola is just too big for me. It is only a difference of a few inches but it seems huge once you get it up on your shoulder. Can you put your left arm around the scroll and still have a bend in your elbow ? That is the test for size.
You will only get to play a solo on the violin if you are very good.
You will need private lessons for both instruments. The violin and viola are very difficult instruments to learn.
Good luck.
http://violinmasterclass.com/mc_menu.php
PS I actually prefer the mellow sound of the viola ; everybody loves it.
Reply:You should play the cello, my personal favorite.
But if I was in your position I would think of the benefits of both. With the viola, if you become professional with it and become very good then you can for sure get a scholarship to a good music school because violas are scarce. But you need to realize that violas do not really get solos in orchestra/ symphony pieces. I don't know where you got the idea that a viola solos more than a violin. A cello gets a lot more solos usually than a viola does in pieces. But to be honest I don't like the viola sound that much. To me it does not have that big of a range. I would pick the violin if I were you. The violin is featured a lot throughout pieces and has more solo opportunities. But when you play violin, it seems like everyone else does too. It is played a lot more often and so it can make it hard to audition for things unless you are really good. But violas always seem to be needed, so if you want to stand out a little bit more, then choose the viola.
Good luck to you!
Reply:I think most people would agree that there's more fun stuff to do with violin. Violas rarely get the melody (though that's certainly not a bad thing necessarily). But there are tons of violinists and auditions can get really competitive. And viola does have a really lovely sound, plus more low notes. There's more written for violin though.
A lot of people start out on the violin and then switch to viola. (I sort of tried viola for a little but stopped because I was too busy with violin!) Both are beautiful instruments, anyway, and I don't think you'll regret whichever you pick. Good luck.
Violin on Viola da Gamba?
I'm curious... Is it possible to play violin sheet music on the Viola Da Gamba? If it's not possible, what would be the correct sheet music to play with the Viola da Gamba?
Violin on Viola da Gamba?
Oh my acheing heart I want so bad.
Go here :
http://www.vdgsa.org/
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viol
I've never tried to play it but I want to so bad. I love the sound and while it would take too long to practice it some day i will.
It sould be possible to play violin music but the extra strings may give you a problem. you would almost have to rewrite each peice to get the best effect.
and to hear some :
http://www.magnatune.com/collections/vio...
Violin on Viola da Gamba?
Oh my acheing heart I want so bad.
Go here :
http://www.vdgsa.org/
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viol
I've never tried to play it but I want to so bad. I love the sound and while it would take too long to practice it some day i will.
It sould be possible to play violin music but the extra strings may give you a problem. you would almost have to rewrite each peice to get the best effect.
and to hear some :
http://www.magnatune.com/collections/vio...
Is a 15.5 inch viola the same size as a 4/4 violin?
I'm looking for a case for my 15.5" viola, but the only awesome ones seem to be for violins. The original case for my viola was a rental case, and had both 15.5" and 4/4 on it. So are 15.5" violas the same size as 4/4 violins? Would a 4/4 violin case work for my 15.5" viola? Thanks in advance!
Is a 15.5 inch viola the same size as a 4/4 violin?
Bring in the viola and see if it fits
bacteria
Is a 15.5 inch viola the same size as a 4/4 violin?
Bring in the viola and see if it fits
bacteria
New viola shoulder rest- help please!?!?!?
Hello! I just bought a new viola, and I got a center- mounted chin-rest with it. However, the new viola is not as thick and bulky as my previous instrument, and the set-up is completely different, so I'm in desperate need of a new shoulder rest. It needs to be really tall because I have a long neck and slanted shoulders. I've previously tried the Kun Super, Wolf Forte, and Bonmusica with the Kun Super being the more successful, but not quite as comfortable as i'd like (at least not high enough). Are there any models you'd recommend? Thanks in advance for your help! =)
Sydney
New viola shoulder rest- help please!?!?!?
Some of the shoulder rests have attachments that you can buy to make them higher.You seem to have tried all the major brands.
Have you tried the " Resonans high" ?
http://www.johnsonstring.com/cgi-bin/acc...
I would also look at getting a higher chinrest. People overlook this option but it often provides a simple solution.
What sort of centre mounted chinrest have you got now ?
Have a look at these :
http://www.johnsonstring.com/catalog/chi...
I use the centre mounted Zitsman on my violin. I find it very comfortable. Many people who want extra height use the SAS chinrest. The Flesch chinrests are also quite high.
There is an interesting discussion here about shoulder rests . Many people who say their shoulder rest is too low should modify their technique a bit so that the left hand is supporting the violin more....just a thought
http://www.violinist.com/discussion/resp...
Here is the Stowemaster shoulder rest that they mention :
http://www.stowemaster.com/
Reply:I recommend a collapable one to fit in your case
But I love KUN too
Reply:I don't like the bon musica; I'd get a KUN (maybe a Voce) and lengthen the legs.
Sydney
New viola shoulder rest- help please!?!?!?
Some of the shoulder rests have attachments that you can buy to make them higher.You seem to have tried all the major brands.
Have you tried the " Resonans high" ?
http://www.johnsonstring.com/cgi-bin/acc...
I would also look at getting a higher chinrest. People overlook this option but it often provides a simple solution.
What sort of centre mounted chinrest have you got now ?
Have a look at these :
http://www.johnsonstring.com/catalog/chi...
I use the centre mounted Zitsman on my violin. I find it very comfortable. Many people who want extra height use the SAS chinrest. The Flesch chinrests are also quite high.
There is an interesting discussion here about shoulder rests . Many people who say their shoulder rest is too low should modify their technique a bit so that the left hand is supporting the violin more....just a thought
http://www.violinist.com/discussion/resp...
Here is the Stowemaster shoulder rest that they mention :
http://www.stowemaster.com/
Reply:I recommend a collapable one to fit in your case
But I love KUN too
Reply:I don't like the bon musica; I'd get a KUN (maybe a Voce) and lengthen the legs.
Good Viola and Cello Duets?
I need sheet music for good cello and viola duets or orchestra music that has alot of cello and viola melody.
A place to get this music for free would be nice too.
Good Viola and Cello Duets?
The three pieces that come to mind immediately are:
Beethoven - Duo in E flat 'with two Eyeglasses'
Hindemith - Duett for Viola and Cello (1934)
Spohr - Grand Duo in E minor for Viola and Cello Op 13
You can also try googling 'viola cello duet' and 'viola cello duo' and get sight of many compilations and arrangements - some of which the previous contributor has already given you.
Reply:tea for two
Reply:Viola/Cello Duets:
http://beststudentviolins.com/lit.html#v...
Viola Resources
http://beststudentviolins.com/violas.htm...
A place to get this music for free would be nice too.
Good Viola and Cello Duets?
The three pieces that come to mind immediately are:
Beethoven - Duo in E flat 'with two Eyeglasses'
Hindemith - Duett for Viola and Cello (1934)
Spohr - Grand Duo in E minor for Viola and Cello Op 13
You can also try googling 'viola cello duet' and 'viola cello duo' and get sight of many compilations and arrangements - some of which the previous contributor has already given you.
Reply:tea for two
Reply:Viola/Cello Duets:
http://beststudentviolins.com/lit.html#v...
Viola Resources
http://beststudentviolins.com/violas.htm...
Anime viola?
ok.
i need anime sheet music for the Viola.
if you dont know wat a viola is, dont ask, look it up ureself.
ANYWAYZ!
dont tell me to GOOGLE or YAHOO it.
or anything.
i need LINKS.
PLZ!!! im like, willing to do ANYTHING!
i finally got sum paper and stuff to print it out.
now i NEED THE MUSIC
!!!
PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
free if you can plz
Anime viola?
You'll do anything?
Then would you send me your naked pictures if I upload it on rapidshare for you? ;)
Reply:Try:
http://beststudentviolins.com/resources....
i need anime sheet music for the Viola.
if you dont know wat a viola is, dont ask, look it up ureself.
ANYWAYZ!
dont tell me to GOOGLE or YAHOO it.
or anything.
i need LINKS.
PLZ!!! im like, willing to do ANYTHING!
i finally got sum paper and stuff to print it out.
now i NEED THE MUSIC
!!!
PLZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
free if you can plz
Anime viola?
You'll do anything?
Then would you send me your naked pictures if I upload it on rapidshare for you? ;)
Reply:Try:
http://beststudentviolins.com/resources....
Beginning viola?
is there an online site that has beginning viola lesson type things for free? I play lots of different instruments and would like to learn how to play viola. Thanks
Beginning viola?
Yeah! I'll put some sites on this answer, explain a couple things myself and look on youtube, I'm sure you'll find something useful there. With the links I've amalgamated in this answer, you can pretty much learn the viola on your own.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...
Looking at the picture that link 1 will take you to, you can see first position, where your fingers rest naturally on the viola. The first notes (CGDA) are the strings on the viola when you play them open (no fingers down). The yellow lines are first postion, starting out it is important that you get used to this position and make sure you have good intonation by playing scales in this position. (you should get the do-ra-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do thing no matter which open string you start on, thats the best way to check your 1st position intonation)
When you are comfortable with 1st position and which notes are where, you can start to learn how to read music (you can do this while learning 1st position too)
http://www.violaonline.com/notereading.h...
http://www.violaonline.com/tuning-viola....
Note Reading - Link 2 says that the lines are FACEG; the spaces are GBDF, but thats not as important as knowing where the notes are on your fingers. The easiest way to learn this, I think, is to learn where the open strings are first, then you can understand the fingerings a little better. Link 3 will show you where open strings are on the clef.
Key Signature - Isn't included on that website, but I'll explain simply. Which ever note the key signature is written on, thats how you play all those notes in that piece. This means that if there is a sharp on F, you will play High 3rd Finger on C (low F#), and on D you will play with your second finger in first position regularly (high F#). It will make sense when you start playing music, look at the scales in link 4 (which I made myself by the way) and you will get a better idea of it. Also on link 4 is what first position will look like (ignore the key signature on the last picture, just know that it is first position which you can use link 1 to see).
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/7218/...
I hope this has helped you on your way to becoming a violist, and I wish you the best of luck. The final link that I will include in this answer is one with which you can test your knowledge of the alto, or viola clef. Fun Fiddling! (haha I've never said that before)
http://courses.wcupa.edu/frichmon/usetec...
By the time you know first position, how to read the notes and understand key signature, have good intonation and a long, full bowstroke then you will be able to read some simple music at first and then some more difficult things with experience. For free viola music, I would use 8notes.com.
That is all the information I have for now, but until next time have fun with learning the viola!
Reply:no but visit southwest strings or shar music those r great sites
fresh fruit baskets
Beginning viola?
Yeah! I'll put some sites on this answer, explain a couple things myself and look on youtube, I'm sure you'll find something useful there. With the links I've amalgamated in this answer, you can pretty much learn the viola on your own.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...
Looking at the picture that link 1 will take you to, you can see first position, where your fingers rest naturally on the viola. The first notes (CGDA) are the strings on the viola when you play them open (no fingers down). The yellow lines are first postion, starting out it is important that you get used to this position and make sure you have good intonation by playing scales in this position. (you should get the do-ra-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do thing no matter which open string you start on, thats the best way to check your 1st position intonation)
When you are comfortable with 1st position and which notes are where, you can start to learn how to read music (you can do this while learning 1st position too)
http://www.violaonline.com/notereading.h...
http://www.violaonline.com/tuning-viola....
Note Reading - Link 2 says that the lines are FACEG; the spaces are GBDF, but thats not as important as knowing where the notes are on your fingers. The easiest way to learn this, I think, is to learn where the open strings are first, then you can understand the fingerings a little better. Link 3 will show you where open strings are on the clef.
Key Signature - Isn't included on that website, but I'll explain simply. Which ever note the key signature is written on, thats how you play all those notes in that piece. This means that if there is a sharp on F, you will play High 3rd Finger on C (low F#), and on D you will play with your second finger in first position regularly (high F#). It will make sense when you start playing music, look at the scales in link 4 (which I made myself by the way) and you will get a better idea of it. Also on link 4 is what first position will look like (ignore the key signature on the last picture, just know that it is first position which you can use link 1 to see).
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/7218/...
I hope this has helped you on your way to becoming a violist, and I wish you the best of luck. The final link that I will include in this answer is one with which you can test your knowledge of the alto, or viola clef. Fun Fiddling! (haha I've never said that before)
http://courses.wcupa.edu/frichmon/usetec...
By the time you know first position, how to read the notes and understand key signature, have good intonation and a long, full bowstroke then you will be able to read some simple music at first and then some more difficult things with experience. For free viola music, I would use 8notes.com.
That is all the information I have for now, but until next time have fun with learning the viola!
Reply:no but visit southwest strings or shar music those r great sites
fresh fruit baskets
How long are viola bows?
Is there a standard length or range of lengths for viola bows? I am buying a new viola and bow after having rented for a few months. I will most likely be getting a 16'' viola. What length bow is appropriate?
How long are viola bows?
The standard length viola bow is 74 cm = 29 inches for a full size viola. A 16 inch viola is full size.
http://www.centrum.is/hansi/thebow.html
http://www.violinonline.com/apvlabows.ht...
Reply:Unlike with the viola, the viola bow doesn't have a standard length. While throughout history the lengths of bows have changed, now I believe they don't change that much. They are usually a bit smaller than a violin bow and are strung a bit more widely. I believe they come in corresponding sizes to the size of the viola. Always longer than a cello bow, however. I would buy a bow based on how it plays. How heavy, flexible, etc it is. Does the frog sit snugly against the wood? Does the nut tighten smoothly? Has it ever been broken before? Was it well cared for by the previous owner?
Reply:14 to 16 viola B-20 bow ---- 29 inch.
How long are viola bows?
The standard length viola bow is 74 cm = 29 inches for a full size viola. A 16 inch viola is full size.
http://www.centrum.is/hansi/thebow.html
http://www.violinonline.com/apvlabows.ht...
Reply:Unlike with the viola, the viola bow doesn't have a standard length. While throughout history the lengths of bows have changed, now I believe they don't change that much. They are usually a bit smaller than a violin bow and are strung a bit more widely. I believe they come in corresponding sizes to the size of the viola. Always longer than a cello bow, however. I would buy a bow based on how it plays. How heavy, flexible, etc it is. Does the frog sit snugly against the wood? Does the nut tighten smoothly? Has it ever been broken before? Was it well cared for by the previous owner?
Reply:14 to 16 viola B-20 bow ---- 29 inch.
Buying a viola?
Hey :)
I currently hire my viola from the local music service who I also get my music lessons from. But because I'll be going to university soon I thought I'd buy a viola so I can continue playing (for sheer enjoyment)
I can either buy the hired viola I use at the moment (they'd throw in a better case and bow too which I desperately need) but I reckon it needs some better strings putting on.
Or do I buy a new one for around the same price (so I'm not having to compromise and actually have something new and that's my own for a change)
If I buy a new one, I'm thinking of the Stentor Conservatoire model.
Any thoughts?
:)
Buying a viola?
Go with the new one. I am not a string-musician, but make sure you try out any new instruments before committing to one!!
Reply:You could also look at these, starting here:
http://beststudentviolins.com/violas.htm...
Reply:i do not know. but i would love to
I currently hire my viola from the local music service who I also get my music lessons from. But because I'll be going to university soon I thought I'd buy a viola so I can continue playing (for sheer enjoyment)
I can either buy the hired viola I use at the moment (they'd throw in a better case and bow too which I desperately need) but I reckon it needs some better strings putting on.
