EYS Stringed instruments
instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
Exeter Young Strings, as its name implies, is for stringed instruments - typically those which are bowed. Having said that, their use is not restricted to classical music, and indeed we play a wide range of styles.
This page lists the various instruments alphabetically and provides links to much more detail - includiing advice on the different instrument types [buying/rental], lists of the teachers for each instrument, video clips of them being played etc.
The Violin
The violin is the smallest of the string family and the highest in pitch. It is tuned GDAE. There is a huge repertoire for the violin. In chamber and orchestral music violins are divided into 1st and 2nd violins. 1st violins are typically on the top of texture of the music and 2nd violins typically switch from being with the 1st violins or with the violas in a more supporting role.
Violin: description, advice video clips, etc
The Viola
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.
Viola: description, advice video clips, etc
The Cello
The cello (full name violoncello) is larger than the violin and viola and has a beautiful deep mellow sound. For beginners this is an advantage over the violin and viola, which can be a bit screechy to start with. Some children also find the cello easier to hold than the violin/viola, as the cello rests on the ground.
The cello can be played as a solo instrument or within an orchestra or chamber group.
Cello: description, advice video clips, etc
The Bass
The double bass (also known as the contrabass, string bass, upright bass, bull fiddle, or simply bass) is the largest and lowest pitched bowed string instrument used in the modern symphony orchestra.
Bass: description, advice video clips, etc