I am a new viola player, have been playing 4 weeks, (did learn violin to around grade 3/4 about 20 years ago, but really, have had to unlearn SO much...and new clef...bowing...phew!). I absolutely love the viola, I really wish I'd found it years ago. I am ploughing through the telemann in G, and the first of that bach thingy transcribed for viola, plus a slew of Kreutzer...marvellous stuff.

BUT but but, I really want to find ways to play with other people.

So, as a beginner adult, how do people do this? I think my problems are parly that, bascially, I am not very good yet, partly time (3 kids under 5, among other things), partly that most of the local orchestras I've contacted want quite serious levels of ability-sight-reading grade 5 pieces. Lots of problems. But the main reason I am learning now is that I want to play with others, I want at least a plan by which I can move towards this. I don't want to have to be grade 5 before I can play with others!

So you people who play with others, in orchestras, and so on, how did you find these opportunities?

I played totally on my own until 3 months ago, now having reached almost grade 5 on violin I have joined an amateur orchestra.
There was NO other way local to me to play with others AT ALL.
Some people are more lucky and have more 'simple' amateur groups locally to them where they can join from grade 1 or less, those near east london have the east london is it 'late starters' orchestra or something?

Even though I am almost grade 5 I still sit and stare at the score 3/4 of the time in my amateur orchestra as they play high standard pieces like they were 'pro', but they are very friendly and accommodating and they don't mind me just sitting there not having a clue

Hi Fillyjonk,

There's a thread in the forum events folder called 'playing opportunities near you' and that may have some things near you which are suitable (but no guarantees as I don't know where you are based).

Some of the forum events are able to accomodate beginners - again have a look in the forum events folder. I played my violin at the last 'Players for Pleasure' event in Leeds having only had the instrument for two weeks.

I can give you some pointers if you are N.E. or Yorkshire based.

Snap! I joined my orchestra when I was G4 and was told that most people were G4-6. Now I'm G5 and a half - but I still feel out of my depth quite a lot of the time.

As for finding playing opportunities G4-5 seems to be the minimum starting point for most orchestras/bands etc. There are some playing opportunities through the forums that are below that level, and you may find someone local that you could play duets etc. with.

Violas are usually in demand in orchestras as there don't seem to be many people that play them so that may make it easier for you.

I was lucky to have met two violinists (grades 7/8) through my daughter's music group - both parents, one with a daughter at the same school. We meet up from time to time to play duets and trios - not so regularly now as there is a newborn (not mine) to contend with!

They very kindly indulged me by playing simple duets when I was first starting out - and I must say, even now, it's great to relax with a 'no-brainer' piece that doesn't require too much concentration!

You may find similar opportunities when your kids start school. If you're anywhere near Cardiff, I'd be happy to meet up.

Good luck!

THis is completely different but kind of equivalent, there is a website called runningpartners.co.uk or somesuch-basically people use it to find other people to run/jog with near them, you put up suitable details - e.g. email address/ roughly where you live and then you can look and see if there are people near you who you might be able to join.

It would be great if someone made a similar thing for adult learners wanting to find other adults to play music with musicpartners.co.uk perhaps?

Go on Jacobi, you start it for us I'll sign up to it

In my city (Leeds) we have music centres run by the City Council - there are several around the city and they have lots of classes, including ensembles, for all levels and they're held on a Saturday morning. Is there anything like that near you?

Also in Leeds is the Yorkshire Late Starters Strings - I think you're over 18, they accept any level but I'm not a strings player so I don't know for sure. It's a pity they don't have more LSS orchestras around the country

Have you tried your local library to see what leaflets they've got, and not just on the noticeboard - my local library has got a file full of community leaflets. And community magazines often list local playing opportunities. You might come up against the same problem of wanting G5+ though with advertised orchestras.

Good luck finding somewhere!

wow thanks for all the ideas!

Looneytunes-am in cardiff! Would love to meet up, how exciting! What do you play? Do you know of any beginners strings orchestras?

There you go - that was easy!

I play violin but have recently been loaned a viola by my teacher so happy to give that a go!

You have mail

Hi,

Making those first few contacts is the hardest part, and you've already made a start in this thread. Just talk to people about music - you might be surprised who can play/has played in the past and who wants to resurrect their playing.

You might try going to to a concert of an amateur orchestra near you, or perhaps a folk session, and talk to the musicians. Even if you're talking to someone who you feel is of a vastly higher standard - they might have a second instrument on which they are closer to your level or know of somebody else who plays strings and may be interested in playing with you. It's all about linking up with people. It can be hard, but it's so rewarding in the long run. Have fun! x