The Viola
other instruments: Violin, Cello, Bass
The viola is the middle instrument in the violin family, between the upper lines played by the violin and the lower lines played by the cello.
The viola is held in the same playing position as the violin and is often mistaken for the violin. The viola is slightly lower in pitch being tuned to CGDA (It is also the same tuning as the cello, only an octave higher). The instrument is slightly bigger than the violin and has a more mellow tone. In chamber and orchestral music the viola often has a supporting role and is right in the middle of the harmonies.
The viola has different notation to other musical instruments (the alto clef). This is because it has a quite unusual range, being right in the middle of treble and bass clefs. The viola can suit people who are taller or have a bigger hand span.
The casual observer may mistake the viola for the violin because of their similarity in size, closeness in pitch range (the viola is a perfect fifth below the violin), and identical playing position. However, the viola’s timbre sets it apart: its rich, dark-toned sonority is more full-bodied than the violin’s. The viola’s mellow voice is frequently used for playing inner harmonies, and it does not enjoy the wide solo repertoire or fame of the violin.
lots more info on the Viola [from wikipedia]
EYS tutors for the Viola: Jackie Oates, Alison Savic, Rebecca Willson
Advice
Buying: Viola can be harder to get hold of than violins. A lot of players start on the violin and move onto the viola at a later stage but that shouldn’t put you off starting on it - viola players are very valuable and sought after!
It is always good to get an instrument checked first by someone before buying. Instruments are often sold without being set up for playing (level of bridge and sound post) and without advertising this. It can be an unexpected added cost.
If you are unable to afford to buy a viola EYS may be able to help; alternatively our local music shop has an interest free hire purchase scheme. Please contact Kirsty Hugill for more information.
Because of viola strings being lower in pitch smaller instruments can sometimes have a slightly muffled tone and the really small ones can’t always be tuned CGDA. A full size violas has a 16 inch body but you can get bigger ones! Small violas are often violins with viola strings and move onto a real viola when you are a little bigger!.
Playing: at Exeter Young Strings we only teach children under 6 years after they have spent a minimum of one term in our Music Awareness classes.
At Exeter Young Strings we run small chamber groups enabling members to have fun playing with children/teens of around the same age and standard. Members who take part in groups generally make faster progress and gain more enjoyment from their playing than children who only make music in isolation.
It is essential to have individual lessons in addition to the groups. You will find that some things you find harder than another person and will need more help with or you may find other things easy. Individual lessons also mean you can chose with your teacher the style of pieces you enjoy and, if you wish, take cello exams when you are ready. You are free to progress at your own rate.
Looking after: A beginner will not know as much about the viola as a more experienced player. With this in mind, it is important to be very careful with your viola. With this in mind, it is important to be very careful with your viola. It is important not to touch the tuning pegs or adjusters and to be very careful about putting any pressure on the bridge - it is only held in place by the strings! Do not attempt any repairs by yourself!
Always keep your viola in its case, loosen the bow when you are not using it and keep it at an even temperature (not next to the radiator!). Treat your viola and everything with it carefully. Ask your teacher for more information on proper maintenance.
The Viola in action
Some YouTube video clip[s] relating to the Viola:
Olga Goija: Handel's Sonata VI for Violin and Piano
Yuri Bashmet: Robert Schumann - Fairy Tales for Viola and Piano
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