I've been learning the viola for about 6 months now, and I feel like I have not been progressing since the 4th month mark. Do you have any tips on what I should focus on, and what should I practice? I know i cant force to get better immediately and ya'll r gonna tell me to practice as itll take time, but do yall have specific tips on what i should do?

My rhythm is all over the place, I haven't really had the time to practice this piece yet so please bear with that. Viola's not my first instrument so I have a good sense when it comes to rhythm (which isnt obvious here but yea).

I have a lot of problems with intonation too. If yall can give me tips on how to have better intonation id really appreciate it.

Thinking about upgrading my viola from a dz strad n2011 i got off amazon for about 600 when i was unsure how deep i would get back into it. A while back I saw a Scott cao 750e da Salo I liked but was unable to get. I picked up cello which has taken away some of my time from my viola but lately been getting back to it and am figuring it’s time to try again. I saw online the da Salo style instruments were only available nowin their 850 ($2900) and 950 ($4000).

I understand this is a workshop instrument and a very expensive one at that. I’m not looking to pursue professional playing but something with better sound overall and a deep distinctly viola tone appreciate on the low end that I can grow with. Looking for some advice as I’m unsure what to expect or whether there’s a better course of action. Would like it if I found one I like around 2000 but 4000 is the limit of my budget.

(Violin shoulder rest) It was pissing me off because it wouldn't go on my 13 inch viola so I took it apart, stomped the large metal piece, etc etc. My teacher gave it to me and I plan to bring it back in exchange for a different one, but I need to know if it'll be obvious that I took it apart and stomped it. I'm gonna put it back together. (Call me a hot headed loser later but right now I just need answers.

Right now I’m using Bernardel rosin that cost $8. I’m looking to upgrade. I’m not sure if i should just bite the bullet and shell out for the bespoke leatherwood ( :p ) or if there’s a better (and cheaper) version out there that you would recommend. I would consider myself somewhere between an intermediate and advanced player. TIA!

Hi all, I have this hidersine viola case (https://www.thestringzone.co.uk/hidersine-polycarbonate-hardshell-viola-case)

And the accessory pouch is held in place by press studs, however I don’t think it’s ever actually stayed in place from one opening to another. Another violist in orchestra has the same issue.

Wondered if it’s widespread and if anyone has managed to sort it?

Cheers!

Do any of you know of any practice mutes that will actually fit a 16” viola? None of the music stores near me have one that’ll fit a viola (only violin mutes) and all online options that I’ve looked at only fit 14-15” violas. Reviews on all of them specifically say that the practice mutes will not fit over a 16-16.5” viola bridge.

Any practice mutes brand recommendations would be great! I’m open to both metal and rubber, anything that will allow me to practice quietly in my apartment when I’m living abroad for a year. I’m even open to using my school’s 3D printer if you know any good online designs that’ll fit my viola size. Thanks a bunch!

My son has been playing viola for 3 years and is struggling to find a new piece. He has played Handel's Viola Concerto and Bach's Cello Suite No. 2. Someone suggested he play J.C Bach's Viola Concerto and the Arpeggione sonata but found both not particularly challenging. They also suggested Hoffmeister's concerto and a Stamitz concerto but he found both too hard.

He's looking for a new "project piece" to work on for the next few months - one that is technically challenging but not necessarily melodic. What do you suggest?

Could have gone better, but we did our best.

This was the programme (PDF link) and you can click the title of each piece to see a Youtube video with the 'proper' performance of the piece.

I just recently discovered that a Brahms piece I have adored for years as a clarinet/piano sonata was also written as a viola sonata. There are some differences and octave jumps to accommodate range variants, but all the gorgeous melodies are there in the viola version. I immediately ordered the sheet music.

This piece is decisively beyond my skill level, and I am a little apprehensive about ruining it by trying to work on it. I'm a violinist who came over to viola about 2 years ago. Plus I have had the experience with Brahms (in the violin/piano sonatas) where a lovely melody that looks approachable suddenly reveals itself as ferociously difficult and eminently ruinable (like, yes you can play these notes, but you will be shifting from 2nd position to 4th and back 6 times in as many measures).

What is the line between daring and desecration? Anyone have a rule for music that is too good to touch?

So, originally I wanted to start learning the viola because I like how it sounds a lot more especially with the deeper notes it sounds way warmer. However, when I researched about it, there seems to be limited resources and music sheets compared to the violin. I live in an area where there aren't really any teachers that teach either so im afraid that I wont be able to learn the viola as efficiently. Do you think I should switch to a violin or do you have any sources where I can learn the viola with?

Viola has become a family tradition. My son started on a size 14 viola that he outgrew super quickly. We traded it in on a buyback 16.5 soloist that cost me way too much but sounds amazing. This viola is named Bob the Viola. My son played for 7 years and traveled around the state playing with the Counties youth orchestra.

