Hey guys!

Well, I've finally made the decision to learn viola over cello, (which I might come to later anyway - not short on time, right? ), so I'm interested in whatever beginner-tips you can share with me, books, preparation ideas, (won't be able to start for another couple of months), how to decide on which size and so on. Also, good entry-level sellers, (up to £100), and what have you.

I've just ordered 5 CDs from E-bay and Amazon. After finally getting the clip business to work, I discovered that there really is some beautiful pure viola music out there. Just hope they come FAST as I want to take them to Germany with me.

Alto with Attitude!

That's good for you, that you've decided to go for the viola! What a good choice! As for books, take a look at some of the threads on the Strings forum, as I have asked that question recently and have had some reccommendations.

When I first started I bought 'Strings Method' for Viola, it's an ok book, could do better I think though. Abracadabra is quite good too As for the actual viola, I have a Stentor, which was just under £100 from my local music shop. It actually sounds really nice ... I love the deep sounds it can produce.

Good luck on your new journey.



Here's the thread...

For £100, have you thought about popping into the second hand bit of a dealership? And I know you have to be wary on ebay, but if you're buying something branded, and maybe allow a bit of extra dosh to pay for a nice set up, it might be a good way of doing things?

Yeah, that's a good idea. Actually, my local shop does ex-rental stuff for a good price, but full outfits there are only £130 anyway plus, if you rent first, you get to knock teh rental price off for up to 6 months of rental. I'll be seriously considering this option as I plan to rent for teh first quarter in case I just don't take to it.

That does sound like a good plan. I think this is what we'll probably do when I finally talk my husband round to an understanding of our pressing need for a piano. (He just won't listen to reason about the bassoon, but I'm making headway with the argument that the stability of the notes on the piano will give our daughter a better understanding of music... or some such rot...)

I hope you'lre able to get started soon. You seem to have had to wait an awfully long time, and that would kill me!

Yeah, I know what you mean and I'm not enjoying the wait myself! Still, it's money that's the main issue and so I need to be more stable about that. Anyway, I found an ad for the Yorkshire College of Music and Drama who say they are a 'charitable institution offering tuition at reasonable cost for everyone'. Well, reasonable can mean a number of things, but I'll call them today and, if they aren't too bad, I'll at least make a start with them until I can get a cheaper deal with a student.

I'm itching to start and was dead disappointed when the post just came and there weren't any of my new CDs in it! I bought a theory book yesterday, (there's a new one coming out on theory for viola, which sounds interesting and I will report back on that one), and made a start on that. I know most of G1 already and some of G2, so I think I'll aim for G2 or G3 theory exam in November as a really positive start on my music studies that I can do right away.

Bravo!!
A smart choice.

Traitor......

Who, me???

I still love cello, honest. Funny though, I realised it wasn't me anymore. I always think that people are instruments and someone will either gravitate towards the one that is most true to them, (and that can change if they do), or the one they'd most like to be.

Anyway, can't wait to start!

Yea, the viola is the best in all the strings!!

Yup, not only can we play viola music, but we can play most cello and violin pieces as well. Turns out that the violin teacher who's offering me lessons is an occasional viola player too. She says she plays viola in quartets when no violist is available, so she must be quite good too.

STILL having to wait to start lessons, but I'm trying to 'use the time wisely', (how dull!!! ) by trying to get some other stuff up to date. Hopefully Sir will have some new, regular work soon and I can give this teacher a call and get going! I ache every time I pass that instrument shop and see my new baby hanging in the window there.....

The viola theory book sounds really interesting - I'd love to hear more about this when you get it. It would be especially good if it's suitable for children. It always seems a bit tough on the viola players that 'their' clef doesn't come up in the early grades. Makes theory seem less relevant.