Hi!

I hope this forum is more active then others that i`ve seen. I have a few Q`s that i need answered before i start to play the Viola. 1.) Do you have to be matched with a Viola? 2.) Can you teach yourself to play or do you have to have lessons? 3.) what is the best begginers viola to play? Thanx Curious With Violas

i just took my son to get "sized" for his viola
there are like 1/2 sizes and 1/4 sizes *i think*
im not sure tho.

they had him put the chin thing under his chin
and had him reach out and see if he can grab the end of hte
"headstock" or whatever it`s called on a viola

me = excited
:thumb:

-G

There are sized ranging from 12" to 18" but after 16" you have to have one custom made. I don`t think u can teach urself but If you tell me where u liv i can give you some people who give lessons

1) yep, you kinda have to be matched with a viola of approptiate size
2)I suppose you can teach yourself to play, just like any other instrument &
3)the best begginers viola to play is a student viola while the best ever to play is a woodcarved instrument with a wood bow. but i would go with a student viola with a fiberglass bow till you know you will continue to play for quite come time.
Another thing to take into consideration is if you are going to grow find a place that offers a trade in policy so you can get a bigger viola as you grow.
Also most instrament stores offer a variety of lessons.

Thanks for all of your responses. I don`t think i`ll grow any more. I saw in a phone book that there are some viola teachers around here. But thanks again for all your posts. I guess i`ll raise some money first and then go and be sized with a viola. I dont know anything really about violas, but I decided to get one and learn to play it with the help of lessons. Because all famous violist started some where. Thanks for your help. Curious with Violas.

we actually saw some educational video at our local library..it was on the viola..and the lady on the vid was goin thru basically what my son is learning in his class..

i think a "live" teacher is worth your money tho..
pick out any bad habits you may be forming..by watchign a video..

but for reference..it was fine

-G

I think you could teach yourself to play, but you would need a good sense of pitch and it would also help if you played another instrument just so you had that prior knowledge of music.

I know how to play the recorder and a little on the piano. I taught myself to play both, although i`m not very good at the piano. I got interested in Violas besause a friend of mine plays the violin. I like the sound of the viola better then the violin though. Wich is better, old violas or new viola? What is the difference between begginer and student violas? If you are left handed will it affect the way you play or it doesn`t really matter? Thanks,
Curious with Violas

I prefer an older viola the older ones have original ingredients in it like solid maple and ebony . Some of the newer violas are cheap with plastic pegs DON`T BUY OFF EBAY! instruments of the internet haevNO garunteee you have to play the instrument and feel it before you buy it!

It`s best to get a teacher, caz learning a string instrument is not just about pressing the correct notes with the correct finger. There`s so much intricate details that will ultimately affect the sound and development of yr technic. Pls do get a teacher. Regarding viola: There are many sizes available. U have to measure yr forearm to know the correct size. Form a 90 degree with yr arm. Pretend to hold the viola, now estimate the length, and thus the size of yr instrument. Same goes for violins. I dunno yr age and height...but in general, this should be the guideline : 1/4 size for real young beginners Maybe 3-6 or 7 yrs old, 1/2 size for 7 to 10/11/12, and 3/4 for 11/12/13, and full size for adults. It`s never too old to learn...Start earlier to discover the magic and fun!

yeah, you sorta need to be match with a viola