New to viola?

I just started the viola any tips or anything u think I should or do or know to get better.THANKS:)

New to viola?
Here is a secret to playing a string instrument that I wish I had understood long before I ever heard it: You have to RELAX to play a string instrument. Holding the instrument will feel unnatural initially, but work to make sure that you're not ever allowing your muscles to become tense (i.e. do not use a "death grip" on your bow, it's not necessary to push your fingers all the way through to the other side of your fingerboard, etc.). Congrats on your new endeavor! Hope this helps!
Reply:I am 19 and have never played a musical instrument before. Its been only a week since i started playing the viola and I had asked a similar question. All the answers that I got said that practise is the best way to learn something new. You also have to work closely with your teacher so that you stay focused. I would suggest getting a plan ready. A plan which says whats the least a beginner should play after say a month, a year, a year and half... so on. In this way you can now if you are doing the least that is required of you!!!





Enjoy
Reply:I'm a semi-pro viola player and I also play the violin. One thing to be aware of for the viola is that because there is no "standard" size, you can get instruments from 15" all the way up to 17" and the size makes two huge differences. First is the sound. It is more difficult to get a big sound out of a small instrument, but not impossible. I actually play a small viola now and it sounds wonderful. The second, and more important issue, is that smaller instruments are easier to play. And an instrument that is easier to play is one that will be more fun to play and be less likely to cause injuries later.





In terms of practicing, one thing that is often forgotten is that you will learn what you practice, not what you intend to practice. Another way to say this is that practice makes permanent. So, it is wise to take your time and play things very slowly until your brain has a chance to learn them. Have patience, because you'll need it! But slow practice makes fast progress. And any habits, wrong notes, wrong hand positions, wrong bow grip that you practice, you will learn and have to then un-learn sometime later.





Now on to the issue of the viola sound. The viola is NOT a violin and has a personality all it's own. Thus, some technical things, especially in the use of the bow, require a slightly different approach on the viola. I think it's fine to start out with a violinist who teaches viola, but ultimately, you'll want to study with an actual violist to get some of these subtleties.





In terms of music to learn, the Kreutzer book of etudes is great. And as mentioned above, learn it slowly. The first few etudes have a whole bunch of bowing variations and I would suggest learning them all. This will help your bow arm in a huge way. Then the classic book is the Bach unaccompanied cello suites transcribed for viola. Start with the Minuet #1 %26amp; 2 from the 3rd suite. Not terribly difficult, but some really nice music that sounds great as you learn it.





Best of luck
Reply:Practice offbeats.





That's all we get anyways.
Reply:practice alot and get private lessons thats the only way you are going to get better
Reply:Me too! I start Viola in 2 months! Fun, fun! So, just practice the music you're given, and break it down, if you can't play, like, a measur3 or something, just keep playing it over and OVER AND OVER! Hope I helped. Good luck with your Viola!





~**~**~**~Alena~**~**~**~