If I learn to play the violin will I be able to play the viola without lessons? I got a hold of a free violin and its in good condition but i want to learn the viola but i don't have the money to buy or rent one. :( Can i learn the violin and then when i can i could switch?
Violin and viola?
Going from violin to viola is pretty basic. All you really have to do is read a different clef, know the different string, and stretch your hand a bit. If you can play a violin with any decency, you can switch to viola pretty easily with just a little retraining.
That said, if you REALLY want to play viola, not violin, you could string the violin with viola strings and use it as a viola. It won't have the same deep, rich tone that violas have, but in a pinch, it's something you can learn on. The violin is a few inches smaller than a viola, and not as thick, so it won't resonate as much and the tone will be more of a violin, even if the notes you are playing are of the viola. The only catch with doing this is that when you do have the money to switch to a real viola(which you should really consider doing if you wish to go very far in music), you are going to have to readjust your left hand to the bigger instrument.
Overall, switching from a violin to a viola is pretty easy, but if you do decide to learn violin first, you are going to have to get that technique down before you can switch. If you have your heart set on learning viola, string your violin with viola strings and learn to play on that until you have the money to get an actual viola.
Reply:violin is harder than viola.
if you learn violin then switching to viola should be fairly easy.
except you have to switch cleff(treble to alto)
Reply:But you should find a teacher, at least for the violin. If you master the violin, you can probably teach yourself viola to some extent.
Reply:I would restring the violin as a viola for now until you can afford a viola.
You will only need to buy a C string ; you can use the G D A string from the violin.
Violin is G D A E ; viola is C G D A
Move the G D A string over and put on your new C string. Change one string at a time !
You will need lessons to play violin or viola.
Reply:Ehh. It's rather difficult.
The viola has different notes and techniques then the violin. Also, because of size differences, it often must be held differently.
Therefore, I'd recommend that you simply get a viola. If your violin was free, chances are it's not worth much -- you could get a cheap viola of similar quality for a pretty cheap price.
However, if you can afford violin lessons, I doubt you'd be unable to afford a viola.
Good luck =)
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Thursday, November 12, 2009
Good pieces/recordings for viola?
I am looking for some good viola recordings, can you guys suggest any?
Also, I am looking for some pieces to play on my Viola (I'm on Suzuki book 4) can you guys suggest any?(I would prefer true viola pieces not ones transcribed from violin)
Good pieces/recordings for viola?
u could probably play the hovanness sonata for solo viola(thats the piece i'm perfecting for auditions). You probably won't find it. I recently worked on the last movement with my viola teacher and she had never heard of the piece. I was lucky just to find the copy I have now.
Reply:My favorite piece to play is Telemann's Viola Concerto in G.
Reply:Try metzlerviolin.com. This is a wonderful store for string players.
Also, I am looking for some pieces to play on my Viola (I'm on Suzuki book 4) can you guys suggest any?(I would prefer true viola pieces not ones transcribed from violin)
Good pieces/recordings for viola?
u could probably play the hovanness sonata for solo viola(thats the piece i'm perfecting for auditions). You probably won't find it. I recently worked on the last movement with my viola teacher and she had never heard of the piece. I was lucky just to find the copy I have now.
Reply:My favorite piece to play is Telemann's Viola Concerto in G.
Reply:Try metzlerviolin.com. This is a wonderful store for string players.
New to viola help?
I just started the viola today and I love it.In the past I've stared many things and then quit in days. This is different I love it because no one really plays the viola which I like and I like the sound of it.Any way my question is...... Does any one have any tips or any good books for a beginner? Thanks
New to viola help?
hey so i would recommend wofhart book number one its got etudes in it that will really help also get a scale book and practice them everyday! it sucks i know but it will help you so much!! and just practice and get your intonation down really well theres a reason not a lot of people play the viola its because it is one of the hardest instruments!!!
Reply:You really need a teacher if you're going to get good at any instrument. Your teacher will know what books and selections will match your level of skill.
Viola is the instrument most likely to cause neck and upper back problems due to the weight that's wedged under the left side of your face; I knew viola majors in college who just about continuously had a bruise under their left jawline from the hours of practice. Keep that in mind and approach the instrument with care at first; don't practice for more than half an hour a day to start, and increase the time by no more than 10% weekly until you reach the desired length, so that you build up the muscles slowly and reduce odds of serious spinal agony.
Reply:There really isn't any substitute for a teacher on this, however, if you want to do it on your own I would recommend one or all of the following materials:
Essential Elements for strings
Strictly Strings
String Explorer
These are all series of books that are quite popular and common in the public school settings. They come with accompaniment CD and are pretty well formatted. But I can't stress the importance of a real human teacher.
Reply:I looked all over the place for tips or help with my new violin, but it was extremely sparse. The best help remains in hiring a good music instructor and practicing every day.
Reply:Get a good teacher and don't play flat. I know so many violists at my university who play flat...and it drives me up the wall.
Reply:Find a private teacher to start out with. If you're still in school then see if it has an orchestra. Start out by playing scales and short pieces.