Or do I buy a new one for around the same price (so I'm not having to compromise and actually have something new and that's my own for a change)
If I buy a new one, I'm thinking of the Stentor Conservatoire model.
Any thoughts?
:)
Buying a viola?
Go with the new one. I am not a string-musician, but make sure you try out any new instruments before committing to one!!
Reply:You could also look at these, starting here:
http://beststudentviolins.com/violas.htm...
Reply:i do not know. but i would love to
VIOLA or CELLO. I wanted to know which instrument(VIOLA or CELLO) is easier to begin with.?
I know there are too many questions of this kind, but I just couldnt stop myself from asking!!! I am in college now and I have no musical background.
If i begin with Viola will it be easier to switch to cello or is it the other way around??
VIOLA or CELLO. I wanted to know which instrument(VIOLA or CELLO) is easier to begin with.?
Which do you like the sound of more?
The reality is, whichever one you start with, it's going to be a challenge to switch. You have no musical background, so switching from a viola (which is, practically, the only instrument which uses the alto clef), to anything else is going to be like learning another language for you. Can you do it? Sure. Will it be easy? Probably not.
Pick whichever one appeals to you..I go by the sound the instrument produces. I like deeper tones, so of the two I'd pick the cello (this from a violinist, but we won't go there.)
Reply:As a cellist, naturally, i'd say cello.
i know loads of people who've started later on and done really well with it. yes, perhaps viola is more practical, but it's less comfortable to play...
... .and you'll make a much nicer sound on the cello to start off with. viola plays and violinists are much more interchangable, i've never heard of cello/viola swap, or vice versa.
cellists read in bass/tenor and treble clef. and viola players tend to maily use alto clef. so on balance... i'd say that playing the cello would be more useful all-round musically.
Reply:they are both equally difficult ... in diferrent ways nut an older beginner i would recommend the one you like the best and if you can't decide go for viola there are more opportunities for the viola player and the parts tend to be easier than cello parts
Reply:both are about the same level of difficulty. the only advantage to viola is that it is smaller and lighter, so its easier to carry to practice.
Reply:This is totally subjective, but I would say cello. The strings are further apart which, for me, made it easier to play. Also something about being able to look down at the strings for me helped. But again, totally opinion.
Reply:CELLO- there is a Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drum, Keyboard/Piano.
Reply:I started with viola because I wanted one of the instruments you "hold on your chin." (What?) Now I play cello. I've played for four years, and I still like it. I'd say any instrument's pretty easy to pick up as long as you start at a beginner level. As far as switching from viola to cello, it was pretty easy, but I had experience with the bass clef from piano...I'd say just start playing cello.
Reply:I played the viola for about four years now, and it's pretty good. Personally, you should stick with one instrument, why? Well, if you played the violin and you decided to switch, you'll have to get use to the weight, the shape, the tone, the notes, and the music you get. If you played the viola and switched to the cello, you have to get use to so many things.
I think you should start out with the viola, because if you plan to play viola professionally, and your one of the best out there, conductors from all these orchestras will rip your door down just to beg you to play in the orchestra!
So, play the viola! :]
Reply:You should start with the instrument you actually want to play; there is no reason to start with one and switch to the other!
The cello is an amazing instrument with a beautiful rich sound (the viola is higher pitched and scratchier), and there is much more music out there for it than there is for viola. I play the cello and am very glad I do! There is just soooo much you can do with a cello!
But if you think you like the viola better, you should play it because there aren't as many violists as there are cellists. If you are any good at all, many chamber groups and orchestras will want you to come play for them!
Another factor to consider when deciding on an instrument is a teacher- You won't be very good if you don't have a good teacher. (And if you aren't planning on private lessons just don't play at all- you'll find that it's hard to teach yourself) Take lessons from somebody who knows alot about their area of musical expertise, and preferably whose personality you like.
Good luck!
Reply:Neither. They are two completely different instruments. Why would you want to start with one then switch to the other?
Best to choose one then stick with it. OK, someone who's played viola before will learn cello faster than someone who's never played anything before. Someone who's played cello before will learn viola faster than someone who's never played anything before. Get it?
The best way to become a good cello player is to start on the cello, learn the cello, practice the cello.
Ditto for viola.
There isn't one that prepares you for the other.
If i begin with Viola will it be easier to switch to cello or is it the other way around??
VIOLA or CELLO. I wanted to know which instrument(VIOLA or CELLO) is easier to begin with.?
Which do you like the sound of more?
The reality is, whichever one you start with, it's going to be a challenge to switch. You have no musical background, so switching from a viola (which is, practically, the only instrument which uses the alto clef), to anything else is going to be like learning another language for you. Can you do it? Sure. Will it be easy? Probably not.
Pick whichever one appeals to you..I go by the sound the instrument produces. I like deeper tones, so of the two I'd pick the cello (this from a violinist, but we won't go there.)
Reply:As a cellist, naturally, i'd say cello.
i know loads of people who've started later on and done really well with it. yes, perhaps viola is more practical, but it's less comfortable to play...
... .and you'll make a much nicer sound on the cello to start off with. viola plays and violinists are much more interchangable, i've never heard of cello/viola swap, or vice versa.
cellists read in bass/tenor and treble clef. and viola players tend to maily use alto clef. so on balance... i'd say that playing the cello would be more useful all-round musically.
Reply:they are both equally difficult ... in diferrent ways nut an older beginner i would recommend the one you like the best and if you can't decide go for viola there are more opportunities for the viola player and the parts tend to be easier than cello parts
Reply:both are about the same level of difficulty. the only advantage to viola is that it is smaller and lighter, so its easier to carry to practice.
Reply:This is totally subjective, but I would say cello. The strings are further apart which, for me, made it easier to play. Also something about being able to look down at the strings for me helped. But again, totally opinion.
Reply:CELLO- there is a Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drum, Keyboard/Piano.
Reply:I started with viola because I wanted one of the instruments you "hold on your chin." (What?) Now I play cello. I've played for four years, and I still like it. I'd say any instrument's pretty easy to pick up as long as you start at a beginner level. As far as switching from viola to cello, it was pretty easy, but I had experience with the bass clef from piano...I'd say just start playing cello.
Reply:I played the viola for about four years now, and it's pretty good. Personally, you should stick with one instrument, why? Well, if you played the violin and you decided to switch, you'll have to get use to the weight, the shape, the tone, the notes, and the music you get. If you played the viola and switched to the cello, you have to get use to so many things.
I think you should start out with the viola, because if you plan to play viola professionally, and your one of the best out there, conductors from all these orchestras will rip your door down just to beg you to play in the orchestra!
So, play the viola! :]
Reply:You should start with the instrument you actually want to play; there is no reason to start with one and switch to the other!
The cello is an amazing instrument with a beautiful rich sound (the viola is higher pitched and scratchier), and there is much more music out there for it than there is for viola. I play the cello and am very glad I do! There is just soooo much you can do with a cello!
But if you think you like the viola better, you should play it because there aren't as many violists as there are cellists. If you are any good at all, many chamber groups and orchestras will want you to come play for them!
Another factor to consider when deciding on an instrument is a teacher- You won't be very good if you don't have a good teacher. (And if you aren't planning on private lessons just don't play at all- you'll find that it's hard to teach yourself) Take lessons from somebody who knows alot about their area of musical expertise, and preferably whose personality you like.
Good luck!
Reply:Neither. They are two completely different instruments. Why would you want to start with one then switch to the other?
Best to choose one then stick with it. OK, someone who's played viola before will learn cello faster than someone who's never played anything before. Someone who's played cello before will learn viola faster than someone who's never played anything before. Get it?
The best way to become a good cello player is to start on the cello, learn the cello, practice the cello.
Ditto for viola.
There isn't one that prepares you for the other.
Viola or Chello?
I want to play both of these instruments. I love the sound of both (maybe the viola a bit more). Although the cello is much more expensive. I like the cello how it fits on me it is comfortable. Although the viola isn't as comfortable. Im having trouble, could some one help?
Viola or Chello?
In the string section the violas are all in the middle, usually have a supporting role and never have very much to do. Except support!
Cello!
.
Reply:You'll get more scholarships on viola.
Reply:Viola...it's easier to carry!
Reply:Well obisouly when your playing the viola you got this neck pad thing. And when your playing cello you just lay it on the floor. For me I would perfer viola cause its lighter and its not that heavy.
Reply:Why not learn to play both. I played the cello in school...you could own one and practice with a friends. I love the sound of the cello. You can always pick it out when you hear it in a song.
Reply:I play both to and I like the viola more because for me the chello is akward. You are right though they are both beautiful instruments. If i were you i would go with the Viola.
Reply:Cello's are way cooler in my opinion, I used to play viola. Didn't like it at all.
Reply:Go with your heart! In this case, it sounds like Cello.
-Stebone
Reply:You should play the viola. There are many challenging parts for the viola and I tend to think that people give the viola a bad wrap. Violists are underrated!
I love the mellow sound of the viola! Don't get me wrong...the cello and the viola are both beautiful instruments, but we need more great viola players out there!
Reply:well i don't play the Viola or Chello but my advice would be to learn how to play both of them, i play clarinet and piano i mean once you can read music you could play any instrement you wanted all you have to do it know how to play the notes, but i would say go for both like i said i play clarinet and piano its easy to get the hang of both once you can read the notes in music! You could always start wich ever one you prefer and play that for a while and then if you get on with it really well and you really enjoy playing music continue wich ever instrument you decided on and then learn the other instrument you want to play!!
Hope this helps you
Reply:Chello...
Reply:cello.
it's easier to find music for cello and it has a much more beautiful sound.
there is also a wider amount of music you can play on it.
Reply:CELLO!!! Seriously there are relatively few great pieces that feature the viola as the prime instrument. There are hundreds and probaly thousands of great pieces that feature the cello. Also if you have ever heard an electric cello it is much better sounding than an electric guitar (i play guitar).
Reply:Cello all the way. Very romantic!
Reply:cello
or learn piano!(;
Reply:viola
no offense but the cello players i now are all weird
im not saying this cuz im a viola player
i play violin, the viola will also be more affodable, and more convenint, for carrying it around
Reply:chello, its easier to find music for it, and its not written in a wered cleff, like viola is.
Reply:Cello. More genres of music you could use it in.
Investing
Viola or Chello?
In the string section the violas are all in the middle, usually have a supporting role and never have very much to do. Except support!
Cello!
.
Reply:You'll get more scholarships on viola.
Reply:Viola...it's easier to carry!
Reply:Well obisouly when your playing the viola you got this neck pad thing. And when your playing cello you just lay it on the floor. For me I would perfer viola cause its lighter and its not that heavy.
Reply:Why not learn to play both. I played the cello in school...you could own one and practice with a friends. I love the sound of the cello. You can always pick it out when you hear it in a song.
Reply:I play both to and I like the viola more because for me the chello is akward. You are right though they are both beautiful instruments. If i were you i would go with the Viola.
Reply:Cello's are way cooler in my opinion, I used to play viola. Didn't like it at all.
Reply:Go with your heart! In this case, it sounds like Cello.
-Stebone
Reply:You should play the viola. There are many challenging parts for the viola and I tend to think that people give the viola a bad wrap. Violists are underrated!
I love the mellow sound of the viola! Don't get me wrong...the cello and the viola are both beautiful instruments, but we need more great viola players out there!
Reply:well i don't play the Viola or Chello but my advice would be to learn how to play both of them, i play clarinet and piano i mean once you can read music you could play any instrement you wanted all you have to do it know how to play the notes, but i would say go for both like i said i play clarinet and piano its easy to get the hang of both once you can read the notes in music! You could always start wich ever one you prefer and play that for a while and then if you get on with it really well and you really enjoy playing music continue wich ever instrument you decided on and then learn the other instrument you want to play!!
Hope this helps you
Reply:Chello...
Reply:cello.
it's easier to find music for cello and it has a much more beautiful sound.
there is also a wider amount of music you can play on it.
Reply:CELLO!!! Seriously there are relatively few great pieces that feature the viola as the prime instrument. There are hundreds and probaly thousands of great pieces that feature the cello. Also if you have ever heard an electric cello it is much better sounding than an electric guitar (i play guitar).
Reply:Cello all the way. Very romantic!
Reply:cello
or learn piano!(;
Reply:viola
no offense but the cello players i now are all weird
im not saying this cuz im a viola player
i play violin, the viola will also be more affodable, and more convenint, for carrying it around
Reply:chello, its easier to find music for it, and its not written in a wered cleff, like viola is.
Reply:Cello. More genres of music you could use it in.
Investing
Viola audition?
what would be a good piece to play an excerpt from for and audition into a youth orchestra? (for viola)
im dont really know how to classify how advanced i am...im in high school , but cant do like amazingly fast things and such
idk how many viola ppl are out there, but ya....
thanks guys :o)
Viola audition?
Are you comfortable shifting? I think the Eccles Sonata in g minor (transcribed by Milton Katims) is a beautiful piece. It has two slow movements and two fast movements and you could pick your favorite!
If you aren't comfortable with shifting, check out some of the Suzuki Viola books 3 %26amp; 4 -- almost any of the pieces in there would be a nice solo.
That said, I would strongly encourage you to recycle a piece you've played in the past. Auditions are difficult enough withouth having to learn an extra new piece. Sticking with an "old friend" will make the audition process that much easier (and you can spend your practice time POLISHING instead of learning notes!)
GOOD LUCK
Reply:thank you :o) Report It
Reply:i have no idea what your talking about =P
Reply:Really, there isn't enough literature to choose from, and it's sad. Here are some that I have heard or played. The Schubert Arpeggione Sonata is really fun to play, and it sounds great. The Stamitz Viola concerto is also really good, and of course the Bach Cello Suites for Viola. Look up William Primrose: he was a great violist who transcribed a lot of pieces for viola. You should definitely be able to find some viola pieces if you do a search on Char Music for William Primrose.
Violas Rule!!
Reply:Steitz violin student concertos have been transcribed for viola and theres is always the Telemann concerto or you could just pull something out one of the Suzuki books for viola those are really fun and they are real music
Reply:I'm a violist and I've played a few auditions in my day %26lt;g%26gt;.
You can't go wrong with one of the Bach cello suite movements. One of my favorites is the Allemande from the 3rd suite because it shows a variety of techniques - it's quick but not ridiculous, and it sounds wonderful when played well. I would concentrate on getting good "viola tone" and don't take it too fast.
You could also play the 1st movement of the Casadesus ("Handel") concerto. It's not outrageously difficult but it does show that you can master some challenging passages.
The Stamitz concerto is kind of a standard for high school playing, but I consider it a tad over-done. If you do play it, you'll want to really play it well because the judges have probably heard it played poorly quite a few times.
If you want to really go for a technical piece, choose one of the Paganini caprices. #24 is good because it's a theme and variations, so it shows off a number of different techniques. The video on YouTube of Primrose playing this is just insane.
But I would personally stick to the Bach.
im dont really know how to classify how advanced i am...im in high school , but cant do like amazingly fast things and such
idk how many viola ppl are out there, but ya....
thanks guys :o)
Viola audition?
Are you comfortable shifting? I think the Eccles Sonata in g minor (transcribed by Milton Katims) is a beautiful piece. It has two slow movements and two fast movements and you could pick your favorite!
If you aren't comfortable with shifting, check out some of the Suzuki Viola books 3 %26amp; 4 -- almost any of the pieces in there would be a nice solo.
That said, I would strongly encourage you to recycle a piece you've played in the past. Auditions are difficult enough withouth having to learn an extra new piece. Sticking with an "old friend" will make the audition process that much easier (and you can spend your practice time POLISHING instead of learning notes!)
