I only started playing the viola a few months ago. I found that I could be taught to "play" the viola. The tone quality wasn`t too bad, either. However, I wasn`t applying proper technique. For example, I was squeezing the life out of the neck of the instrument, and I wasn`t holding the bow properly. Now, I practice using proper techniques, but the sound that comes out of the instrument is too painful for words. I`m hoping that maybe I cracked the bridge when I put a mute on it. Has anyone gone through this kind of phase in his/her early viola career? Please let me know. Thank you very much. Matthew.