Should I start the viola or the cello?

I want to start a new instrument this fall. I found a school that teaches violin, viola and cello. For awhile, I've been wanting to play the cello. Today though I was listening to some music and fell in love with the viola. I love the sound it makes and that it's cheaper than the cello. It's also easier to carry and that violists are less common than the other two, violin and cello. However, I LOVE the sound the cello makes, and even though its more expensive, I would love to play it. That's the problem.


I have long arms and fingers, and I know the treble and bass clef. Which should I choose?

Should I start the viola or the cello?
My honest advice is to go with your gut instinct. However, if you second guess yourself, test both out. Also, violas read alto/treble clefs. But as a beginner you'll mostly be in alto. Cellists read bass/tenor/treble clef.





Cellos ARE relatively expensive. I'm not going to lie to you. Perhaps you can begin by renting one and only purchasing your bow and all your 'gear' (rosin, soft cloths, metronome, strings, extra strings, wolf eliminator, mute). You can get a pretty decent cello from $1,500-$2,000 though. A bow should run you about $500 and all the gear about $300 (minus the case). I'm talking DECENT quality, not beginner's level. Its better to start with quality.





The viola can run you the same prices but you'll get more for the same amount. In addition you'd need a shoulder rest, perhaps a cloth to protect your 'viola hickey'.





In terms of popularity, cello is more popular, and good violists are harder to come by. But, as a cellist, I highly recommend it. It's a wonderful, rewarding, gorgeous instrument (I'm very very very very biased.) I call my cello my baby. She's amazing. I'm about to go practice right now!





Good luck.





~Lisa
Reply:i play viola, and i think its a beautiful instrument. cello is pretty


awesome too. i think you should pick whichever one you love more. don't pay attention to price, because you can find a way to afford whichever one you really want to play. but the world always needs more viola players. =D
Reply:don't let the price of the instrument affect your decision to play which. The viola and the cello are both great instruments and both have their uniqueness, they have the same set of strings, but the sound of the cello is much deeper while the viola is kind of a hybrid between a violin and the cello, so many call it the best of both worlds





what I would do is just go to your local store and rent both. By far, the viola will be easier to learn just because the instrument is much smaller and it is much easier to adjust learning a string instrument, but if you're sure about the cello, go for it and buy an "all for strings volume one" for it, and go from there. Try both and see which one you like more, you don't want to have any regrets. Then after you pick one, go and pick a cheap one, there's a lot to choose from around $100-200 and play them a little, find one with a good sound, I would recommend a Chinese instrument because they are just as good but 1/3 the cost





remember it's not how good the instrument is, but how good the player is :)
Reply:You should follow your heart and do the cello. See:





http://beststudentviolins.com/cellos.htm...
Reply:Violas are in alto clef!!! So you would have to learn to read alto clef.....it's not that hard but different than treble or bass clef. Just something else to consider.....I think both are beautiful too!!!
Reply:You can get a beginners cello outfit for about $700 or if that is too much then you could rent/buy one from a violin/cello shop. They need not be too expensive.


The beginners viola outfit would be about $300.





It is a difficult decision ; they are both beautiful instruments. You have thought about the pros and cons of both...size, cost etc. Viola players are always in demand.





I think it comes down to which one you really love the sound of. Which one can you see yourself playing ?





I would spend the next few weeks listening to people play both instruments. Go to the music shops when they are not so busy and have them play on a few instruments for you. Listen to real musicians play them....not just the students from school.





Which one makes you tingle when you hear it ?
Reply:You should pick which ever one your family can afford.
Reply:Try the viola, it's very fun to play. I've only been playing 8 months, and i'm already in advanced, if you study the notes hard enough, you'll get it. It only took me 1 week. Before that I was playing violin, but since you know treble and bass cleffs, try another, it's good to know 3. Oh yeah full sized would be great for you.
Reply:I'd see if you can rent one before buying. Then you can try out both. No need to commit to one right away. If you stick with it, you'll want to upgrade at some point too.





That was a great point about the alto clef! Thumbs up!