GOOD LUCK
Reply:thank you :o) Report It
Reply:i have no idea what your talking about =P
Reply:Really, there isn't enough literature to choose from, and it's sad. Here are some that I have heard or played. The Schubert Arpeggione Sonata is really fun to play, and it sounds great. The Stamitz Viola concerto is also really good, and of course the Bach Cello Suites for Viola. Look up William Primrose: he was a great violist who transcribed a lot of pieces for viola. You should definitely be able to find some viola pieces if you do a search on Char Music for William Primrose.
Violas Rule!!
Reply:Steitz violin student concertos have been transcribed for viola and theres is always the Telemann concerto or you could just pull something out one of the Suzuki books for viola those are really fun and they are real music
Reply:I'm a violist and I've played a few auditions in my day %26lt;g%26gt;.
You can't go wrong with one of the Bach cello suite movements. One of my favorites is the Allemande from the 3rd suite because it shows a variety of techniques - it's quick but not ridiculous, and it sounds wonderful when played well. I would concentrate on getting good "viola tone" and don't take it too fast.
You could also play the 1st movement of the Casadesus ("Handel") concerto. It's not outrageously difficult but it does show that you can master some challenging passages.
The Stamitz concerto is kind of a standard for high school playing, but I consider it a tad over-done. If you do play it, you'll want to really play it well because the judges have probably heard it played poorly quite a few times.
If you want to really go for a technical piece, choose one of the Paganini caprices. #24 is good because it's a theme and variations, so it shows off a number of different techniques. The video on YouTube of Primrose playing this is just insane.
But I would personally stick to the Bach.
Viola sheet music?
do anybody know where i can get FREE viola sheet music?
i need a LINK!
dont tell me to search for it cuz i tried.
i always try b4 i ask.
ANYWAYZ! back to the subject.
1.must be for viola
2.must be free
3.SHEET MUSIC!
Viola sheet music?
Try these :
http://www.8notes.com/viola/
http://www.musicaviva.com/viola/index.tp...
http://www.stringworks.com/freeviolinshe...
http://www.free-scores.com/free-sheet-mu...
http://www.123-sheet-music.com/free-viol...
Reply:www.8notes.com
Reply:Free Viola Music
http://beststudentviolins.com/freemusic....
Reply:www.tapartoche.com
i need a LINK!
dont tell me to search for it cuz i tried.
i always try b4 i ask.
ANYWAYZ! back to the subject.
1.must be for viola
2.must be free
3.SHEET MUSIC!
Viola sheet music?
Try these :
http://www.8notes.com/viola/
http://www.musicaviva.com/viola/index.tp...
http://www.stringworks.com/freeviolinshe...
http://www.free-scores.com/free-sheet-mu...
http://www.123-sheet-music.com/free-viol...
Reply:www.8notes.com
Reply:Free Viola Music
http://beststudentviolins.com/freemusic....
Reply:www.tapartoche.com
Viola shoulder rest?
I'm looking to get a new shoulder rest for my viola. I've used a kun collapsable for the past 3 or 4 years, but I want something that is more acoustic yet comfortable at the same time. For example, the mach I is supposedly really acoustic but when trying it, I felt like the viola would slip out and drop at moment's notice. Any ideas?
Viola shoulder rest?
What do you mean by "more acoustic" ? You could try one of the pad types as shown here :
http://www.johnsonstring.com/cgi-bin/acc...
The other thing you can do is to change your chin rest. You would be surprised at what a difference this can make. Try the centre mounted chinrests such as the Berber, Flesch or the Zitsman. I have a Zitsman on my violin and I am amazed at how comfortable it feels.
http://www.johnsonstring.com/catalog/chi...
Too often, we assume the problem is the shoulder rest when in fact it is the chin rest that needs to be changed. I would stick with the KUN collapsible ; it is a good shoulder rest.
Reply:I use the KUN Bravo for viola, with no difficulties. I don't like anything else:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...
Viola shoulder rest?
What do you mean by "more acoustic" ? You could try one of the pad types as shown here :
http://www.johnsonstring.com/cgi-bin/acc...
The other thing you can do is to change your chin rest. You would be surprised at what a difference this can make. Try the centre mounted chinrests such as the Berber, Flesch or the Zitsman. I have a Zitsman on my violin and I am amazed at how comfortable it feels.
http://www.johnsonstring.com/catalog/chi...
Too often, we assume the problem is the shoulder rest when in fact it is the chin rest that needs to be changed. I would stick with the KUN collapsible ; it is a good shoulder rest.
Reply:I use the KUN Bravo for viola, with no difficulties. I don't like anything else:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B...
Viola Duets?
Viola duets or trio music for 2 violas and a violin??? i know that trio is kind of strange...
Viola Duets?
Transcriptions abound of Baroque sonatas, or your other choice is 20th century music. Check Shar online.
how to grow azalea
Viola Duets?
Transcriptions abound of Baroque sonatas, or your other choice is 20th century music. Check Shar online.
how to grow azalea
Viola or cello? how about a silent one?
I`ve been thinking about picking up a new instrument - I play the piano - and I can`t choose between the viola and the cello: I love the sound of the cello somewhat more but it`s much more difficult to carry around. Also, I`m afraid that the neighbors will want to kill me after hearing me practice :-), and so I was wondering about a silent viola or cello... I know they are much more expensive, but if the sound is fine then it might be worth it. Any opinions from those who tried them?
Viola or cello? how about a silent one?
Go for the cello and get a practice mute. Those do a really great job in reducing the amount of sound they make.
Reply:i absolutely love the cello. i'm a violinist myself, but i would love to take cello lessons, but anyways, if you're worried about hauling the cello around everywhere, ( if you're still in school ), most schools will have cellos there so you won't have to carry it around AS much. but for a silent instrument, i think you should wait until you know for sure what you wanna play because that's a lot of money you're looking at. but i would go w/ the cello. that's my opinion, hope i could help
Reply:I love the cello personally. It is big, but it is generally more low than loud, so your neighbors might not mind it and could probably easily get something to drown out the noise with just a tv program or music of their own.
Reply:Well...I'm slightly biased as I am a viola player...but I think that either way you pick a good one. As for the silent...maybe wait until you know for sure that you want to continue on with the instrument. You can't beat the sound of a regular ol' viola or cello...so i'd wait. and don't worry about your neighbors too much...take lessons maybe.
Reply:which instrument would depend on your goals ... if you are trying to get in the local community orchestra/high school or even college orchestra viola is your best bet they usually need cellos and violas because the viola parts tend to be less exposed and easier the wait wouldn't be as long ... neither is a necessarily extremely loud instrument you really don't need a silent instrument unless you live in a no noise zone and the silent instruments don't translate well into playing with others also unlike violin neither squeaks and squawks as much (the truly annoying part of beginners)
Reply:i play the cello it is a very nice instrement
Reply:I have not actually seen a silent/electric viola ; violins and cellos, yes. But not the viola.
The viola can be quite difficult because of the reach required. Do you have short arms or long arms ? I love the viola but it is just too big for me so I learn the violin.
Going electric is a great idea because then you can practise whenever you want.
Reply:I've never played a silent one, but I went with the Viola, because it's allot easier to carry.
Viola or cello? how about a silent one?
Go for the cello and get a practice mute. Those do a really great job in reducing the amount of sound they make.
Reply:i absolutely love the cello. i'm a violinist myself, but i would love to take cello lessons, but anyways, if you're worried about hauling the cello around everywhere, ( if you're still in school ), most schools will have cellos there so you won't have to carry it around AS much. but for a silent instrument, i think you should wait until you know for sure what you wanna play because that's a lot of money you're looking at. but i would go w/ the cello. that's my opinion, hope i could help
Reply:I love the cello personally. It is big, but it is generally more low than loud, so your neighbors might not mind it and could probably easily get something to drown out the noise with just a tv program or music of their own.
Reply:Well...I'm slightly biased as I am a viola player...but I think that either way you pick a good one. As for the silent...maybe wait until you know for sure that you want to continue on with the instrument. You can't beat the sound of a regular ol' viola or cello...so i'd wait. and don't worry about your neighbors too much...take lessons maybe.
Reply:which instrument would depend on your goals ... if you are trying to get in the local community orchestra/high school or even college orchestra viola is your best bet they usually need cellos and violas because the viola parts tend to be less exposed and easier the wait wouldn't be as long ... neither is a necessarily extremely loud instrument you really don't need a silent instrument unless you live in a no noise zone and the silent instruments don't translate well into playing with others also unlike violin neither squeaks and squawks as much (the truly annoying part of beginners)
Reply:i play the cello it is a very nice instrement
Reply:I have not actually seen a silent/electric viola ; violins and cellos, yes. But not the viola.
The viola can be quite difficult because of the reach required. Do you have short arms or long arms ? I love the viola but it is just too big for me so I learn the violin.
Going electric is a great idea because then you can practise whenever you want.
Reply:I've never played a silent one, but I went with the Viola, because it's allot easier to carry.
Viola Solos?
I have the hardest time finding viola solo music and when I do find it, it's way over priced! I'm looking for a copy (free would be great) of Amazing Grace.
Any advice?
Also, music for Devil Went Down To Georgia in Violin or Viola would be AWESOME!
Viola Solos?
Here's several solo viola scores (free):
http://fac-simile.org/catalog/instrument...
http://www.viola-in-music.com/free_class...
Not overpriced:
http://www.cordamus.demon.co.uk/viola1.h...
Amazing Grace - Viola:
http://members.tripod.com/~m_kimber/grac...
http://www.greatscores.com/p/song/songna...
Book - 20 Sacred spirituals for viola %26amp; piano (including Amazing Grace, $20):
http://www.lastresortmusic.com/Shopping/...
"The parts of most interest are the fiddle introduction (a variation is repeated later after the first verse), and "Johnny's Solo" (the Fire on the Mountain part). Here're approximations of both":
Devil Went Down To Georgia (introduction)
Devil Went Down To Georgia (Fire On The Mountain Part)
(scroll 1/3 of the way down the page)
http://www.freesheetmusic.net/sheet_musi...
Any advice?
Also, music for Devil Went Down To Georgia in Violin or Viola would be AWESOME!
Viola Solos?
Here's several solo viola scores (free):
http://fac-simile.org/catalog/instrument...
http://www.viola-in-music.com/free_class...
Not overpriced:
http://www.cordamus.demon.co.uk/viola1.h...
Amazing Grace - Viola:
http://members.tripod.com/~m_kimber/grac...
http://www.greatscores.com/p/song/songna...
Book - 20 Sacred spirituals for viola %26amp; piano (including Amazing Grace, $20):
http://www.lastresortmusic.com/Shopping/...
"The parts of most interest are the fiddle introduction (a variation is repeated later after the first verse), and "Johnny's Solo" (the Fire on the Mountain part). Here're approximations of both":
Devil Went Down To Georgia (introduction)
Devil Went Down To Georgia (Fire On The Mountain Part)
(scroll 1/3 of the way down the page)
http://www.freesheetmusic.net/sheet_musi...
Viola or Chello?
I want to play both of these instruments. I love the sound of both (maybe the viola a bit more). Although the cello is much more expensive. I like the cello how it fits on me it is comfortable. Although the viola isn't as comfortable. Im having trouble, could some one help? Possibly professional help?
Viola or Chello?
I'm a multi-instrumentalist. I play most instruments and enjoy playing them all. Why limit yourself to just one. Buy what you can afford now and enjoy it. If you want to play the other one later then do it when you can afford to. Music is what you will enjoy from both.
Reply:Play the cello. (and spell it correctly...)
That instrument has a much richer repertoire. There are some great viola pieces too, but there just aren't as many...
Reply:I would say that if you learn one then it will be so much easier for you to learn the other. Go with the one that you feel more comfortable with or if you are hard on money the cheaper one. Later in life you will be able to pick the other one easily.
Reply:Viola. My son plays it. My daughter plays Violin. The both picked up on multiple instuments easily. It's easy to travel with %26amp; the music is easy to find as well. I play the piano with them. They can hear the music %26amp; play many things without music sheets as well.
Reply:NEITHER, PLAY VIOLIN
Reply:Personally I say cello. So expressive and deep. I just love it!
Reply:Cello. Considering you probably aren't 8 years old, (although your spelling indicates you are) I wouldn't pick up a hard to play instrument. Cello is easier, you don't always need someone to accompany you, and it still sounds good even if you aren't a professional.
Reply:Look, I love the viola too but it is just too big for me so I have stuck with the violin. If it does not feel comfortable for you then you should give it a miss.
You can do yourself a lot of damage by playing something that is not a good fit for your body. What size viola was it ? They do vary in size, unlike violins.
My advice is to go with the cello. They are both very beautiful instruments.
Reply:Cello. Definitely! It is so rich and warm sounding. If there is one instrument that I could go back and learn, it would be a cello.
Reply:I'd have to say cello. I think the sound is much nicer than a viola. Yes cellos are expensive, but mine was definitely worth it. Take into account that if you have short fingers, or can't spread them very far, you are probably better suited to a viola as you have to stretch them further on a cello. However, I think a cello is much more comfortable, your arms are in a much more natural position than with a viola.
Reply:Go with Viola..you spelled it right.
Viola or Chello?
I'm a multi-instrumentalist. I play most instruments and enjoy playing them all. Why limit yourself to just one. Buy what you can afford now and enjoy it. If you want to play the other one later then do it when you can afford to. Music is what you will enjoy from both.
Reply:Play the cello. (and spell it correctly...)
That instrument has a much richer repertoire. There are some great viola pieces too, but there just aren't as many...
Reply:I would say that if you learn one then it will be so much easier for you to learn the other. Go with the one that you feel more comfortable with or if you are hard on money the cheaper one. Later in life you will be able to pick the other one easily.
Reply:Viola. My son plays it. My daughter plays Violin. The both picked up on multiple instuments easily. It's easy to travel with %26amp; the music is easy to find as well. I play the piano with them. They can hear the music %26amp; play many things without music sheets as well.
Reply:NEITHER, PLAY VIOLIN
Reply:Personally I say cello. So expressive and deep. I just love it!
Reply:Cello. Considering you probably aren't 8 years old, (although your spelling indicates you are) I wouldn't pick up a hard to play instrument. Cello is easier, you don't always need someone to accompany you, and it still sounds good even if you aren't a professional.
Reply:Look, I love the viola too but it is just too big for me so I have stuck with the violin. If it does not feel comfortable for you then you should give it a miss.
You can do yourself a lot of damage by playing something that is not a good fit for your body. What size viola was it ? They do vary in size, unlike violins.
My advice is to go with the cello. They are both very beautiful instruments.
Reply:Cello. Definitely! It is so rich and warm sounding. If there is one instrument that I could go back and learn, it would be a cello.
Reply:I'd have to say cello. I think the sound is much nicer than a viola. Yes cellos are expensive, but mine was definitely worth it. Take into account that if you have short fingers, or can't spread them very far, you are probably better suited to a viola as you have to stretch them further on a cello. However, I think a cello is much more comfortable, your arms are in a much more natural position than with a viola.
Reply:Go with Viola..you spelled it right.
Buying a viola?
Hey :)
I currently hire my viola from the local music service who I also get my music lessons from. But because I'll be going to university soon I thought I'd buy a viola so I can continue playing (for sheer enjoyment)
I can either buy the hired viola I use at the moment (they'd throw in a better case and bow too which I desperately need) but I reckon it needs some better strings putting on.
