Hello,

I have been playing piano profesionally for a while now, jazz and classical, so I know theory and sightreading and all that good stuff.

I am writing here because I am 27 and I would like to learn an instrument that is not so intrusive (in the limelight kind of thing). I would like to play in a group, be one of many, and I was thinking viola or cello (something in the middle). I will take lessons and be able to practice daily. I was wondering if it is plausable that I would be able to start now and be able to play in quartets and orchestras before my time on earth is up. I dont know how difficult either instrument is, but I assume more difficult that piano since there are issues of intonation. Got any suggestions or opinions. Thanks.

Good for you for joining the Wonderful World of String Music!I`ve played the viola for about three years and I`m the violist in a quartet. We arn`t "professionals" yet (stress the "yet")but we play at various fundraisers and weddings as well. Now I`ve never taken lessons for the cello but I`ve actually have played it at my aunts wedding with by brothers and cousins doing a modern song (it wasn`t a big part but I still played it). I`ll sometimes take my friends (1st and 2nd) violins and I find it pretty easy to find all my notes but when they play my beast(all in love ) they have a harder time getting it quite right. So...my advise to you is to learn on the viola (and I`m not just saying that because I`m bias) because if you ever decide to switch, I think it`ll come a lot easier.

I also play the piano pretty well I also play the cello. The cello is the best instrurment in the world. I`m not kidding! It`s also easier to play than those `chin` instrurments such as viola or violin. The cello gets way more interesting parts than a viola and has a lovely sound. If your going to work at it, pick the cello! Good luck!

Well, I play the violin and recently started on viola...I have a friend who plays cello...

...I think the cello looks really hard...but the odd comparison I`ve read suggests the cello is easier than either the violin or the viola...

...plus, if you play the viola, you`ll have to learn that pesky alto cleff...:D

The cello tends to get better tunes in orchestral pieces, but then again if you`re just learning there`s an advantage to sitting in the middle and enjoying contributing to the middle of the sound. Paradoxically the cello is the biggest, yet you often get quite tiny ladies playing it. This is because its weight is supported by a spike on the floor. Viola purists say you are supposed to have a 16.5 inch + instrument, but the only people who can naturally support (and get their fingers round) such an instrument are 18 stone sheep farmers with hands like enormous hams. For everyone else you either get bursitis like Lionel Tertis did, or you buy a smaller instrument. I have recently bought my wife a 15` gems 2 viola from Elida trading (violinslover in USA) for £285 including a nice bow and case. Both have detailed websites with customer feedback. Having played the violin for many years I have to say this viola sounds gorgeous. Received wisdom is that 15` is too small, but its still noticeably larger than the full sized violin (14`)and for me the richness and depth in the C and G strings outperforms the sound I was hearing from a number of viola players in my university orchestra!

Mine`s a 16" viola...and I`m glad I didn`t go any bigger...it`s about all I can manage.

That`s another drawback...it`s a little uncomfortable to play. If you do go viola, maybe think about starting on a smaller one, and then moving up to a larger one when you get the hang of things...

...just something to think about...:D

Viola is a good choice if you want to play in orchestras because there are not many violists and the parts are often easier than violin or cello parts, so getting to play viola in an orchestra is a lot easier than getting to play cello or especially violin.

Thanks David for your comments. The most amazing viola we ever had here was a 17.5 inch Gliga Gems. It was absolutely stunning for the price, sounded like at least ten times the price. It went to a very tall Royal Northern College student. I would have been very tempted to get another for myself but I wouldn`t lasted ten minutes playing it!

Liz

Hi everyone! I would also like to learn the viola too.

Can anybody tell me if there is a good video/DVD that teaches you the basics & step by step guide of learning the viola.

Also, regarding size of viola - Does it depend on the length/reach of the arm.

Your help would be grateful.

Bhav

well i think you`ve chose the right instrument, i just started playing the viola a week ago, and i can allready play some barable tunes, but i`m sure if you`re that ambitious to learn how to play either the viola or the cello, you can do it, give it about a month or two if you practice every day (1-2 hours), and you can possibly be playing in a quartet or orchestra in no time, and don`t limit yourself, be sure to take good notes on other violists/cello-ists(?), maybe go to a few performances, take notes, you`ll be there in no time...

and as for getting parts, if it`s original musik, do your best, don`t just be the violin`s backup, or if you decide to go cello, same thing. and as far as practicing, go full out everytime, try doing things that seem impossible (like some crazy arpeggios) after a while they don`t seem crazy anymore, a life time is more than enough time to learn a few instruments (and it`ll help you get great ideas for the piano too!)

Thanks for all the input. I have a decent cello now and am taking weekly lessons and practicing daily, and I love it.

Congrats! So? What kind of cello did you get?