Well, as of around 11pm this evening I have undertaken a challenge, to pass my grade 1 viola in the summer exam session to raise money for a charity. I have never played a bowed string instrument before but I do have some musical experience. Any tips or other bits of useful information about violas is very much welcome.

Good for you! I did Grade 1 tuba for charity three years ago, and am now entered for Grade 5 ...

Getting to grips with a string instrument all by yourself is a formidable task. If you're not able to have regular lessons, then do at least try to find someone who can help you get some of the basics in place. The trouble is that you have to get so many things in place (holding the instrument, the bow hold, the bowing action, etc.) before you can make any decent sound, and it's hard to self-diagnose which of them may not be working correctly.

Have you got an instrument yet? Unlike violins, there's no fixed 'full size' viola, there's a variety. This is because the ideal size, in terms of acoustic properties, is too big for most people to play. The measurement used is the length of the body, in inches: 15" is small, almost violin sized. 15 1/2" is manageable for most people. 16" is fairly big, and 16 1/2" is too big for many men!

Thanks for your reply. I have a violist friend and I'm calling in some favours at the moment so hopefully I'll be able to have regular or semi-regular lessons.

I haven't yet got an instrument, it's something I need to do fairly soon though. I have no idea what size would be best, I'm 5'6 but have short stubby fingers. Is it best to go and try holding some?

Definitely, and get your friend to help - it's more about arm length than finger size, if you're stretching to get your left hand into the correct position, it'll become very uncomfortable after playing for a while (and in the longer term can cause injury).

I was talking to a viola teacher a few months back, as I want to take up the viola in the future.

She said to me that you need a large body length, with a small fingerboard. Otherwise, you'll find it difficult to play.

Loz xx

If you haven't played violin or viola before I recommend starting on the smallest and lightest viola you can find because it takes a while to build up the stamina even to hold it in position for any length of time. I have a friend who lends violas and might be able to help. PM me whereabouts you are.