Or do I buy a new one for around the same price (so I'm not having to compromise and actually have something new and that's my own for a change)
If I buy a new one, I'm thinking of the Stentor Conservatoire model.
Any thoughts?
:)
Buying a viola?
Only buy your viola from a violin shop so that it is set up correctly. Do NOT buy it from ebay or a general music shop.
I would not buy a second hand viola unless you know a lot about violas and what to look for in the way of defects. ( I am not referring to the rental instrument you are using now ; you know that one is okay)
The Stentnor Conservatoire violas and violins are pretty good value for money. I would check what strings they have on it. Good viola strings can be quite expensive ($70 for a set of Dominants) ; maybe you can get a violin shop to put on the strings of your choice if you bought it.
What sort of viola are you renting and how much are they asking for it ? It could be a good buy if you like it ; with a better case and bow it sounds like it is worth considering.
Reply:There are a few advantages to buying a used viola, price being one of the obvious ones.
Wood mellows as it ages, so an older instrument will generally have much better tone.
Strings you can get fairly inexpensively, plus you can choose exactly what you like, and have it set up the way you want. Same with bowstrings.
If you have the cash, and really like playing, then getting a new instrument is nice. I play guitar, and while I love my '67 Gibson ES125 (semi-hollow body - with f-holes like viola), I also like a lot of newer guitars as well.
Otherwise hit up some music stores, pawnshops, etc., look online (be careful for scams), and see what you can find!
business hosting
I currently hire my viola from the local music service who I also get my music lessons from. But because I'll be going to university soon I thought I'd buy a viola so I can continue playing (for sheer enjoyment)
I can either buy the hired viola I use at the moment (they'd throw in a better case and bow too which I desperately need) but I reckon it needs some better strings putting on.
Or do I buy a new one for around the same price (so I'm not having to compromise and actually have something new and that's my own for a change)
If I buy a new one, I'm thinking of the Stentor Conservatoire model.
Any thoughts?
:)
Buying a viola?
Only buy your viola from a violin shop so that it is set up correctly. Do NOT buy it from ebay or a general music shop.
I would not buy a second hand viola unless you know a lot about violas and what to look for in the way of defects. ( I am not referring to the rental instrument you are using now ; you know that one is okay)
The Stentnor Conservatoire violas and violins are pretty good value for money. I would check what strings they have on it. Good viola strings can be quite expensive ($70 for a set of Dominants) ; maybe you can get a violin shop to put on the strings of your choice if you bought it.
What sort of viola are you renting and how much are they asking for it ? It could be a good buy if you like it ; with a better case and bow it sounds like it is worth considering.
Reply:There are a few advantages to buying a used viola, price being one of the obvious ones.
Wood mellows as it ages, so an older instrument will generally have much better tone.
Strings you can get fairly inexpensively, plus you can choose exactly what you like, and have it set up the way you want. Same with bowstrings.
If you have the cash, and really like playing, then getting a new instrument is nice. I play guitar, and while I love my '67 Gibson ES125 (semi-hollow body - with f-holes like viola), I also like a lot of newer guitars as well.
Otherwise hit up some music stores, pawnshops, etc., look online (be careful for scams), and see what you can find!
business hosting
Viola or Violet?
I'm not pg but am trying to decide if Viola is better than Violet?
Or Violetta, but I think that might be a bit of a mouthful?
Also, is Viola better vi-o-la, like the flower, or vee-o-la like the instrument?
Having said that Letty is a lovely nickname!
By the way I know about Violet Elizabeth from Just William, but I want to reclaim the name!
Also, Eloise or Elodie?
Viola or Violet?
Lovely names all around!
I love both Viola or Violet. Violet has become a little bit more popular (especially since Jennifer Garner/Ben Affleck used the name) So, if you want something more rare, go with Viola.
I pronounce it Vi-o-la not Vee-o-la
I prefer Elodie over Eloise.
Reply:I like Violet
Reply:What about Violet, with the nickname of Viola?
Reply:I prefer Viola...it sounds pretty much great...
Reply:Viola is very very nice...
something feminine and pretty about it....
(vi-o-la, like the flower)
Reply:Violet is much better. I like Eloise, too.
Reply:Violey♥
Eloise
Reply:Order of preference :
Violet - best
Violetta
Viola - too old woman for my tastes
Eloise %26amp; Elodie - I like Elodie better I think. I like them both, this is a hard choice.
Reply:Viola, definitely. Violet is more old-fashioned...
It's pronounced VI-oh-LA, like the flower.
Eloise, I'd say. I think that's a lovely name
Reply:violet - is pretty, my nanas name was violet grace.
Violet Elizabeth is kind of a mature name.
probably not the cutest while young
but something good to put on a resume or a billboard.
eloise is pretty.
elodie is nice
but melody is nice also.
Reply:Violet is a lovely name. Out of Eloise %26amp; Elodie it's definately the latter.
Reply:violet is very pretty, feminine and dainty!
lettie was my aunt's name - well shortened from letisha.
eloise is lovely but both veeola and elodie sound like something someone threw up!
Reply:I prefer Violet, although both are nice. I prefer Viola pronounced vi-oh-la as I love the "eye" sound in names.
Violet Elizabeth is a stunning pairing, and I love the Letty or Etty nicknames. Violet Eloise would be nice too.I prefer Eloise to Elodie, and slightly prefer the frillier Eloisa to Eloise. Violet Eloisa would be perfect!
Reply:Violet
Reply:Violet for sure.
Reply:I know people with both names so I really don't have an opinion on which is best. I do like vee-o-la better for pronunciation. I much prefer Eloise to Elodie. Elodie looks like you forgot an M.
Reply:I love the Names Violet and Elodie.
Good Luck. = )
Reply:Violet and Elodie
Reply:I think violet sounds cuter.
I don't know about Eloise or Elodie though, I think Elyse is nice.
Reply:I like Violet better of the two
Viola is also better as the flower
Eloise is prettier than Elodie
Reply:Violetta - because can be shortened to violet or viola!!
and i love eloise!
x
Reply:Violet is my favorite of these names.
Reply:deff violet! i have a great aunt viola and it would remined me of her! haha! but i think that its like a really old fashoned name and she would get made fun of for it! violet is the name of ben afflecs and jen gairners baby girl too
and neither of the two e names there both kind of ugly no offence
Reply:Violet - very pretty. I almost used tht name but hubby didn't agree. Eloise also has been on my list before too. I ldon't care for Elodie though.
Reply:Violet Elodie
Reply:I like Viola and Eloise.
Reply:I like Violet better.
I think think Viola as a name is better pronounced vi-o-la.
Violet Elizabeth is lovely!
Eloise and Elodie are very nice too!
Good luck!
Or Violetta, but I think that might be a bit of a mouthful?
Also, is Viola better vi-o-la, like the flower, or vee-o-la like the instrument?
Having said that Letty is a lovely nickname!
By the way I know about Violet Elizabeth from Just William, but I want to reclaim the name!
Also, Eloise or Elodie?
Viola or Violet?
Lovely names all around!
I love both Viola or Violet. Violet has become a little bit more popular (especially since Jennifer Garner/Ben Affleck used the name) So, if you want something more rare, go with Viola.
I pronounce it Vi-o-la not Vee-o-la
I prefer Elodie over Eloise.
Reply:I like Violet
Reply:What about Violet, with the nickname of Viola?
Reply:I prefer Viola...it sounds pretty much great...
Reply:Viola is very very nice...
something feminine and pretty about it....
(vi-o-la, like the flower)
Reply:Violet is much better. I like Eloise, too.
Reply:Violey♥
Eloise
Reply:Order of preference :
Violet - best
Violetta
Viola - too old woman for my tastes
Eloise %26amp; Elodie - I like Elodie better I think. I like them both, this is a hard choice.
Reply:Viola, definitely. Violet is more old-fashioned...
It's pronounced VI-oh-LA, like the flower.
Eloise, I'd say. I think that's a lovely name
Reply:violet - is pretty, my nanas name was violet grace.
Violet Elizabeth is kind of a mature name.
probably not the cutest while young
but something good to put on a resume or a billboard.
eloise is pretty.
elodie is nice
but melody is nice also.
Reply:Violet is a lovely name. Out of Eloise %26amp; Elodie it's definately the latter.
Reply:violet is very pretty, feminine and dainty!
lettie was my aunt's name - well shortened from letisha.
eloise is lovely but both veeola and elodie sound like something someone threw up!
Reply:I prefer Violet, although both are nice. I prefer Viola pronounced vi-oh-la as I love the "eye" sound in names.
Violet Elizabeth is a stunning pairing, and I love the Letty or Etty nicknames. Violet Eloise would be nice too.I prefer Eloise to Elodie, and slightly prefer the frillier Eloisa to Eloise. Violet Eloisa would be perfect!
Reply:Violet
Reply:Violet for sure.
Reply:I know people with both names so I really don't have an opinion on which is best. I do like vee-o-la better for pronunciation. I much prefer Eloise to Elodie. Elodie looks like you forgot an M.
Reply:I love the Names Violet and Elodie.
Good Luck. = )
Reply:Violet and Elodie
Reply:I think violet sounds cuter.
I don't know about Eloise or Elodie though, I think Elyse is nice.
Reply:I like Violet better of the two
Viola is also better as the flower
Eloise is prettier than Elodie
Reply:Violetta - because can be shortened to violet or viola!!
and i love eloise!
x
Reply:Violet is my favorite of these names.
Reply:deff violet! i have a great aunt viola and it would remined me of her! haha! but i think that its like a really old fashoned name and she would get made fun of for it! violet is the name of ben afflecs and jen gairners baby girl too
and neither of the two e names there both kind of ugly no offence
Reply:Violet - very pretty. I almost used tht name but hubby didn't agree. Eloise also has been on my list before too. I ldon't care for Elodie though.
Reply:Violet Elodie
Reply:I like Viola and Eloise.
Reply:I like Violet better.
I think think Viola as a name is better pronounced vi-o-la.
Violet Elizabeth is lovely!
Eloise and Elodie are very nice too!
Good luck!
Viola beginner?
Hey everyone im getting a viola for christmas and iv never played any bow instruments or anything that requires to read music (except chorus) (for guitar i use tabs) so i was wondering if theres any recourses on the web (i already have researched it on google/yahoo ect)
On how to play the viola, mainly where the notes are found on the strings and so on
Please help!
Viola beginner?
It has 4 strings...C (lowest), G, D, and A (highest). The middle C (which is the 3rd finger down on the G string) is the very middle line on the staff and it goes up and down from there. The lowest note possible you would be able to play on the viola is the open C (on the lowest string).
I am not sure of any good online sources for learning the viola, however, a great series of books are the Suzuki Method. They have audio CD's that go along with them as well.
Other great books are the "All for Strings" series which they use a lot in elementary schools.
Also, another suggestion is to possibly get a scale book. If you start with doing one octave scales and progressing into two octave scales, you will eventually get to know where all the notes are and where to play them. They're also really good tools for getting to know your key signatures.
Good luck with your endeavors.
On how to play the viola, mainly where the notes are found on the strings and so on
Please help!
Viola beginner?
It has 4 strings...C (lowest), G, D, and A (highest). The middle C (which is the 3rd finger down on the G string) is the very middle line on the staff and it goes up and down from there. The lowest note possible you would be able to play on the viola is the open C (on the lowest string).
I am not sure of any good online sources for learning the viola, however, a great series of books are the Suzuki Method. They have audio CD's that go along with them as well.
Other great books are the "All for Strings" series which they use a lot in elementary schools.
Also, another suggestion is to possibly get a scale book. If you start with doing one octave scales and progressing into two octave scales, you will eventually get to know where all the notes are and where to play them. They're also really good tools for getting to know your key signatures.
Good luck with your endeavors.
Viola sheet music for paramore and jonas brothers song??
does anyone know where i can get viola sheet music for jonas brothers songs? oh and i was listening to the Vitamin String Quartet's Paramore cover songs and they sounded sooooo cool does anyone know where i can get viola sheet music for paramore songs?
Viola sheet music for paramore and jonas brothers song??
try and find at http://theclickinfo.com/sheetmusic.go
Viola sheet music for paramore and jonas brothers song??
try and find at http://theclickinfo.com/sheetmusic.go
Viola Experts?
I got a viola, quite a while back and i wanted to know the pricing.
its a viola, 1986 Franz Gandner, Made In West Germany.
Im sure that my parents paid 5000 dollars, but i do not know.
Viola Experts?
Don't you mean Franz Sandner ?
I use to have one of their violins once. It cost $800 but I would not give $200 for it now. It was an awful violin....dull and lifeless.
I think you should take it to a violin shop for an appraisal. I doubt that your parents paid $5000 dollars for it
PS I did find an ad for a Franz Gandner violin. They look quite expensive.
http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classifieds...
Funny, how two manufacturers in the same country would have such similar names.
Reply:I'm curious why you can't just ask your parents. But at any rate, the only way an instrument can be appriased accurately is to take it to a luthier -- it can't be done online.
Bad Teeth
its a viola, 1986 Franz Gandner, Made In West Germany.
Im sure that my parents paid 5000 dollars, but i do not know.
Viola Experts?
Don't you mean Franz Sandner ?
I use to have one of their violins once. It cost $800 but I would not give $200 for it now. It was an awful violin....dull and lifeless.
I think you should take it to a violin shop for an appraisal. I doubt that your parents paid $5000 dollars for it
PS I did find an ad for a Franz Gandner violin. They look quite expensive.
http://www.fiddlehangout.com/classifieds...
Funny, how two manufacturers in the same country would have such similar names.
Reply:I'm curious why you can't just ask your parents. But at any rate, the only way an instrument can be appriased accurately is to take it to a luthier -- it can't be done online.
Bad Teeth
Viola? PLEASE ANSWER?
hey. i want to start playing the viola, but my friend plays violin and gets blisters on her chin because of it. is it the same way for viola? if i start playing it will i get blisters? but then again, she's the only one i can think of that has blisters from an instrument. how can i avoid getting blisters? thanks for any answers
Viola? PLEASE ANSWER?
No you should not get blisters. Perhaps she isn't holding the instrument properly under her chin. A shoulder rest helps a great deal...so I would highly suggest you get one (they are fairly cheap.) Also, when you begin, your teacher or private instructor will show you how to hold the instrument properly...so I wouldn't worry about blisters at all. I've played for over 10 years now and I have never had a blister on my chin!
Reply:I don't play the viola, but it sounds fairly ridiculous to me, getting blisters from holding an instrument?
She must be doing something wrong.
Reply:I think blisters are cause because the skin is sensitive. When you start taking classes, ask your instructor if there is anything you can do to protect your skin (until it gets used to being used in that fashion). I'm not sure how you hold a viola, so...
I know that with guitars over time you develop callouses on your finger tips (unless you use a pic).
Viola? PLEASE ANSWER?
No you should not get blisters. Perhaps she isn't holding the instrument properly under her chin. A shoulder rest helps a great deal...so I would highly suggest you get one (they are fairly cheap.) Also, when you begin, your teacher or private instructor will show you how to hold the instrument properly...so I wouldn't worry about blisters at all. I've played for over 10 years now and I have never had a blister on my chin!
Reply:I don't play the viola, but it sounds fairly ridiculous to me, getting blisters from holding an instrument?
She must be doing something wrong.
Reply:I think blisters are cause because the skin is sensitive. When you start taking classes, ask your instructor if there is anything you can do to protect your skin (until it gets used to being used in that fashion). I'm not sure how you hold a viola, so...
I know that with guitars over time you develop callouses on your finger tips (unless you use a pic).
Viola help?
