Adult Learning Viola, Some tips before I commit.... Options

[brightonbelle]

Hello everyone,

I?m an adult beginner. I?m on maternity leave next year and I?d like something (else!) to occupy my time as I found my brain cells melted slightly last time when I had my son. A few years ago I gave the flute a try and found I was actually not too bad, and I got really interested in theory (geek) but if I?m going to invest time and money into this I want it to be the ?right? instrument.

Anyway, I?m not much of a musician (yet!) but really I?d like to try something that would offer good playing opportunities for someone amateur. I know if I continued with the flute I?d have to get really, really good before being able to join any sort of ensemble and I?m not sure how likely that is to happen given my time restrictions! I thought of trying a string instrument and the viola particularly appeals as a long term project ? the sound is beautiful, and I hear that it?s not such a popular instrument ? I really like the idea of learning something a little more unusual.

Blimey ? I do ramble don?t I??? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) All I really want to know is whether this is a good idea ? first of all I may be able to afford the odd lesson but I?d be largely on my own (I know this isn?t ideal but I?d be quite prepared to put in the time avoiding bad habits). I?m also really small ? I?m under 5 foot and have very small hands so I?m not sure I?d be able to get a small enough viola? I?d also like to know about tuning ? I?m not much cop at tuning string instruments (I find I can hear when a string is out of tune but not so good at getting it into tune). Is this a skill that can be learnt? Or is it something I?ll probably never be good at?!

Opinions would be welcomed. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[aesir22]

I would like to try my hand at viola too actually. Do you reckon I could? I don't want a teacher - I spend enough on piano and violin lessons. But do you think I could just teach myself from what I know of violin?

We could start together BrightonBelle (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Sunrise]

I would like to try my hand at viola too actually. Do you reckon I could? I don't want a teacher - I spend enough on piano and violin lessons. But do you think I could just teach myself from what I know of violin?

We could start together BrightonBelle (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I don't see why not, go for it. The basics are the same, just need to know alto clef. Just remember the stretches are different, and you should be fine. Listen carefully to your intonation.

I'm going to be having a try at the double bass tonight - now that is VERY different but willing to give it a go...

[kenm]

I'm going to be having a try at the double bass tonight - now that is VERY different but willing to give it a go...

Viola and double bass are both in demand, but I get the impression that orchestras have slightly higher technical standards for their viola players.

The great advantage of the viola is its vastly superior chamber repertoire. You have all those marvellois quartets by Haydn and Mozart, and when you have a command of your instrument, Beethoven, Debussy, Ravel, Janacek, Bartok, Shostakovich; also string trios and quintets and quartets and quintets with one wind instrument (e.g. the Mozart and Brahms quintets with clarinet).

It's also easier to carry.