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A little background....I've always love listening to the string instruments and watching people play. I first fell in love with the cello, then the viola, and finally the violin. My much-younger sister plays the violin (mostly classical music), a very good friend also plays but concentrates on Irish and Bluegrass music. I just found out recently that both of my grandfathers played the violin! I don't know why no one ever told me that! Love watching violin covers on Youtube. LOL I've always wanted to take lessons but was too busy working, thought I was too old, didn't think I could afford it, etc.
Over the past year a few things have made me change my mind and take the plunge into lessons. Better job, more time to do something for me, etc. but I also lost a good friend who passed very unexpectedly, and I am reminded again how quickly time passes and things that get put off, well they just don't get done. I also remember that my father, before he passed away, told me that he had always wanted to learn to play the piano and never took the time..this was so sad to me. I know this is something I'll regret if I don't try.
Also, my two daughters (13 and 14yo) have been taking violin lessons for almost a year now and since I get to sit in on the lessons I've been able to watch their progress. Now, I have to admit that they're not as excited about it with the teacher but I never have to remind them to practice and they have long conversations in the car about their lessons, their violins and the different tones (one has a happy-souding violin, the other the sad violin), etc.
My birthday is coming up and I've decided to give myself a years worth of lessons. My dilemma is I'm not sure which instrument. I love the cello, but I also love the violin. Is one easier to learn than the other? Should I even consider the viola?
Does anyone have any suggestions? Anything to consider? Any suggestions for older students? My girls are very excited for me. They know how much I love the instruments and they're very encouraging.
Thanks so much!
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Hello and Welcome to the insane world of strings.
I'm sure that you will enjoy and find this site helpful, fun and full of people that just want to help fellow musicians.
As to your choices, just remember you cant fit a cello under your chin 
with so many violinist in your family you might want to do the cello, but they are not easy to get around with, or the viola for a deeper sounds and easier to get to classes.
that is my two cents, and you can keep the change...lol
Happy play what ever you decide.
With violins there is no fretting over the music.
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What captures your attention the most? When you think of what you wish to learn the most, does one pop into your head the most?
For me, I enjoyed piano, but when it came down to it, my desire has always been violin. I knew that would make me practice. Now, I've only been learning for about a week, and my first class is tomorrow, so I won't be as helpful as the more seasoned players here, but I say go with the instrument that you are drawn to the most.
I also agree that violins are much more portable and easier to store than a cello 
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I have a friend who had to take her cello with her when she chose a new car because she had to be certain it would fit in the passenger footwell!
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Just a crazy idea. Give both a shot for a trial period. Rent for one month or perhaps just rent the Cello since you have a few violins in the house to use. Give equal chance to both and see what you come up with. Otherwise, perhaps play the cello for one month and then the violin for one month.
If you enjoy both instruments just as much this would be the best way to see how you really feel.
The advantages with learning to play the violin is that you can lug it around much easier than the cello and there are more situations and genres in which the violin/fiddle fits in. Not that the cello wouldn't but often the electric or stand up Bass would have more of a chance in a jam, or band....
Welcome to the forum.
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but the one who needs the least."
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Oh, I like that idea of doing both!
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Welcome, @ritaw ! We are the same age, though I got a head start and took up the violin at the tender age of 49.
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
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thanks so much everyone! sorry I've been a little late in replying. I live in the Tampa area (FL) and we have been having torrential rains and have been flooded out of our house since this weekend. The house is ok; we just can't get to it. LOL
I think I am going to try out both the violin and cello. The young woman who teaches my daughters has a sister who also teaches the cello so it will make it very easy to try both.
Thanks for all the information and encouragement. I'm very excited to get started!
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Aha, welcome @ritaw - yet another "lamb to the slaughter" LOL ! I predict you will eventually end up with both instruments - I can just sense it.... 
Good luck with your choice and lifetime journey !
I seriously recommend not copying my mistakes. D'oh - 
Please make your own, different mistakes, and help us all learn :-)
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ritaw said
thanks so much everyone! sorry I've been a little late in replying. I live in the Tampa area (FL) and we have been having torrential rains and have been flooded out of our house since this weekend. The house is ok; we just can't get to it. LOL
Those floods have been on the news over here as well - glad to hear your house is OK at least!
I'm sure when the elements let up a bit you'll be able to get into your strings and will thoroughly enjoy yourself!
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