I just started playing the viola and I loved it.In the past I've picked many instruments and quit in just in a matter of days.I was wondering does any one have any tips on any thing like positioning or be a better viola player or just in general .thanks
Viola help?
That's wonderful! Too often the orchestra is full of violinists, but really short on violists!
I'm a violnist, but my greatest teacher was a violist - If you can find it, the Raymond Montoni portable string clinic book is about the best you can read. Of course, I'm biased.
OK but try this, get in the best physical shape you can. Swimming and yoga are great for strength and flexibility. Eat right. Don't smoke. Drink water. Get rest. - yeah, mom is right.
For positioning, hold your viola with your chin and shoulder. let your left arm hang free. Walk around the room like this. with a bit of practice you'll be able to do this. Now your arm is free to move all over the instrument - in all kinds of positions. Not bad, eh?
bring your arm up to your viola. POint your elbow towards your belly button. Keep your wrist straight - and keep holding the viola with your chin - not your hand.
You'll be amazed at how much easier the viola is to play once you give up trying to hold it with your arm.
Reply:Congratulations on becoming a violist. You will always be in demand!
I encourage you to practice 3 or 4 octave scales and arp's daily. This will make your chops unstoppable. Practice slowly with a metronome.
Did you see those last 3 words?
Muy importante'!
Practice scales and arps S l o w l y ! Don't slop your shifts and keep everything super clean and you will kick 8ss.
Reply:practice
get a good teacher.
Reply:Your best choice is to search out a University instructor or a local instructor. There are good books out there, but one on one communication with an instructor is the most wisest way.
Reply:Very cool. Forget 3 and 4 octave scales, first of all YOU ARE A BEGINNER, and that advice is crazy! I have been playing for 23 years, and love it. Start by getting a viola teacher, not a violinist who teaches viola. They are out there, but may be few and far between. There is some amazing music out there...try VIOLA and PIANO, it's a book of early classical music that is arranged for viola. Also, once you are ready, the Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies - FIscher Edition is a great place to look for etudes. The Suzuki books are great for literature and repoitoire to get you going. Once you have these things down look into solos and better etudes, start on third position and the upper positions/lower positions (1/2 pos.) Work on one and two octave scales to start, then work into some 3 octave scales. By then you should be ready for some more advanced work. I wish you luck!
Reply:im a violist too, and the one thing that is a necessity is a shoulder rest. not ony is it confortable, but you should be able to hold the viola between your shoulder and your cheek, in order to adjust fingerings, and the shoulder rest helps with just that. its also good to keep a clean, soft cloth to wipe of your viola and the strings every couple of days. and you should never leave your viola in the car on a hot summer day. the fingerboard might melt!
Reply:good to see you become a viola player. practise consistently %26amp; don't give up. it requires quite an effort to improve, especially at the beginning.
i'm no violist, but i do play the violin. the principles of positioning are the quite similar. let me tell you through years of experience.
firstly, you need 2 grip the viola (with your neck) right. get a shoulder rest and grip it without assistance from your left arm. it is important for shifting positions. grip it at 45 degrees from your shoulders. grip it tight and firm with your entire left jaw, not your chin. look straight and not down when you play.
next, place your bow (stick) on the strings between the end of the fingering board and the bridge. make sure the bow and the bridge are in parallel with each other. a square like space with your body, lower arm, bow and viola as sides should form.
when you hold the bow, note that your last finger must be bent. DO NOT put it straight and locked, for this will make it difficult for you to play harder pieces in the future. your fingers should be flexible and smooth and this also improves posture. your thumb tip should also not exceed the other side of the stick of the bow. to master holding the bow, you can train holding the bow with only your first finger and last finger. the other fingers are actually useless.
when you play, start with open strings (without pressing the finger board). try not to move your upper arm while you play, for if you do so your bow might slip down to the finger board. hold your viola high too to help maintain bow position (not too high also).practise by leaning your right arm onto the edge of a wall. while changing strings (eg. A to C), move your entire arm. don't be lazy and move only your upper arm. also, feel free and relaxed when you play. don't get yourself tensed up.
as for your left arm, lift it up naturally without putting in extra force to support your viola. lift up your left arm and look at it with your palm facing you. that is how it will be placed below the finger board. remember to keep your lower arm straight, don't bend your wrist inwards towards the finger board. it destroys your technique and your posture. when you press the strings, you must tap it hard enough to make the pitch of the note you tap, without playing with the bow. this is to train strong and independent fingers.
these are the general basics of playing well. if you have mistakes, correct them NOW. do not make them a habit. the longer you continue, the harder will it be to correct next time. watch more professionals play (youtube) and look in the mirror while you practise. of course, play your scales to be familiar with the notes. have patience and practise well. good luck!!!
Viola help?
That's wonderful! Too often the orchestra is full of violinists, but really short on violists!
I'm a violnist, but my greatest teacher was a violist - If you can find it, the Raymond Montoni portable string clinic book is about the best you can read. Of course, I'm biased.
OK but try this, get in the best physical shape you can. Swimming and yoga are great for strength and flexibility. Eat right. Don't smoke. Drink water. Get rest. - yeah, mom is right.
For positioning, hold your viola with your chin and shoulder. let your left arm hang free. Walk around the room like this. with a bit of practice you'll be able to do this. Now your arm is free to move all over the instrument - in all kinds of positions. Not bad, eh?
bring your arm up to your viola. POint your elbow towards your belly button. Keep your wrist straight - and keep holding the viola with your chin - not your hand.
You'll be amazed at how much easier the viola is to play once you give up trying to hold it with your arm.
Reply:Congratulations on becoming a violist. You will always be in demand!
I encourage you to practice 3 or 4 octave scales and arp's daily. This will make your chops unstoppable. Practice slowly with a metronome.
Did you see those last 3 words?
Muy importante'!
Practice scales and arps S l o w l y ! Don't slop your shifts and keep everything super clean and you will kick 8ss.
Reply:practice
get a good teacher.
Reply:Your best choice is to search out a University instructor or a local instructor. There are good books out there, but one on one communication with an instructor is the most wisest way.
Reply:Very cool. Forget 3 and 4 octave scales, first of all YOU ARE A BEGINNER, and that advice is crazy! I have been playing for 23 years, and love it. Start by getting a viola teacher, not a violinist who teaches viola. They are out there, but may be few and far between. There is some amazing music out there...try VIOLA and PIANO, it's a book of early classical music that is arranged for viola. Also, once you are ready, the Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies - FIscher Edition is a great place to look for etudes. The Suzuki books are great for literature and repoitoire to get you going. Once you have these things down look into solos and better etudes, start on third position and the upper positions/lower positions (1/2 pos.) Work on one and two octave scales to start, then work into some 3 octave scales. By then you should be ready for some more advanced work. I wish you luck!
Reply:im a violist too, and the one thing that is a necessity is a shoulder rest. not ony is it confortable, but you should be able to hold the viola between your shoulder and your cheek, in order to adjust fingerings, and the shoulder rest helps with just that. its also good to keep a clean, soft cloth to wipe of your viola and the strings every couple of days. and you should never leave your viola in the car on a hot summer day. the fingerboard might melt!
Reply:good to see you become a viola player. practise consistently %26amp; don't give up. it requires quite an effort to improve, especially at the beginning.
i'm no violist, but i do play the violin. the principles of positioning are the quite similar. let me tell you through years of experience.
firstly, you need 2 grip the viola (with your neck) right. get a shoulder rest and grip it without assistance from your left arm. it is important for shifting positions. grip it at 45 degrees from your shoulders. grip it tight and firm with your entire left jaw, not your chin. look straight and not down when you play.
next, place your bow (stick) on the strings between the end of the fingering board and the bridge. make sure the bow and the bridge are in parallel with each other. a square like space with your body, lower arm, bow and viola as sides should form.
when you hold the bow, note that your last finger must be bent. DO NOT put it straight and locked, for this will make it difficult for you to play harder pieces in the future. your fingers should be flexible and smooth and this also improves posture. your thumb tip should also not exceed the other side of the stick of the bow. to master holding the bow, you can train holding the bow with only your first finger and last finger. the other fingers are actually useless.
when you play, start with open strings (without pressing the finger board). try not to move your upper arm while you play, for if you do so your bow might slip down to the finger board. hold your viola high too to help maintain bow position (not too high also).practise by leaning your right arm onto the edge of a wall. while changing strings (eg. A to C), move your entire arm. don't be lazy and move only your upper arm. also, feel free and relaxed when you play. don't get yourself tensed up.
as for your left arm, lift it up naturally without putting in extra force to support your viola. lift up your left arm and look at it with your palm facing you. that is how it will be placed below the finger board. remember to keep your lower arm straight, don't bend your wrist inwards towards the finger board. it destroys your technique and your posture. when you press the strings, you must tap it hard enough to make the pitch of the note you tap, without playing with the bow. this is to train strong and independent fingers.
these are the general basics of playing well. if you have mistakes, correct them NOW. do not make them a habit. the longer you continue, the harder will it be to correct next time. watch more professionals play (youtube) and look in the mirror while you practise. of course, play your scales to be familiar with the notes. have patience and practise well. good luck!!!
Can you play the viola like this?
Can you play the viola like this?
Hi everyone:
My 11 yrs old daughter wants to play the viola at school however, because of an accident, she can't bend her left hand at the angle needed. My question is this: can you play the viola with the right hand and if so, what adjustments need to be made to the viola in order for it to work?
Anyone?
Can you play the viola like this?
um not she can't and i am very sorry that that happened try cello or something because if she were to play in the school orchestra she can't sit in the middle because the bows would collide and she might hurt somebody. honestly try the cello or bass or try a wood wind. i am viola player myself and i have asked this before you can't play viola right-handed. i am very sorry that happend. if you need more email me.
Reply:you need to be able to bend the wrist and the elbow of both arms in order to play the violin and viola. The bow arm must be as flexible as the arm that holds the instrument. I think it might be better if she looked at another instrument. Trumpet perhaps.?
Hi everyone:
My 11 yrs old daughter wants to play the viola at school however, because of an accident, she can't bend her left hand at the angle needed. My question is this: can you play the viola with the right hand and if so, what adjustments need to be made to the viola in order for it to work?
Anyone?
Can you play the viola like this?
um not she can't and i am very sorry that that happened try cello or something because if she were to play in the school orchestra she can't sit in the middle because the bows would collide and she might hurt somebody. honestly try the cello or bass or try a wood wind. i am viola player myself and i have asked this before you can't play viola right-handed. i am very sorry that happend. if you need more email me.
Reply:you need to be able to bend the wrist and the elbow of both arms in order to play the violin and viola. The bow arm must be as flexible as the arm that holds the instrument. I think it might be better if she looked at another instrument. Trumpet perhaps.?
Learning the Viola?
I like the Viola, but my favorite is the Cello.
Unfortunately, I only have a Viola lying around.
I was in Orchestra in the 6th grade(played Cello)
But got out in 7th since my sister kept urging me to take band and athletics which didn't work out. I was miserable with my instrument in band.
I need to have something that I competed in for transcript.
I'm gonna be senior next year, but this summer I will surely devote my time to the Viola. But would they accept me?
My friend who's in says there's people who are good and and people who..straight out suck. (They miss notes and some can't read as well as they should.)
Is it better to have a teacher? If so, I don't know then; I rather teach myself then pay $30 bucks an hour.
Learning the Viola?
If by "would they accept me" you mean the orchestra teacher, I predict that she/ he would. However, she/ he will probably want to hear you play to determine whether you would be in a beginning or advanced group.
If you already know how to play the viola, and you are very determined to play well, you just might be able to do it yourself. You should begin practicing immediately.
Having a teacher and paying for lessons can, however, increase the motivation to do well and you get expert feedback on how your are really doing.
Good luck.
how to grow lily
Unfortunately, I only have a Viola lying around.
I was in Orchestra in the 6th grade(played Cello)
But got out in 7th since my sister kept urging me to take band and athletics which didn't work out. I was miserable with my instrument in band.
I need to have something that I competed in for transcript.
I'm gonna be senior next year, but this summer I will surely devote my time to the Viola. But would they accept me?
My friend who's in says there's people who are good and and people who..straight out suck. (They miss notes and some can't read as well as they should.)
Is it better to have a teacher? If so, I don't know then; I rather teach myself then pay $30 bucks an hour.
Learning the Viola?
If by "would they accept me" you mean the orchestra teacher, I predict that she/ he would. However, she/ he will probably want to hear you play to determine whether you would be in a beginning or advanced group.
If you already know how to play the viola, and you are very determined to play well, you just might be able to do it yourself. You should begin practicing immediately.
Having a teacher and paying for lessons can, however, increase the motivation to do well and you get expert feedback on how your are really doing.
Good luck.
how to grow lily
Should I Play Viola or Violin?
I'm 13, and I'm interested in learning to play a string instrument in high school next year. I know I want to play violin or viola, but I can't decide which. What do you think? Please don't try to convince me to play an instrument that isn't one of the two above.
I'm sort of leaning toward viola because so many people violin and I'd rather do something a bit more uncommon. Also, I'm very tall and have extremely long fingers, which would help with viola. I have heard that viola music isn't as good and is harder to come by.
What do you think?
Should I Play Viola or Violin?
If you are comfortable with the size of the viola, consider that there are more violinists than violists, meaning it will be easier to get scholarships and paying gigs as a violist. Sure there is more repertoire for violin, but the violin probably has more repertoire than any instrument other than piano. There is still so much music out there for viola that you will never live to play it all. If you get bored playing orchestra music, there is a lot of chamber music for small ensembles where the viola really gets to be heard doing cool stuff.
Reply:I think it's entirely something you have to decide, based on your feelings toward the instrument. See:
http://beststudentviolins.com/StringCare...
(4) What's the difference between the violin and the viola?
A lot of people ask this, particularly parents who are trying to help decide what instrument their child should study. One of the first things that musicians might think about in this connection are violin/viola jokes. The viola plays a somewhat different role in the orchestra than the violins do, and there is some gentle and sometimes not-so-gentle teasing between the sections. Musicians' jokes aside, the viola is a somewhat larger (longer, heavier) instrument and it is a fifth lower than the violin (five pitches, in other words). Many string players play both instruments, making their careers more flexible in terms of what they can offer. I would encourage anyone to play viola; the literature is a little different, but the viola has a deep, gorgeous tone and is quite as wonderful as the violin. There have been many eminent viola players (Pinchas Zukerman is a great example, and he's a genius who also plays violin and conducts. See Pinchas Zukerman ArtsAlive videoconference masterclass). You might want to take into consideration also, that if your child likes the instrument and wants to play it, and especially if the child is tall and has long arms and larger hands, the instrument may be an excellent idea; I think it's fair to say that fewer people are drawn to the viola and therefore it may offer more opportunities for a child to play in school groups, and perhaps even later prove to be a career advantage. In the long run, both violin and viola are perhaps the most difficult of all instruments, and they provide immense advantages in terms of physical and mental training. See also The Much Maligned Viola by Kim Kashkashian and Patricia Macarty's Violists' FAQ.
Reply:the violin
Reply:violin!
it is a very pretty instrument!
i used to play it myself.
but it all depends on your intrests.
if you like having a starring role, play the violin (gets more solos)
if you like being different, play the viola!
=]
Reply:If you want to pursue music after high school, definitely go with viola. It's technically much easier to play and there are not nearly as many violists to compete with as there are violinists.
Reply:Viola. Why? Good violists are hard to come by. They don't have as much repetoire as violinists do, but they are a vital voice in orchestra and quartets. I'm lucky to have two wonderful violists in my quintet. It takes true skill to make it sing since it is a very nasal instrument.
