Learn to Play Violin or Viola?

Next year, I'd like to join the beginning orchestra at my high school, but I can't decide whether to play viola or violin. I'm leaning towards viola because it is less common, slightly larger (I have long arms and fingers), isn't quite in the spotlight as much, and less competitive. However, I also play guitar, which is in a different clef. Will playing viola and guitar, which are different clefs, confuse me?





Thank you so much!





P.S. Bassists and cellists, I know you're passionate about your instruments, but I wil not be convinced to take bass or cello no matter how much you say I should. :)

Learn to Play Violin or Viola?
Sounds like you really want to play viola.





Learning the new clef will take some time, but no more than violinists who havn't learned to read music yet will take.


I play all of the stringed instruments and don't get confused.





Don't worry about size as a factor, they will fit you to a size of whichever instrument you pick. Just so you know, if you continue with viola into high school and college, it is also competitive. Go with whichever sound you like best! =)
Reply:I play the viola in advance classes, and yes , it is less common. In high school, they would love to have a person playing viola because it would be to many ppl playing violin. so they always run out if violins but never run out of violas. At my school, we have no extra violins but plenty of violas. so go for the viola....it's fun
Reply:ok, i play the french horn and piano, and they too are often in different clefs. from personal experience, i dont seam to get confused at all. i think it would be cool to play the viola, because its special and i agree with less competitive.