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I've been thinking for a while now about adding the viola to my stringed instrument knowledge, and maybe even switching from violin to viola if my teacher can teach both. If not, I would just keep playing both since I take lessons with my oldest daughter and one of the big reasons why is to have something to do together.
So I found a nice rental shop and rented a viola (don't ask specifics...I want to say it's an Eastman but I won't know till it gets here) and it'll be here on Tuesday. I was just wondering if any dual players, or people who started out with viola and switched could give me some helpful hints. Thanks!
~Sara
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@nykteria Welcome to the dark side then!
I started with viola and never switched. Though I do have a violin and play it from time to time, mostly in order to play different repertoire (or not to have to transpose it a fifth down).
I think you'll find that it's not very difficult to go from one to the other. As far as technique is concerned it's similar, and regarding the differences, I would list those:
- Viola is physically a bit more demanding, as more 'pressure' is needed to get the sound out (especially on the C string), and finger spacings are wider so that takes some getting used to (4th finger can be a challenge, depending on your instrument's size and hand size).
- I think there are minor differences as to general posture, as the viola is heavier.
- If you read sheet music, a not negligible difference is that you'll have to read alto clef.
It's common for teachers to be able to teach both. I hope yours doesn't object. You'll be able to play violin-viola duets with your daughter then (and violin-violin duets too)!
Do tell us everything about your viola when you receive it. It's always a bit exciting...
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@nykteria -
Woo Hoo!
The Darkside is so lovely - welcome to the club!
What size is your viola?
I went all out 16" for my 5-string Viola. Biggest things I noticed: fuller sound & what seemed like MUCH more distance between strings (for string crossings).
If you recognize the extra effort you put into attack and drawing sound from your 'violin' G string vs your violin E string, your new viola C string will just take a little bit more to respond as quickly as your G string.
Please forgive me, but I forgot if you are more interested in Classical music or Fiddle tunes - it might make a difference in your choice of bow. I personally do not like a heavier bow for playing my viola, but many folks do.
My favorite video is still: The Art Of The Bow Arm with Yizhak Schotten
I don't think you can go wrong watching whatever you can (about Viola) from Kim Kashkashian, but there are many tutorials on YT with tips that can be helpful.
Some interesting thoughts here: Violin versus Viola Thread
Give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new instrument - you will love the sound!
Happy New Year!
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Well it came yesterday, and I'm in love. The sound is just so rich, full, and yet mellow. I sound pretty playing a scale. It's an Eastman av100 so just a basic student viola, but it sounds incredibly good. I had started working on reading Alto clef before I got it.
I'm more into classical than fiddle music.. I like to play a lot of soundtrack music and pop music in addition to the standard pieces. My teacher is trying to get me into fiddle music but I'm resisting, LOL. For the violin I like having a heavier bow because I have a tremor in my hands and the heavier bow doesn't bounce the same way my lighter bow does. The viola bow that I got with the viola feels just like my carbon fiber bow that I have. I have a lesson tomorrow and I'm going to talk with my teacher about it and I'm very excited. I do think I'd like to keep playing both. At the same time, will I really give adequate practice time to both? 
~Sara
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Looks BEAUTIFUL!
VERY exciting!!!
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Glad you like the sound! (hoping you let us hear it at some point, too :--) )
Now you'll get to choose everyday which one you want to play, depending on your mood of the moment. There's less (well-known, or solo) repertoire for the viola, though, so that might be a factor too.
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My first instrument was a viola, purchased from a pawnshop for $35. It was wonderful, with a big, rich tone. Of course I had no idea how to play it properly, so I just made it up as I went along.
Somehow it got lost over the many years. I’d love to have it back!
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