Secondly, opportunities for violists are much greater because there are fewer violists than violinists. Scholarships abound for violists and schools covet them. You should like you have the body type for it which helps a lot actually. And if you're getting an instrument, the larger the better because the proportions are more correct.
Good luck!
Reply:Well here's some facts about both string instruments that might help you:
-Violin-
1. Gets more solos
2. Pitch Range: At least 3 octaves
3. It is made of wood with steel strings
4. Size: Variable, but the body is usually around 14 inches (36 cm) long
-Viola-
1. It serves as the middle voice of the violin family
2. Has a slightly lower pitch than the violin
3. The viola comes in 4 different sizes...16", 15", 14", and 13" (16" = 26 inches, 15" = 24.5 inches, 14" = 23 inches, 13" = 21.5 inches)
**I would honestly go with the violin. If you choose the viola, you're going to have more work because there will only be a few violas and a lot of violins. =]**
Reply:The viola is a beautiful instrument. I learn the violin because my arms are not quite long enough for the viola ; I find the extra size difficult to deal with.
If you can manage the size of the viola than go for it. There is always a shortage of good viola players.
You won't often get a chance to do any solo work though. It is not often the "star" instrument like the violin.
I'm sort of leaning toward viola because so many people violin and I'd rather do something a bit more uncommon. Also, I'm very tall and have extremely long fingers, which would help with viola. I have heard that viola music isn't as good and is harder to come by.
What do you think?
Should I Play Viola or Violin?
If you are comfortable with the size of the viola, consider that there are more violinists than violists, meaning it will be easier to get scholarships and paying gigs as a violist. Sure there is more repertoire for violin, but the violin probably has more repertoire than any instrument other than piano. There is still so much music out there for viola that you will never live to play it all. If you get bored playing orchestra music, there is a lot of chamber music for small ensembles where the viola really gets to be heard doing cool stuff.
Reply:I think it's entirely something you have to decide, based on your feelings toward the instrument. See:
http://beststudentviolins.com/StringCare...
(4) What's the difference between the violin and the viola?
A lot of people ask this, particularly parents who are trying to help decide what instrument their child should study. One of the first things that musicians might think about in this connection are violin/viola jokes. The viola plays a somewhat different role in the orchestra than the violins do, and there is some gentle and sometimes not-so-gentle teasing between the sections. Musicians' jokes aside, the viola is a somewhat larger (longer, heavier) instrument and it is a fifth lower than the violin (five pitches, in other words). Many string players play both instruments, making their careers more flexible in terms of what they can offer. I would encourage anyone to play viola; the literature is a little different, but the viola has a deep, gorgeous tone and is quite as wonderful as the violin. There have been many eminent viola players (Pinchas Zukerman is a great example, and he's a genius who also plays violin and conducts. See Pinchas Zukerman ArtsAlive videoconference masterclass). You might want to take into consideration also, that if your child likes the instrument and wants to play it, and especially if the child is tall and has long arms and larger hands, the instrument may be an excellent idea; I think it's fair to say that fewer people are drawn to the viola and therefore it may offer more opportunities for a child to play in school groups, and perhaps even later prove to be a career advantage. In the long run, both violin and viola are perhaps the most difficult of all instruments, and they provide immense advantages in terms of physical and mental training. See also The Much Maligned Viola by Kim Kashkashian and Patricia Macarty's Violists' FAQ.
Reply:the violin
Reply:violin!
it is a very pretty instrument!
i used to play it myself.
but it all depends on your intrests.
if you like having a starring role, play the violin (gets more solos)
if you like being different, play the viola!
=]
Reply:If you want to pursue music after high school, definitely go with viola. It's technically much easier to play and there are not nearly as many violists to compete with as there are violinists.
Reply:Viola. Why? Good violists are hard to come by. They don't have as much repetoire as violinists do, but they are a vital voice in orchestra and quartets. I'm lucky to have two wonderful violists in my quintet. It takes true skill to make it sing since it is a very nasal instrument.
Secondly, opportunities for violists are much greater because there are fewer violists than violinists. Scholarships abound for violists and schools covet them. You should like you have the body type for it which helps a lot actually. And if you're getting an instrument, the larger the better because the proportions are more correct.
Good luck!
Reply:Well here's some facts about both string instruments that might help you:
-Violin-
1. Gets more solos
2. Pitch Range: At least 3 octaves
3. It is made of wood with steel strings
4. Size: Variable, but the body is usually around 14 inches (36 cm) long
-Viola-
1. It serves as the middle voice of the violin family
2. Has a slightly lower pitch than the violin
3. The viola comes in 4 different sizes...16", 15", 14", and 13" (16" = 26 inches, 15" = 24.5 inches, 14" = 23 inches, 13" = 21.5 inches)
**I would honestly go with the violin. If you choose the viola, you're going to have more work because there will only be a few violas and a lot of violins. =]**
Reply:The viola is a beautiful instrument. I learn the violin because my arms are not quite long enough for the viola ; I find the extra size difficult to deal with.
If you can manage the size of the viola than go for it. There is always a shortage of good viola players.
You won't often get a chance to do any solo work though. It is not often the "star" instrument like the violin.
My viola has a crack in it. can I still play it?
i used to play violin and viola a little bit. i don't play in orchestra or take lessons anymore, but I still like to play every once in a while.
the only viola I have is an old family one (it's not very valuable, just old). it has a small crack in the body from years ago, when my mom was playing it in her school orchestra and the person next to her accidentally stuck their bow in the f-hole.
I know it could be fixed, and I will eventually, but right now I don't really want to spend the money unless I have to, because it's not like sound really matters or anything, since I'm just playing for me.
my only concern is will playing the viola make the crack worse or damage it at all?
thank you!
My viola has a crack in it. can I still play it?
It could. It's pretty much impossible to tell for sure without knowing where the crack is, how big it is, and how deep, but it could definitely get worse from playing it. The vibrations could be enough to set it to cracking even more, and even just a little extra space in the body could cause the sound post to move or even collapse(if it's really bad). I would invest in fixing it before you play it, even though it's just in private. I wouldn't want a family heirloom unusable(well, *I* wouldn't... I believe in actually USING things rather than hanging them on a wall...).
Reply:Playing it will NOT make it worse. But, not using a humidifier will. I have a huge crack in my cello and it barely makes a difference in the sound. I would get it fixed if I were you, though.
Reply:You do need to spend the money (it might not cost very much); you shouldn't play it until it's fixed.
the only viola I have is an old family one (it's not very valuable, just old). it has a small crack in the body from years ago, when my mom was playing it in her school orchestra and the person next to her accidentally stuck their bow in the f-hole.
I know it could be fixed, and I will eventually, but right now I don't really want to spend the money unless I have to, because it's not like sound really matters or anything, since I'm just playing for me.
my only concern is will playing the viola make the crack worse or damage it at all?
thank you!
My viola has a crack in it. can I still play it?
It could. It's pretty much impossible to tell for sure without knowing where the crack is, how big it is, and how deep, but it could definitely get worse from playing it. The vibrations could be enough to set it to cracking even more, and even just a little extra space in the body could cause the sound post to move or even collapse(if it's really bad). I would invest in fixing it before you play it, even though it's just in private. I wouldn't want a family heirloom unusable(well, *I* wouldn't... I believe in actually USING things rather than hanging them on a wall...).
Reply:Playing it will NOT make it worse. But, not using a humidifier will. I have a huge crack in my cello and it barely makes a difference in the sound. I would get it fixed if I were you, though.
Reply:You do need to spend the money (it might not cost very much); you shouldn't play it until it's fixed.
Playing Viola..Help??
One day I was listening to a band(Silverstein-Discover The Waterfront) and I really liked the song I though it had the violin and then I checked out the song information to found out it was a viola.I have been in love with the viola sense that day.Any way I am making this longer than it needs to be.My question is..I just started playing the viola do you have any tips for me.I can hardly play.
Playing Viola..Help??
are you learning for school or for yourself? i've been playing viola for about a decade now, and i learned using the suzuki method books. they're more commonly found for violin and piano, but the viola ones are available. find a private instructor, practice every day for at least 30 minutes, and learn to love your instrument and play it for your love of music instead of only to learn it for a grade or because you feel compelled to. there's no easy way to learn viola, it's nothing like guitar or the flute, where you have marked frets. chances are, if you heard it in the back of a music piece, it's going to involve a lot of complex playing position, and fingeringings that will take time to learn. if you can't find the music for it, learning to play it by ear will probably be difficult, too. there's no substitute for lots of practice and a good teacher. viola is not really a good teach-yourself instrument, but a good amount of hardwork and a well tuned piano can work miracles! good luck, avoid the viola jokes (we're the blondes of the strings family), and if you need further information, don't hesitate to email!
Playing Viola..Help??
are you learning for school or for yourself? i've been playing viola for about a decade now, and i learned using the suzuki method books. they're more commonly found for violin and piano, but the viola ones are available. find a private instructor, practice every day for at least 30 minutes, and learn to love your instrument and play it for your love of music instead of only to learn it for a grade or because you feel compelled to. there's no easy way to learn viola, it's nothing like guitar or the flute, where you have marked frets. chances are, if you heard it in the back of a music piece, it's going to involve a lot of complex playing position, and fingeringings that will take time to learn. if you can't find the music for it, learning to play it by ear will probably be difficult, too. there's no substitute for lots of practice and a good teacher. viola is not really a good teach-yourself instrument, but a good amount of hardwork and a well tuned piano can work miracles! good luck, avoid the viola jokes (we're the blondes of the strings family), and if you need further information, don't hesitate to email!
All-Viola Quartet (4 Viola Quartet) Sheet Music?
I'm trying to find sheet music for an all viola quartet and having a really hard time. Does anyone know a site with all viola quartet music? It doesn't have to be free, but would be nice if free because we want to play at a hospital without profit so we don't want to pay TOO much. However, it does not HAVE to be free. Thanks so much!
All-Viola Quartet (4 Viola Quartet) Sheet Music?
I find about 99% of my music lyrics on yahoo just go to the search box on yahoo home and type in exactly what your looking for
Reply:Mozart wrote several wonderful viola quintets, but they're not for 5 violas ... I think that would be too much. They're for 2 violins, 2 violas and a cello.
Reply:You can check http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/welc...
Reply:Would next weekend be too late?
I could promise you something by then.
If next weekend is not too late, post again next weekend.
Reply:Contact your local music dealer with this information:
Viola World Publications has a number of pieces, including a couple of very effective Telemann violin quartets transcribed for four violas.
Links are available via www.viola.com - the 'official' viola site!
------
Rarities for Strings Publications
http://home.att.net/~rarities/index.html
BOWEN, York
Fantasie Quartet for Four Violas (Tatton) Score and Parts $30.00
PAPINI, Guido
Quartet for Four Violas (Tatton) Score and Parts 17.00
———-
http://www.fountainparkmusic.com/violaen...
Fountain Park Music Publishing (FPMP) — formerly Castle Enterprises
and Stoskopf Music Publishing
Contact Tracey Rush Email: fpmusicpub@aol.com
3 Moods for 4 Violas – Joshua Missal – $15.00 [CE047]
Allegretto (String quartet, Op. 76, No. 2) – F.J. Haydn, arr. Joshua Missal – $10.00 [CE066] (Missal Encore Series #4)
NEW! Christmas Selections for Viola Quartets – Lieberman -- $25.00 [CE137]
Country Club – Scott Joplin, arr. Michael Kimber – $10.00 [CE006]
Elegy (In Memory of Sven Reher) – John MacLean – $10.00 [CE009]
Entr’acte (from Rosamunde) – Franz Schubert, arr. Robert Stoskopf – $10.00 [CE033]
Fantasy on a Prelude – Andrew Levin – $12.00 [CE029]
Gavotte – Arcangello Corelli, arr. Joshua Missal – $8.00 [CE083] (Missal Encore Series #9)
Golliwog’s Cakewalk – Claude Debussy, abridged and arr. by Joshua Missal – $8.00 [CE057] (Missal Encore Series #5)
Hoedown – Joshua Missal – $10.00 [CE065] (Missal Encore Series #2)
La Folia (Variations for viola quartet) – Michael Kimber – $12.00 [CE014]
Meditation -- Michael Kimber – $10.00 [CE062A]
O Canada – Calixa Lavelée, arr. Robert Stoskopf – $8.00 [CE032]
Perpetual Motion – Johann Strauss, Jr., arr. Joshua Missal – $14.00 [CE087] (Missal Encore Series #6)
Pizzicato Polka – Johann %26amp; Josef Strauss, arr. Joshua Missal – $10.00 [CE084] (Missal Encore Series #8)
Ritual Fire Dance – Joshua Missal -- $12.00 [CE098]
Sleigh, The – Russian Folksong, arr. Joshua Missal – $12.00 [CE067] (Missal Encore Series #3)
Star-Spangled Banner, The – John Stafford Smith, arr. Norman Leyden – $10.00 [CE021]
Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa, arr. Harold Lieberman – $12.00 [CE081]
—————————-
http://m_kimber.tripod.com/mk.html
SoundpointMusic
Michael Kimber %26lt;kimbermichael@qwest.net%26gt;
Includes:
Viola Fight Song for 4-part viola ensemble
In the vigorous style of a college athletics fight song, "VFS"
quotes seven best-loved themes from viola solo repertoire:
Berlioz Harold in Italy, Brahms Sonata in E-flat, Stamitz
Concerto in D, Telemann Concerto in G, Bartok Concerto,
J. C. Bach/Casadesus Concerto in C Minor, J. S. Bach Suite
No. 1 (Gigue).
"Three quirky little pieces" : for viola quartet or 4-part viola
ensemble by Michael Kimber
————————————
Alfred Music publications:
Music Plus! An Incredible Collection [Viola Ensemble, or with Violin
and/or Cello]
By William Starr
ITEM: 00-14090X
PRICE: $7.95
Music Plus! was written to provide the student with great music that
is enjoyable, accessible, and that sounds reasonably complete in two
voices
Publisher: Alfred Pub Co 2004.
Festive Strings for Ensemble [Viola Ensemble]
Arr. and ed. Joanne Martin
ITEM: 00-0931
PRICE: $6.95
Festive Strings is a collection of well-known Christmas and Chanukah
melodies arranged to meet the needs of individuals, groups and
orchestras. In order to provide flexibility, the collection is
available in a number of instrumentations, all of which are
compatible with each other. Accessible keys have been used and
shifting is kept to a minimum. Titles are: Jingle Bells in D Major *
Joy to the World * Chanukah * Away in a Manger * Jolly Old Saint
Nicholas * God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen * S'Vivon * Jingle Bells in A
Major * Lo, How a Rose * O Christmas Tree.
Publisher: Summy-Birchard ; Miami/ Alfred
ViolaFest : Joanne. Vol. 1 %26amp; 2. Martin.
For viola duet, trio, or quartet : or for violin and viola ensemble.
by Joanne Martin
Summy-Birchard ; Miami/ Alfred (Suzuki)
Ensembles for Viola, Volume 1 %26amp; 2
By Elizabeth Stuen-Walker
Publisher Alfred Music (Suzuki)
PRICE: $6.95 each
==================
These publishers also have viola ensemble music for up to 12 violas playing together (or maybe not together?)
Reply:I think you are going to have to transcribe a string quartet arrangement. It should not be too difficult if you have the necessary software on your computer.
Wow, four violas. I would love to hear that. Could you put it up on youtube for us ?
