Hi.

I was just wondering about how I could tell what standard I am on the viola. I did my grade 8 violin in December so technically and musically my playing is pretty proficient. I started playing the viola late february/early March just because I wanted to learn something new. I'm doing fairly well, I can read the clef almost fluently and have learnt the Telemann viola cnocerto which I can play properly.

However, I really don't know how I can grade my playing, because of the difference in sight reading ability and playing ability so I was just wondering what everyone else thought.

Also any suggestions for viola music would be much appreciated, I found the Telemann quite easy so something a bit more of a challenge would be nice.

Thanks,

x

Hmmm - I know what you mean, as I'm in a pretty similar position! Sadly I'm borrowing a school viola at the moment, which means I'll lose it in a month or so when I leave but I'm in the process of getting hold of the Telemann.

I'm able to play Grade 8 pieces, but as you say, I'm not sure whether my viola technique would be up to scratch playing it in an exam/performance...

If it helps, the Telemann was on the old Grade 7 syllabus. Why not try some of the pieces on the current Grades 6- 8 and see how it feels??

One of my grade 7 pieces was a bach 'cello solo re-arranged for viola, there is a book with them all in, which could be good exercise.

For grade 5 I had part of a William Flackton (Flacton?) sonata (in F?), the other movements were harder, so that would give some variety.

i think if i learnt a piece, i would be fine performing it, but sight reading on viola is nowhere near as good as on violin, though saying that, I've only been playing viola for 2 months, and violin since i was 8 (I'm 17 now).

My viola is my old violin re-strung, it was cheaper to buy a C - string than a whole new instrument. Although it's not ideal, it serves its purpose.

Thanks for the pieces suggestions, I'll have a look at the syllabus.

x

There is one way to find out......

Set yourself a Grade Eight Challenge!!

That may well make a difference as the fingerings are actually slightly further apart on a 'real' viola than on a re-strung violin, (although I quite understand your reasons for doing it that way ). I think you'd be best off trying your hand on a viola proper, borrow one or rent one if you can, and see how you get on then as what you're doing now is really only playing violin in a different clef, so naturally you're able to jump in at the top levels. You'll quite possibly find it a bit more challenging with the real thing.

Have fun just the same and glad to have another converted violinist playing the viola! I'm 'pure' violist as I hate high notes/E string etc, but I always warm to a convert!!

I know, I play a friend's viola in school most of the time so i can play on a 'proper' viola, but at home I don't have my own. I'd really love to have one, but they are expensive. Anyway, it's only for fun.

Mine was only £200 all in and I know you can get them cheaper. Still, at 17 I would have considered £200 a small fortune!!!

Only for fun?? NOOOOOOOO