Hi guys,

After nagging my parents for months on how i wanted to play the viola, and getting them to read some of the posts of the viola on here, they have finally given in to letting me learn! All I need to do now is ask my director of music to add me to the lists and get a County Music Service viola.

I have two questions:

1. Please could all those violists out there give me some beginners tips?
and..
2. How big is a full size viola? I have played a full size and have felt comfortable with it but I don't know how big (in actual length) it is. Any ideas?

Thanks

Full size violas can be anything from 15 inches to 17.5 inches or even more (back length). 16 inches is average and 15.5 and 16.5 are also common.

Liz

QUOTE (purple dolphin @ Jan 20 2005, 09:52 PM)

1. Please could all those violists out there give me some beginners tips?

Hi

I have recently ordered a viola and am excited about getting it next week hopefully. I currently play the violin and fancied having a go a the viola too so any advice on violas I would appreciate too.

Joy

If you already play the violin, then here's a tip I found useful for getting used to the alto clef - think of the easy violin study books you used and find out if there is a a version for viola. Since you already know the tunes, you 'll be able to hear when you make a mistake.

That's great! Hope you enjoy playing. I'm not exactly sure how big a full-size viola is but some violas are quite large so don't get one that is too big or you will end up with excruciating backache!
Tip: If you don't know alto clef already then spend some time learning it and making sure that you know the names of the notes - it sounds silly, but it's so easy to just know how to play a note, not what it's called. I agree with Carys' idea about using a viola tutor book.
Hope you enjoy yourself!
Emma

QUOTE (Rainbow @ Jan 21 2005, 07:49 PM)

but it's so easy to just know how to play a note, not what it's called.

absolutely! especially for a violin player. I am guilty of that on the viola... I can tell you what a note is on the alto clef, or I can play it on the viola - you ask me to do both.... my brain will probably explode!

My tip is to just have fun! The going may be slow at the start, but never give up!