Reply:if you go to www.musictheory.net i know they have things where you can make your own music and you write the notes on the sheet but you have to print it though. i know because i play the viola and like to go there.
Tooth Fairy
All-Viola Quartet (4 Viola Quartet) Sheet Music?
I find about 99% of my music lyrics on yahoo just go to the search box on yahoo home and type in exactly what your looking for
Reply:Mozart wrote several wonderful viola quintets, but they're not for 5 violas ... I think that would be too much. They're for 2 violins, 2 violas and a cello.
Reply:You can check http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/welc...
Reply:Would next weekend be too late?
I could promise you something by then.
If next weekend is not too late, post again next weekend.
Reply:Contact your local music dealer with this information:
Viola World Publications has a number of pieces, including a couple of very effective Telemann violin quartets transcribed for four violas.
Links are available via www.viola.com - the 'official' viola site!
------
Rarities for Strings Publications
http://home.att.net/~rarities/index.html
BOWEN, York
Fantasie Quartet for Four Violas (Tatton) Score and Parts $30.00
PAPINI, Guido
Quartet for Four Violas (Tatton) Score and Parts 17.00
———-
http://www.fountainparkmusic.com/violaen...
Fountain Park Music Publishing (FPMP) — formerly Castle Enterprises
and Stoskopf Music Publishing
Contact Tracey Rush Email: fpmusicpub@aol.com
3 Moods for 4 Violas – Joshua Missal – $15.00 [CE047]
Allegretto (String quartet, Op. 76, No. 2) – F.J. Haydn, arr. Joshua Missal – $10.00 [CE066] (Missal Encore Series #4)
NEW! Christmas Selections for Viola Quartets – Lieberman -- $25.00 [CE137]
Country Club – Scott Joplin, arr. Michael Kimber – $10.00 [CE006]
Elegy (In Memory of Sven Reher) – John MacLean – $10.00 [CE009]
Entr’acte (from Rosamunde) – Franz Schubert, arr. Robert Stoskopf – $10.00 [CE033]
Fantasy on a Prelude – Andrew Levin – $12.00 [CE029]
Gavotte – Arcangello Corelli, arr. Joshua Missal – $8.00 [CE083] (Missal Encore Series #9)
Golliwog’s Cakewalk – Claude Debussy, abridged and arr. by Joshua Missal – $8.00 [CE057] (Missal Encore Series #5)
Hoedown – Joshua Missal – $10.00 [CE065] (Missal Encore Series #2)
La Folia (Variations for viola quartet) – Michael Kimber – $12.00 [CE014]
Meditation -- Michael Kimber – $10.00 [CE062A]
O Canada – Calixa Lavelée, arr. Robert Stoskopf – $8.00 [CE032]
Perpetual Motion – Johann Strauss, Jr., arr. Joshua Missal – $14.00 [CE087] (Missal Encore Series #6)
Pizzicato Polka – Johann %26amp; Josef Strauss, arr. Joshua Missal – $10.00 [CE084] (Missal Encore Series #8)
Ritual Fire Dance – Joshua Missal -- $12.00 [CE098]
Sleigh, The – Russian Folksong, arr. Joshua Missal – $12.00 [CE067] (Missal Encore Series #3)
Star-Spangled Banner, The – John Stafford Smith, arr. Norman Leyden – $10.00 [CE021]
Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa, arr. Harold Lieberman – $12.00 [CE081]
—————————-
http://m_kimber.tripod.com/mk.html
SoundpointMusic
Michael Kimber %26lt;kimbermichael@qwest.net%26gt;
Includes:
Viola Fight Song for 4-part viola ensemble
In the vigorous style of a college athletics fight song, "VFS"
quotes seven best-loved themes from viola solo repertoire:
Berlioz Harold in Italy, Brahms Sonata in E-flat, Stamitz
Concerto in D, Telemann Concerto in G, Bartok Concerto,
J. C. Bach/Casadesus Concerto in C Minor, J. S. Bach Suite
No. 1 (Gigue).
"Three quirky little pieces" : for viola quartet or 4-part viola
ensemble by Michael Kimber
————————————
Alfred Music publications:
Music Plus! An Incredible Collection [Viola Ensemble, or with Violin
and/or Cello]
By William Starr
ITEM: 00-14090X
PRICE: $7.95
Music Plus! was written to provide the student with great music that
is enjoyable, accessible, and that sounds reasonably complete in two
voices
Publisher: Alfred Pub Co 2004.
Festive Strings for Ensemble [Viola Ensemble]
Arr. and ed. Joanne Martin
ITEM: 00-0931
PRICE: $6.95
Festive Strings is a collection of well-known Christmas and Chanukah
melodies arranged to meet the needs of individuals, groups and
orchestras. In order to provide flexibility, the collection is
available in a number of instrumentations, all of which are
compatible with each other. Accessible keys have been used and
shifting is kept to a minimum. Titles are: Jingle Bells in D Major *
Joy to the World * Chanukah * Away in a Manger * Jolly Old Saint
Nicholas * God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen * S'Vivon * Jingle Bells in A
Major * Lo, How a Rose * O Christmas Tree.
Publisher: Summy-Birchard ; Miami/ Alfred
ViolaFest : Joanne. Vol. 1 %26amp; 2. Martin.
For viola duet, trio, or quartet : or for violin and viola ensemble.
by Joanne Martin
Summy-Birchard ; Miami/ Alfred (Suzuki)
Ensembles for Viola, Volume 1 %26amp; 2
By Elizabeth Stuen-Walker
Publisher Alfred Music (Suzuki)
PRICE: $6.95 each
==================
These publishers also have viola ensemble music for up to 12 violas playing together (or maybe not together?)
Reply:I think you are going to have to transcribe a string quartet arrangement. It should not be too difficult if you have the necessary software on your computer.
Wow, four violas. I would love to hear that. Could you put it up on youtube for us ?
Reply:if you go to www.musictheory.net i know they have things where you can make your own music and you write the notes on the sheet but you have to print it though. i know because i play the viola and like to go there.
Tooth Fairy
Naruto Viola sheet music or transcriptor?
This is self explanatory, but i just need viola sheet music (which is too difficult to find). I've been searching the internet all day and only found ones for violin and piano. I either need that or if there's anyone that would like to transcript the music down for me, i'd be most grateful. Or can someone just tell me the equlivants for the notes between piano and viola? (like a C is what in viola?) I want to play one of the sad songs, but if you can find anything other than Kanashimi wo Yasashisa Ni.
Naruto Viola sheet music or transcriptor?
Kissedby(etc), sheetmusic is a broad subject, but not all that is printed is (western) classical because it is printed. %26lt;g%26gt; And 'Naruto' and 'anime' sure ain't western classical music, so it all becomes anything but 'self-explanatory' as you put it, for anyone trying to tackle your question here. I genuinely don't know what section you could best post your question in, but these are my search returns through which I had to attempt to understand your question in the first place:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en%26amp;clien...
Hope this helps a little at least..
Reply:Transcribing from violin to viola is easy.
Violin is written in treble clef, and the C is on the third space. Viola is written in alto clef, the C is on the third line. So anything written for violin may be transcribed to viola by moving the pitch down one full step.
Naruto Viola sheet music or transcriptor?
Kissedby(etc), sheetmusic is a broad subject, but not all that is printed is (western) classical because it is printed. %26lt;g%26gt; And 'Naruto' and 'anime' sure ain't western classical music, so it all becomes anything but 'self-explanatory' as you put it, for anyone trying to tackle your question here. I genuinely don't know what section you could best post your question in, but these are my search returns through which I had to attempt to understand your question in the first place:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en%26amp;clien...
Hope this helps a little at least..
Reply:Transcribing from violin to viola is easy.
Violin is written in treble clef, and the C is on the third space. Viola is written in alto clef, the C is on the third line. So anything written for violin may be transcribed to viola by moving the pitch down one full step.
Why is the viola such an unpopular instrument?
I play the viola and the flute and find them both to be quite enjoyable, yet most people have treated viola players like dirt. Violas have longer, thicker and more lovely sounding strings that make them seem much nicer than a violin. So why has the viola, the first modern string instrument been made somewhat of a joke among musical players?
Why is the viola such an unpopular instrument?
I play in my high school's orchestra, and there are seven violists and four bass players.
This is rather strange, as one would expect to see many more violists than bass players.
However, I think that the viola is not popular because it is a "middle" instrument. This means two things.
One, the violinists and cellists get a lot more respect because they play on the edges of the orchestra. Obviously, they are the ones the audience can see most easily.
Two, the viola plays tones lower than those played by violins and higher than those played by cellos. One could argue that the first and second violins could play the high notes of the melody as well as the middle notes of the harmony and the cellos could play the low parts to keep the rest of the orchestra together, thus cutting out violists altogether. Of course, this is a foolish idea, as violists can have amazing solos as well.
Although the viola is seen as a boring instrument due to its "lack of range," I definitely respect violists, as one of my friends is an amazing viola player, and is currently playing at Juliard.
Reply:I never thought of the viola as a joke at all. I play fiddle but was taught by a woman who first played viola. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember her showing me the sheet music, and it was an alto clef, which I know is ridiculously hard to read (and if you can, that's wonderful, props to you, because I certainly can't!).
Also, viola, as a general statement tends to play second fiddle (no pun intended) in orchestra settings. Very rarely do you see violas playing the melody. I'm not saying that it's right, but more often than now, I think people take up a lead instrument if they can help it, which is often more associated with fiddles/violins.
But as a closing statement, I think the sound is absolutely beautiful and in many ways outdoes the higher strings of a violin. You're the underdog right now, my friend, keep playing!
Reply:Viola's aren't really a joke any more than violins are, and I find more people make fun of violins than violas. There are just fewer people who play the viola, so they tend to be ignored at times. The same is true for the bassoon and oboe in most ensembles.
All that matters is that you like it and how it sounds, just ignor juvenile comments from those who don't feel the same way.
Reply:Hey, keep up the viola! You're alot more likely to get scholarship money on viola than flute, simply because of the difference in numbers of competitors!
Viola's a great instrument. There's a pretty good section on them in Berry Green's "Ten Pathways"
Reply:There's an old stereotype that the really talented players would play violin, where the big money is. :)
It's no more true than any stereotype, but that's where the attitude comes from.
Reply:Maybe that's because the violin has a sound that even if you're not an expert in music you can recognize, and the same with the cello. The viola is somewhere in between a violin and a cello (in sound) and it's a little bigger than a violin, which makes it an unknown instrument for many people. I play the violin and I think the viola is a beautiful instrument and is very versatile, and I don't think is a joke among musical players. ;)
Reply:The viola..."somewhat of a joke"...
I don't find anything about the viola to be funny.
(okay, sorry i'm a nerd, bad joke!)
Ok, now, seriously...
I would think that its slightly larger size as well as density of the strings, would make it more difficult to play, and thus people would choose the violin, as an "easier" instrument to play.
Wikipedia offers this suggestion...
"Historically, the viola was used less often for solo concerti and sonatas than the violin and the cello. This was often attributed to its sound, which, being mellower and perhaps less sharp than that of the violin, was said to be less suited to virtuoso display."
Why is the viola such an unpopular instrument?
I play in my high school's orchestra, and there are seven violists and four bass players.
This is rather strange, as one would expect to see many more violists than bass players.
However, I think that the viola is not popular because it is a "middle" instrument. This means two things.
One, the violinists and cellists get a lot more respect because they play on the edges of the orchestra. Obviously, they are the ones the audience can see most easily.
Two, the viola plays tones lower than those played by violins and higher than those played by cellos. One could argue that the first and second violins could play the high notes of the melody as well as the middle notes of the harmony and the cellos could play the low parts to keep the rest of the orchestra together, thus cutting out violists altogether. Of course, this is a foolish idea, as violists can have amazing solos as well.
Although the viola is seen as a boring instrument due to its "lack of range," I definitely respect violists, as one of my friends is an amazing viola player, and is currently playing at Juliard.
Reply:I never thought of the viola as a joke at all. I play fiddle but was taught by a woman who first played viola. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember her showing me the sheet music, and it was an alto clef, which I know is ridiculously hard to read (and if you can, that's wonderful, props to you, because I certainly can't!).
Also, viola, as a general statement tends to play second fiddle (no pun intended) in orchestra settings. Very rarely do you see violas playing the melody. I'm not saying that it's right, but more often than now, I think people take up a lead instrument if they can help it, which is often more associated with fiddles/violins.
But as a closing statement, I think the sound is absolutely beautiful and in many ways outdoes the higher strings of a violin. You're the underdog right now, my friend, keep playing!
Reply:Viola's aren't really a joke any more than violins are, and I find more people make fun of violins than violas. There are just fewer people who play the viola, so they tend to be ignored at times. The same is true for the bassoon and oboe in most ensembles.
All that matters is that you like it and how it sounds, just ignor juvenile comments from those who don't feel the same way.
Reply:Hey, keep up the viola! You're alot more likely to get scholarship money on viola than flute, simply because of the difference in numbers of competitors!
Viola's a great instrument. There's a pretty good section on them in Berry Green's "Ten Pathways"
Reply:There's an old stereotype that the really talented players would play violin, where the big money is. :)
It's no more true than any stereotype, but that's where the attitude comes from.
Reply:Maybe that's because the violin has a sound that even if you're not an expert in music you can recognize, and the same with the cello. The viola is somewhere in between a violin and a cello (in sound) and it's a little bigger than a violin, which makes it an unknown instrument for many people. I play the violin and I think the viola is a beautiful instrument and is very versatile, and I don't think is a joke among musical players. ;)
Reply:The viola..."somewhat of a joke"...
I don't find anything about the viola to be funny.
(okay, sorry i'm a nerd, bad joke!)
Ok, now, seriously...
I would think that its slightly larger size as well as density of the strings, would make it more difficult to play, and thus people would choose the violin, as an "easier" instrument to play.
Wikipedia offers this suggestion...
"Historically, the viola was used less often for solo concerti and sonatas than the violin and the cello. This was often attributed to its sound, which, being mellower and perhaps less sharp than that of the violin, was said to be less suited to virtuoso display."
Viola or Cello?
Should i play the viola or the cello? Im in grade 7, and i have no knowledge of reading music (except piano). I tried the viola once and the cello. I loved both the sounds, but there is a big price difference. The viola is uncomfortable and starts to hurt your shoulder. But the cello is way more comfortable. Could someone help me?
Viola or Cello?
DEFINITELY play the cello, it has a much better soud, and a much greater range in uses. Unlike the viola, which is awkward and almost always some sort of back up, harmonic, etc part we often get the melody have much better parts. In addition cello is much more comfortable to play.
Also we have much more music written specifically for the cello. How many viola solo's are there in the world... not that much. and most of them are written by modern composers and don't even sound good.
If you want to hear some real cello go Listen to some Bach, or Tchaickovsky... etc...
Also, electric cello is often used in modern pop, country, and other forms of music. Just turn on the radio. If you listen for it you will notice. And if thats not hard core enough for you check out the band "apopalyptica:" a cello quartet that plays things like metallica etc. DO IT.
Anyways, you don't want to play the viola, the cello has the same note range, just a little deeper. We also get to play all three cleff's (spelling?) bass, alto, and tennor.
besides, viola's are at the but of every orchestra joke... for example: whats the diffference between a viola and a trampoline... you take your shoes off before jumping on the trampoline. haha...