Reply:As far as a good book for beginners, try Essential Elements 2000. It is a comprehensive book and comes with a play along CD and DVD. I use this book with all of my string students. Also, when you're about half way through it, you'll be ready to pick up a second book. I recommend starting with Suzuki Book 1 - it will reinforce your technique as well as give you pieces to play that gradually increase in difficulty. However, if you're not interested in going the classical route, try Fiddler's Philharmonic for bluegrass/fiddle style music or, Jazz Philharmonic. You can also get play along Cd's for both of these books.
Whatever happens, make sure you've found a good teacher and are doing music that interests you - you'll have a better chance for success!
Good luck!
Reply:I don't know of how much i can be because i played the viola in the 6th grade and thought it was the worst thing. I think you should go to a bookstore and ask someone that works their what books would be most helpful. If you want to pay a lot you can always sign up for lessons.
New to viola help?
hey so i would recommend wofhart book number one its got etudes in it that will really help also get a scale book and practice them everyday! it sucks i know but it will help you so much!! and just practice and get your intonation down really well theres a reason not a lot of people play the viola its because it is one of the hardest instruments!!!
Reply:You really need a teacher if you're going to get good at any instrument. Your teacher will know what books and selections will match your level of skill.
Viola is the instrument most likely to cause neck and upper back problems due to the weight that's wedged under the left side of your face; I knew viola majors in college who just about continuously had a bruise under their left jawline from the hours of practice. Keep that in mind and approach the instrument with care at first; don't practice for more than half an hour a day to start, and increase the time by no more than 10% weekly until you reach the desired length, so that you build up the muscles slowly and reduce odds of serious spinal agony.
Reply:There really isn't any substitute for a teacher on this, however, if you want to do it on your own I would recommend one or all of the following materials:
Essential Elements for strings
Strictly Strings
String Explorer
These are all series of books that are quite popular and common in the public school settings. They come with accompaniment CD and are pretty well formatted. But I can't stress the importance of a real human teacher.
Reply:I looked all over the place for tips or help with my new violin, but it was extremely sparse. The best help remains in hiring a good music instructor and practicing every day.
Reply:Get a good teacher and don't play flat. I know so many violists at my university who play flat...and it drives me up the wall.
Reply:Find a private teacher to start out with. If you're still in school then see if it has an orchestra. Start out by playing scales and short pieces.
Reply:As far as a good book for beginners, try Essential Elements 2000. It is a comprehensive book and comes with a play along CD and DVD. I use this book with all of my string students. Also, when you're about half way through it, you'll be ready to pick up a second book. I recommend starting with Suzuki Book 1 - it will reinforce your technique as well as give you pieces to play that gradually increase in difficulty. However, if you're not interested in going the classical route, try Fiddler's Philharmonic for bluegrass/fiddle style music or, Jazz Philharmonic. You can also get play along Cd's for both of these books.
Whatever happens, make sure you've found a good teacher and are doing music that interests you - you'll have a better chance for success!
Good luck!
Reply:I don't know of how much i can be because i played the viola in the 6th grade and thought it was the worst thing. I think you should go to a bookstore and ask someone that works their what books would be most helpful. If you want to pay a lot you can always sign up for lessons.
The bridge for my viola snapped?
the bridge for my viola fell down and the soundpost inside my viola is rolling inside my viola!!! what do i do?
The bridge for my viola snapped?
You will need to take it to a music shop that repairs string instruments. They will set the soundpost for you (there is a special tool for this job) and put the bridge back on. For now, just put it in your case and do not mes around with it.
Reply:There is only one thing you can do; take it to a luthier and have it fixed. Look under "violin" in the yellow pages.
Reply:When you have a problem with the bridge and soundpost, take it to a specialist. Don't mess with it, don't try to remove it from inside. They're very delicate and pricy to replace.
Reply:Try turning your viola so that the f holes are facing down towards the floor. Gently shake the viola to see if it will come out on it's own. If not, then maybe try using a pair of tweezers (or other item with a small, blunt edge) to help remove it.
Hope this helps.
Reply:This is an easy and common repair for a shop. It is also an easy and common way for people to mess up their own instruments by trying to fix them themselves. It's really nothing to worry about, as new bridges and re-set sound posts are a regular part of an instrument's life. Bring it in and have it fixed.
The bridge for my viola snapped?
You will need to take it to a music shop that repairs string instruments. They will set the soundpost for you (there is a special tool for this job) and put the bridge back on. For now, just put it in your case and do not mes around with it.
Reply:There is only one thing you can do; take it to a luthier and have it fixed. Look under "violin" in the yellow pages.
Reply:When you have a problem with the bridge and soundpost, take it to a specialist. Don't mess with it, don't try to remove it from inside. They're very delicate and pricy to replace.
Reply:Try turning your viola so that the f holes are facing down towards the floor. Gently shake the viola to see if it will come out on it's own. If not, then maybe try using a pair of tweezers (or other item with a small, blunt edge) to help remove it.
Hope this helps.
Reply:This is an easy and common repair for a shop. It is also an easy and common way for people to mess up their own instruments by trying to fix them themselves. It's really nothing to worry about, as new bridges and re-set sound posts are a regular part of an instrument's life. Bring it in and have it fixed.
