Hello to everyone. I'm looking for a little advice, or any comments that would be helpful. I'm looking into playing the Viola. I'm 6'5" and have been thinking that I could probably get by with a 16.5 or 17" viola. Still have not been able to see any in person yet, but I have been looking at some of the wonderful instruments at violinslover.com. I was interested in the violin when I was younger (28 now), but looking the last few weeks at posts here and elsewhere on the net I changed my mind to viola. I really like both instruments but I like that the viola is a little larger and lower sound to it. I'm interested in many different things and would like to learn to play an instrument too. What attracted me to the viola also is the craftmanship put into them. I enjoy woodworking in various degrees.

I was wondering what kind of advice someone might have for someone starting out. I've also looked into books that would help with learning the basics of the instrument.

One thing I'm keeping my eye on also is not spending too much right away. I've seen the Gliga violas at violinslover.com and see the reviews on their instruments. I was wondering what other makers are there that may have such a varied price range with such great quality.

That's it for now, Take care everyone.

Well if your not looking into spending much than why not rent?
Quite a bit cheaper than going out and buying if you ask me. You could also rent to own, that's what I did when I stopped going up two sizes a year. Plus if you buy and it breaks then you're stuck paying for it,but if you rent there's usualy an insurance paper thing that makes all repares free if you pay an extra $10 or so every month.
Viola is great, I agree with you there. Sometimes I wish I played violin as well because of all the back up work violists are stuck with at times, but otherwise it's great.

I also started with rent to own for my viola because I wasn't sure I would like it. But once I got started with my instructor, I knew I loved it. I am now playing the violin which I bought at violinslover.com and I am in love with it also. It hard to compare them because they both have their own beauty. The viola with the rich lower register and the violin with the crisp higher register. When you go to the music store, they can recommend the size that would accomodate you. And you should start looking for an instructor so you can progress and ensure proper technique. Good luck.

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By the way, my viola is a Samuel Eastman.

I wasn't sure about renting but now that I think about it, it might be goot to try out to make sure that I would enjoy it. I started looking into places but many are focused on younger students.

The ones I found so far are
http://www.davidfrenchmusic.com/rentals/Viola.htm
http://www.albertisviolins.com/rentals/default.html
http://www.johnson-inst.com/rental/rates.htm

I'm still not sure what I would do right now. I did order a book "Tipbook - Violin and Viola" just to look over right now as an intro thing right now. I would appreciate any more advice if anyone has any and appreciate what was said. Thanks, I'm looking forward to learning what I can.

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the book I'm getting from Amazon.com

Another question I just thought of...

I have been seeing references to grades for music levels that people play. I was wondering what are these grades and is there a good resource(s) online that I may be able to read more about them.

I just saw this for fingering charts. I thought it could help someone else too.

http://sweethomebands.googlepages.com/fingeringcharts

Viola:
http://sweethomebands.googlepages.com/Viola.pdf

First I want to thank the two who did reply and offered advice.

I went to a local music store where I'm at for the moment and got to see a viola. Unfortunatly, the largest they had was 15" and it seemed a bit small to me. I looked at it and held it and just seemed I could do better with something much larger. I've been looking at the Gliga violas at violinslover.com and narrowed down what I liked more, but it's hard to pick just one. I'm mostly looking at the 17" and 17.5". Although I'm leaning more towards the 17.5", I'm thinking I may just go with 17" instead. All that I have seen on the Gliga instruments have been very positive and I'm sure I would be happy with one of their violas.
I am still looking for books for instruction. When I was in the local store, I looked through one book of Suzuki/violin but I wasn't sure of that. They also had Essential Elements 2000 that looked pretty good. I know there are others, but would appreciate any comments good or bad on any type of instruction books. I may try looking for an instructor when I leave Texas and go back to North Carolina, it just depends on work.
Thanks.

My previous viola instructor taught the Suzuki method and the Suzuki viola book has some tips in the back pages, but still not enough information about technique. You would need a teacher to assist you along. I found a website that was an excellent source of information, violinonline.com and from the initial page you can select viola on line.

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or just type in www.violaonline.com

You have some very nice instruments there. I really like the craftmanship in them. I really like the color in them too with the beautiful wood grain too.

Sounds great! Best of luck to you if you try creating a larger Viola. They're wonderful instruments.

understandable if not many people would play a larger size. I think here on 8notes, I've seen only a few people mention playing 17.5" Violas. With my arm size, I could probably go with 17.5" pretty easy, especially since they don't really come any larger. I'm still searching for an instructor who could give me some advice too, but so far, doesn't seem to be many in my area. I found the name of one so far but that's it.

I finaly left texas and back home in North Carolina. I went to a local music store and they actually had 16.5" violas in stock. The guy there went to the back and got one so I could check it out. It was a Glaesel. To me, although it was a nice looking instrument, it didn't really appeal to me. The guy was talking about how I could probably go with a 16.5" as the 17.5" that I was thinking about would be 1) too big making it difficult to play and 2)probably get tired with my arm out streched a little farther than "normal". Unfortunately, because of work, I may not be able to do anything (buying,learning,etc) for a while. I'm still considering the Gliga violas. I thought the 16.5 at the local store was alright size wise, but I'm still considering 17 or 17.5. Just thought I would post my thoughts on what I'm up to lately.

looking around online, I found a local church that provides instruction on a variety of instruments. To me, the cost seems pretty reasonable, what does everyone think? Here's what their web site says:

Includes 14 Lessons
Group Lessons $205.00
30 minute private lesson $225.00
45 minute private lesson $338.00
60 minute private lesson $450.00

Tuition may be divided into 4 equal payments over the course of the semester. The first payment is due by the first lesson and each of the others by the first of the remaining three months.

All music and additional materials needed by the student will be purchased separately at the direction of the teacher

I teach viola for 33.55 and so if i taught for 3 1/2 months i would be owed $469.97 for that semester

But you on the ohter hand would owe the instructor $32.14 per lesson which isnt bad for an hour considering that i have taught a student to memeorize
Vivaldi's Spring

I just wish I wasn't being deployed early next year. I would have already bought an instrument.