I hate to bash violists but the percentage of them that are truly good is very low, and unless you really are good, you never sound as good as a violin or a cello or even a base. Besides, I have two close friends, who played viola, that are going to USC to study to become orchestra teachers and they both had to learn to play cello for school. Both of them told me that they wished they had played the cello because they like it better.
seriously though, for all practical, astetic, and any other purpose, play cello. And if you are considering ANY sort of future in music, the viola is proabably the worst choice you can make, because unless you are some sort of prodigy it won't happen.
Reply:Good!!! Report It
Reply:Hello! Im in 7th Grade too! I also have Orchestra as my elective and I play the Viola which I like.
The Viola is better than the Cello because the Violin is similar to the Viola, the Viola is way cheaper than the Cello, the Viola is easier to play than the Cello, and the Viola is smaller than the Cello.
First of all, the Violin is similar to the Viola. The Viola plays on the same octave as the Violin but the Cello plays one octave lower. Playing at the same octave can help when you tune. If you play the Viola, you can easily play the Violin. The fingerings and the bow are similar to the Violin.
Second of all, the Viola is cheaper than the Cello. You can save money by buying a viola and repair costs will be lower.
Third of all, the Viola is easier to play than the Cello. The Cello's fingerings are a little harder than the Viola's. For example, to play the note E, on a Cello, you will have to slide your fingers up but on a Viola, you simply just have to place your fourth finger down. Playing a Viola can hurt more than Playing a Cello but if you get used to playing the Viola, you won't have a problem.
Fourth of all, the Viola is Smaller than the Cello. This can be a huge advantage. The Viola won't take up much space as a Cello when you store it. The Viola will be easier to carry than a Cello. Also, to play the Cello, you will have to play sitting in a chair but if you play the Viola, you can stand while you play.
A cello can have advantages over the Viola. You can already read Cello music because you can read piano music. Cello and piano music are similar. However, Viola music is not. But you will learn to read music so it doesn't really matter. If you have backpain while you play the Cello, you will have to sit so the backpain will bother you but if you play the Viola, normally in a small music group, you will have to stand so your back will hurt you.
In Conclusion, you should get a Cello because the Violin is similar to the Viola, the Viola is way cheaper than the Cello, the Viola is easier to play than the Cello, and the Viola is smaller than the Cello.
Again, it's your choice! I'm just trying to help you.
Reply:they both sound good right? i love them both but i play violin... anyhow maybe you should use shoulder rest for viola or maybe you're not fit enough to play viola but since you comfortable with cello you should play cello
Reply:Chin rests make violas not hurt...it might be uncomfortable at first but you get used to it, I play violin so I don't have any real preference but I'm pretty sure cello's easier...
Reply:I'm not sure anyone can answer this with you. Go to a symphony concert and talk to the players afterwards. Follow your heart.
Reply:I love the viola but its large size mean that I have to stick with the violin. Go with the cello ; if the viola feels uncomfortable then don't risk injury by playing it.
You should always trust your gut instincts on these things. They are both beautiful instruments so you can't really loose on this decision.
Reply:Am in general agreement with several respondents who have pick cello. It is a lovely instrument.
As a bass player, however, I'm a bit partial to a double-bass. You might want to at least consider that as an alternative to the other two. And.........after gaining a reasonable amount of expertise, you will find that bass will not restrict you to a symphonic environment -but- you could succeed in any number of musical genres that wouldn't otherwise include viola or cello.
Just my (biased) two cents.
Best of luck my young friend !!
Reply:I would play cello. I think they sound better, and have more interesting music. Also, you won't have to learn a new clef if you already read piano music. You should play cello, especially if it's more comfortable.
Reply:If you really want satisfaction from and/or recognition for your musicianship, don't choose the viola. It's like singing the alto part in a duet for soprano and contralto. In any ensemble, you're 99% of the time planying a "harmonic", subsidiary part; rarely if ever, a solo.
The cello has a beautiful and unique sound, and there is an awful lot of music written for it: very, very little for the viola(other than playing "alto" in an orchestra, or string ensemble).
My recommendation with no hesitation whatsoever, is the cello.
Enjoy,
Wotan
Reply:I say get the cello. It's melodic tune is far more beautiful than that of a viola's and no offense to viola players but I think the cellists are more important and essential to any orchestrated piece of music whereas a viola can be easily replaced by a violin transposing. It is true that violas are way cheaper but I say rent a cello for now. Cellos also have the most gorgeous pieces ever written (in my opinion) such as Bach's Cello Suites, Eccles Sonata, etc etc. I'm a violinist but i wished i started with a cello. They sound so beautiful and trust me, the competition between cellists in orchestra seating isn't as bad as violin seating. At least you don't have parts written like "Cello 1, Cello 2". It's simply just "Cello" parts.
Viola or Cello?
DEFINITELY play the cello, it has a much better soud, and a much greater range in uses. Unlike the viola, which is awkward and almost always some sort of back up, harmonic, etc part we often get the melody have much better parts. In addition cello is much more comfortable to play.
Also we have much more music written specifically for the cello. How many viola solo's are there in the world... not that much. and most of them are written by modern composers and don't even sound good.
If you want to hear some real cello go Listen to some Bach, or Tchaickovsky... etc...
Also, electric cello is often used in modern pop, country, and other forms of music. Just turn on the radio. If you listen for it you will notice. And if thats not hard core enough for you check out the band "apopalyptica:" a cello quartet that plays things like metallica etc. DO IT.
Anyways, you don't want to play the viola, the cello has the same note range, just a little deeper. We also get to play all three cleff's (spelling?) bass, alto, and tennor.
besides, viola's are at the but of every orchestra joke... for example: whats the diffference between a viola and a trampoline... you take your shoes off before jumping on the trampoline. haha...
I hate to bash violists but the percentage of them that are truly good is very low, and unless you really are good, you never sound as good as a violin or a cello or even a base. Besides, I have two close friends, who played viola, that are going to USC to study to become orchestra teachers and they both had to learn to play cello for school. Both of them told me that they wished they had played the cello because they like it better.
seriously though, for all practical, astetic, and any other purpose, play cello. And if you are considering ANY sort of future in music, the viola is proabably the worst choice you can make, because unless you are some sort of prodigy it won't happen.
Reply:Good!!! Report It
Reply:Hello! Im in 7th Grade too! I also have Orchestra as my elective and I play the Viola which I like.
The Viola is better than the Cello because the Violin is similar to the Viola, the Viola is way cheaper than the Cello, the Viola is easier to play than the Cello, and the Viola is smaller than the Cello.
First of all, the Violin is similar to the Viola. The Viola plays on the same octave as the Violin but the Cello plays one octave lower. Playing at the same octave can help when you tune. If you play the Viola, you can easily play the Violin. The fingerings and the bow are similar to the Violin.
Second of all, the Viola is cheaper than the Cello. You can save money by buying a viola and repair costs will be lower.
Third of all, the Viola is easier to play than the Cello. The Cello's fingerings are a little harder than the Viola's. For example, to play the note E, on a Cello, you will have to slide your fingers up but on a Viola, you simply just have to place your fourth finger down. Playing a Viola can hurt more than Playing a Cello but if you get used to playing the Viola, you won't have a problem.
Fourth of all, the Viola is Smaller than the Cello. This can be a huge advantage. The Viola won't take up much space as a Cello when you store it. The Viola will be easier to carry than a Cello. Also, to play the Cello, you will have to play sitting in a chair but if you play the Viola, you can stand while you play.
A cello can have advantages over the Viola. You can already read Cello music because you can read piano music. Cello and piano music are similar. However, Viola music is not. But you will learn to read music so it doesn't really matter. If you have backpain while you play the Cello, you will have to sit so the backpain will bother you but if you play the Viola, normally in a small music group, you will have to stand so your back will hurt you.
In Conclusion, you should get a Cello because the Violin is similar to the Viola, the Viola is way cheaper than the Cello, the Viola is easier to play than the Cello, and the Viola is smaller than the Cello.
Again, it's your choice! I'm just trying to help you.
Reply:they both sound good right? i love them both but i play violin... anyhow maybe you should use shoulder rest for viola or maybe you're not fit enough to play viola but since you comfortable with cello you should play cello
Reply:Chin rests make violas not hurt...it might be uncomfortable at first but you get used to it, I play violin so I don't have any real preference but I'm pretty sure cello's easier...
Reply:I'm not sure anyone can answer this with you. Go to a symphony concert and talk to the players afterwards. Follow your heart.
Reply:I love the viola but its large size mean that I have to stick with the violin. Go with the cello ; if the viola feels uncomfortable then don't risk injury by playing it.
You should always trust your gut instincts on these things. They are both beautiful instruments so you can't really loose on this decision.
Reply:Am in general agreement with several respondents who have pick cello. It is a lovely instrument.
As a bass player, however, I'm a bit partial to a double-bass. You might want to at least consider that as an alternative to the other two. And.........after gaining a reasonable amount of expertise, you will find that bass will not restrict you to a symphonic environment -but- you could succeed in any number of musical genres that wouldn't otherwise include viola or cello.
Just my (biased) two cents.
Best of luck my young friend !!
Reply:I would play cello. I think they sound better, and have more interesting music. Also, you won't have to learn a new clef if you already read piano music. You should play cello, especially if it's more comfortable.
Reply:If you really want satisfaction from and/or recognition for your musicianship, don't choose the viola. It's like singing the alto part in a duet for soprano and contralto. In any ensemble, you're 99% of the time planying a "harmonic", subsidiary part; rarely if ever, a solo.
The cello has a beautiful and unique sound, and there is an awful lot of music written for it: very, very little for the viola(other than playing "alto" in an orchestra, or string ensemble).
My recommendation with no hesitation whatsoever, is the cello.
Enjoy,
Wotan
Reply:I say get the cello. It's melodic tune is far more beautiful than that of a viola's and no offense to viola players but I think the cellists are more important and essential to any orchestrated piece of music whereas a viola can be easily replaced by a violin transposing. It is true that violas are way cheaper but I say rent a cello for now. Cellos also have the most gorgeous pieces ever written (in my opinion) such as Bach's Cello Suites, Eccles Sonata, etc etc. I'm a violinist but i wished i started with a cello. They sound so beautiful and trust me, the competition between cellists in orchestra seating isn't as bad as violin seating. At least you don't have parts written like "Cello 1, Cello 2". It's simply just "Cello" parts.
Viola for Left Handers?
I might be accquiring a viola soon (a cheap student one) just to fiddle around with. (no aspirations of orchestra level playing ^^; ) However, I am left- handed and despite being able to do a lot of things right handed - instruments such as the viola I would have to play left-handed. Is it possible to still play on a right handed viola? Any other outside information would be awesome! Thanks!
Viola for Left Handers?
Not sure you would really want to.
Do you play other instruments? OK, if you already do guitar or banjo or string bass left-handed, then you should do viola the same way.
Otherwise, strongly consider playing it the traditional way.
Or, a third alternative. I play a viola-type instrument (a violone, actually); it's like an octave cello--I play it upright, resting on my lap, just like a little cello can be played. As I recall, the bassist from the group Oregon used to play a violin that way, too. Historically, that would be called "a gamba" (on the leg" rather than "a braccia" (on the arm) if you wanna get formal.
If you are playing only for your own pleasure and you don't mind being idiosyncratic, then you could get a standard viola (the biggest size you can find) and play it left-handed, a gamba, without having to re-string or fool around with a chin rest--in fact, you could remove the chin rest and get a little more tone. You'd learn the fingerings backwards, of course, but there should be no compromise in technique or sound.
If you choose to play it that way, I think the proper musicological term would be "a Hendrix" :-)
Reply:Instruments such as the viola are not like a baseball glove: there are no right-handed or left-handed violas. It's just a viola. It is played the same no matter what the player's preference.
Reply:You will have to play it the right handed way like everybody else. You cannot just re-string it like others have said.
The bass bar on the inside will be on the wrong side so the viola would have to be opened up to reverse this. You can't just reverse the bridge because the fingerboard is not symmetrical and it would be out of alignment with the bridge.The bridge too has a back and a front so you cannot just flip that around either.
You would need a luthier to cut a new bridge and a new fingerboard.
The sound post would have to be moved to the other side.
All this would cost a lot of money. Plus you would be out of synch with the rest of the viola section ; bowing the wrong way.
Just learn to play it like everybody else. You will soon get used to it.
Reply:its possible but you will have to make some changes.
- get a center chinrest or switch it to the right
- get a diferent bridge. *do not just turn the bridge around or it will warp*
- string it differently
-get a custom nut for your viola (the nut is where the 4 grooves are at the top of the fingerboard to hold strings in place)
- have the sound post and bass bar put on the other side (probably very expensive)
**you are probably better off learning the traditional way
Reply:You should be able to restring it and play left handed. You would need to flip the chin rest and the bridge and possibly any fine tuners on it in order for this to work. Keep in mind though that if you ever want to play in a group setting it would probably not work, due to close prosimity to each other.
Reply:There are plenty of left handed instrumentalists - it doesn't really affect your playing. Trust me - I know. I am a left handed violinist who's dabbled in viola - it just means that your left hand tends to be stronger than your right, and can sometimes indicate that your technique is stronger in one hand.
how to grow lilacs
Viola for Left Handers?
Not sure you would really want to.
Do you play other instruments? OK, if you already do guitar or banjo or string bass left-handed, then you should do viola the same way.
Otherwise, strongly consider playing it the traditional way.
Or, a third alternative. I play a viola-type instrument (a violone, actually); it's like an octave cello--I play it upright, resting on my lap, just like a little cello can be played. As I recall, the bassist from the group Oregon used to play a violin that way, too. Historically, that would be called "a gamba" (on the leg" rather than "a braccia" (on the arm) if you wanna get formal.
If you are playing only for your own pleasure and you don't mind being idiosyncratic, then you could get a standard viola (the biggest size you can find) and play it left-handed, a gamba, without having to re-string or fool around with a chin rest--in fact, you could remove the chin rest and get a little more tone. You'd learn the fingerings backwards, of course, but there should be no compromise in technique or sound.
If you choose to play it that way, I think the proper musicological term would be "a Hendrix" :-)
Reply:Instruments such as the viola are not like a baseball glove: there are no right-handed or left-handed violas. It's just a viola. It is played the same no matter what the player's preference.
Reply:You will have to play it the right handed way like everybody else. You cannot just re-string it like others have said.
The bass bar on the inside will be on the wrong side so the viola would have to be opened up to reverse this. You can't just reverse the bridge because the fingerboard is not symmetrical and it would be out of alignment with the bridge.The bridge too has a back and a front so you cannot just flip that around either.
You would need a luthier to cut a new bridge and a new fingerboard.
The sound post would have to be moved to the other side.
All this would cost a lot of money. Plus you would be out of synch with the rest of the viola section ; bowing the wrong way.
Just learn to play it like everybody else. You will soon get used to it.
Reply:its possible but you will have to make some changes.
- get a center chinrest or switch it to the right
- get a diferent bridge. *do not just turn the bridge around or it will warp*
- string it differently
-get a custom nut for your viola (the nut is where the 4 grooves are at the top of the fingerboard to hold strings in place)
- have the sound post and bass bar put on the other side (probably very expensive)
**you are probably better off learning the traditional way
Reply:You should be able to restring it and play left handed. You would need to flip the chin rest and the bridge and possibly any fine tuners on it in order for this to work. Keep in mind though that if you ever want to play in a group setting it would probably not work, due to close prosimity to each other.
Reply:There are plenty of left handed instrumentalists - it doesn't really affect your playing. Trust me - I know. I am a left handed violinist who's dabbled in viola - it just means that your left hand tends to be stronger than your right, and can sometimes indicate that your technique is stronger in one hand.
how to grow lilacs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)