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?
Problem with the wrist? or the fingers? No you don't want to restring the viola. How do you know that the wrist problem won't affect the bowing in any case? Not that anyone plays viola backwards.
Maybe the cello, or the double bass. If the physical problem prevents her from playing any string instruments there's always woodwind, brass, percussion and keyboard. Oh yeah, singers make music too, I forgot.
She should look into another instrument.
Reply:Nice. I am happy for you and your daughter. yes, bass or double bass, either is fine. I am a double bassist. The two of you should see this site http://www.isbworldoffice.com/ Report It
Reply:Don't just re-string a regular viola - the sound post will be in the wrong place. You'll need to get a left-handed viola for her, most likely - it sounds contradictory, but most of the complex fingering (one the strings) is done with the right hand on the left handed viola. Hopefully she'll have little trouble with the bow in the left hand. Yes, they do make left-handed violas - but it will take some searching, you probably can't just go pick one up at the local music store.
Reply:Maybe she'd like the clarinet?
Reply:I believe the viola could be restrung to be a mirror image of the right handed setup, but I wonder whether your daughter will be able to bow in an efficient manner with the limited range of motion of her left hand. I certainly hope she will be able to do it. Another obstacle could be finding an instructor who can adjust to her requirements.
(I am very strongly left handed, but do not play the viola, unfortunately.)
Reply:I believe it's possible but if she's right-handed, it may be difficult to control the bow with her left hand. However, a little extra practise will be able fix that.
One concern will be that she may find it difficult to join orchestras and some other ensembles because with her instrument the other way, it may be hard to share a music stand.
Apart from that, I don't think there are any problems. The strings will need to be strung the other way and you may need to get the instrument fitted with a chinrest on the other side.
Reply:I do not know the correct answer, but I am a music teacher, who had to make adjustments in college because my wrists are frozen from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In college, I just did an independent study. Now that I am a parent and my daughter plays violin with the local Suzuki school, I fool around with it. I do not think (just a guess) that reversing to the other hand is possible. However, I would guess that thee may (and again, just a guess) to reposition the viola so that she would be playing it in a different way to get the sound out. I have to do that, in a way, as a pianist. There also is the chance that she would feel more comfortable with the cello.
Dr. Mary Arlin, a professor, recently retired from Ithaca College, was a violist who actually stopped playing years ago after being in a car accident, but that may have been more emotional than physical, as she actually lost her husband. It also was decades ago.
I listed some links which may help.
Best of luck to your daughter!
-Ashley
purchase flowers
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?
Problem with the wrist? or the fingers? No you don't want to restring the viola. How do you know that the wrist problem won't affect the bowing in any case? Not that anyone plays viola backwards.
Maybe the cello, or the double bass. If the physical problem prevents her from playing any string instruments there's always woodwind, brass, percussion and keyboard. Oh yeah, singers make music too, I forgot.
She should look into another instrument.
Reply:Nice. I am happy for you and your daughter. yes, bass or double bass, either is fine. I am a double bassist. The two of you should see this site http://www.isbworldoffice.com/ Report It
Reply:Don't just re-string a regular viola - the sound post will be in the wrong place. You'll need to get a left-handed viola for her, most likely - it sounds contradictory, but most of the complex fingering (one the strings) is done with the right hand on the left handed viola. Hopefully she'll have little trouble with the bow in the left hand. Yes, they do make left-handed violas - but it will take some searching, you probably can't just go pick one up at the local music store.
Reply:Maybe she'd like the clarinet?
Reply:I believe the viola could be restrung to be a mirror image of the right handed setup, but I wonder whether your daughter will be able to bow in an efficient manner with the limited range of motion of her left hand. I certainly hope she will be able to do it. Another obstacle could be finding an instructor who can adjust to her requirements.
(I am very strongly left handed, but do not play the viola, unfortunately.)
Reply:I believe it's possible but if she's right-handed, it may be difficult to control the bow with her left hand. However, a little extra practise will be able fix that.
One concern will be that she may find it difficult to join orchestras and some other ensembles because with her instrument the other way, it may be hard to share a music stand.
Apart from that, I don't think there are any problems. The strings will need to be strung the other way and you may need to get the instrument fitted with a chinrest on the other side.
Reply:I do not know the correct answer, but I am a music teacher, who had to make adjustments in college because my wrists are frozen from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In college, I just did an independent study. Now that I am a parent and my daughter plays violin with the local Suzuki school, I fool around with it. I do not think (just a guess) that reversing to the other hand is possible. However, I would guess that thee may (and again, just a guess) to reposition the viola so that she would be playing it in a different way to get the sound out. I have to do that, in a way, as a pianist. There also is the chance that she would feel more comfortable with the cello.
Dr. Mary Arlin, a professor, recently retired from Ithaca College, was a violist who actually stopped playing years ago after being in a car accident, but that may have been more emotional than physical, as she actually lost her husband. It also was decades ago.
I listed some links which may help.
Best of luck to your daughter!
-Ashley
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Sunday, April 26, 2009
Violin or viola?
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.
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.
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.
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