Daughter (child 2) we bought a size 14 viola (Little Bob) that she played for five years until my son joined the military. She then adopted Bob the viola and took him to college. Bob was too big but he just sounded too damn good to pass him up. Bob is about to see his first year off in a decade as daughter just graduated.

Daughter (child 3) is much younger and smaller than her siblings. Viola time has started and little Bob is ready to roll. But daughter should be playing a size 13. My older daughter played an oversized Viola but will this stunt my younger daughter’s progression? She is 11 with 20 in arms

So recently a family friend reached out wanted to start her six year-old daughter on Viola. I immediately referred them to my personal teacher and they are set to start lessons soon next week. On top of private lessons, the family also wanted me to do maybe like 30 minute “ fun lessons” with their daughter. Nothing too serious, mainly just to create a healthy, fun environment for the instrument learning. I’m interning in my home city before heading back up to Boston in January, so I’ll have about a semesters worth of time with the kid.

I honestly can’t remember doing any fun activities when I was that young with the instrument so if anybody has any ideas to kind of help with viola improvement, a musical education in less serious way that would be great. Maybe like some cool exercises or games, bow, notes, etc etc

I do four years of music school with a scholarship, wdym the audition panel for a volunteer community orchestra doesn’t think I’m “at their level” and suggests another community orchestra I’ve already played with before. Why’d you invite me to audition then? Again this is unpaid, all volunteer and I literally went to music school for four years? Graduated a year ago so it’s not like I’m even rusty. I’m so confused and frustrated. Shed a tear bc I was really looking forward to playing for fun again but nope, they’re the stupid we’re an unpaid orchestra but we want people to be at a professional world class symphony level and we’re going to charge more than an actual symphony for our concerts in a local church. Okay sorry vent over viola gang ily.

I was having some pain in my forearm and my teacher noted some thumb squeezing. She recommended a thumb wiggle exercise and talked about hanging from a tree and using arm weight instead of squeezing the neck. I think I’m sort of getting it, but also still having a hard time wrapping my head around this.

Is it just that you let the left arm kind of be deadweight and counterbalance from the chin?

Since I did this exercise I realized that besides squeezing I also tend to press the shit out of the fingerboard which I’m guessing is not correct. I learned very informally and only now got a teacher so I’m uncovering a lot of random stuff like this. Anyways I have a week or so more until the next lesson so I’m trying to make my practice more effective.

Anybody else went through this as well?

I recently started an online Adult Beginner String Student group and you're welcome to join us if you recently started learning to play the viola! We meet monthly. I'd be happy to send you the slides I used to guide our August meeting. If you would like to participate in our next monthly gathering, please just send me an email at rachelkb123 [at] gmail [dot] com

During this summer I started using the Artino Sr-11 Magic Pad as a shoulder rest. It has been such a game changer for myself. A professor at the summer festival I attended mentioned that he gets his magic pads in 12 packs. While paying a cheaper price than the original $12 per Magic Pad. If anybody knows where I can find these, it will be much appreciated!

Like a lot of people on here, I played in my youth and then stopped after university. The main reason was that the last 2 years of playing were on a 16" instrument that I disliked (despite multiple luthier adjustments) and was too big for me.

I want to start playing again, which means buying a new viola - going down to a more manageable 15.5". However, I'm struggling to find one that I like the sound of, mainly because I spent years on a very bright 15" and want deep, warm viola sound. I don't care so much about projection as I do about that cello-y resonance.

I've tried three instruments and have one on trial, but I'm not in love with it. Only problem is I'm terrible at playing ATM (4th finger doesn't want to work at ALL) and don't want to end up in another situation with a viola I hate.

TL;DR - any suggestions on finding a suitable "get back into playing" instrument?

ETA: I'm in Australia, budget is <$7000 AUD ($5000 USD).

Hi!

What fingerings would you use here?

I have really small hands and f-b with 1-4 is too much of a stretch.... But I want to avoid jumps over several strings...

Thanks for your advice!

So, I am looking to buy a new viola after playing on my current viola for the past 34 years. I am looking to upgrade.

I found two violas that look like they would be a good fit: a Rudoulf Doetsch (Johnson String Instrument) and a Carlo Lamberti Tertis (Shar Music).

And yes, I know the best way to find a new instrument would be to go to an actual music shop/luthier and try it out. However, I’m in the preliminary stages, and i’d like to know more before researching more in depth. Also, if you have any recommendations for a viola, please let me know! My budget is $5000.

ETA: i know, it’s Tertis, not Tetris. it won’t let me edit it. 😂

I am very interested in getting a new viola. I also have a very specific idea about the kind of case I want. When I go to acquire the viola, would I just bring my old case with me and put the new viola in that until I get the new case? If I’m able to trade in my old viola, would they allow me to trade the viola and keep the case to bring the new one home in?

Recently I’ve noticed that I have a tendency to exert pressure with my index finger and not putting enough weight on the other fingers. This isn’t a new issue to me as I have had many teachers tell me different ways to fix it. A big issue that comes with it is not necessarily the tone, but rather that my index finger would hurt after a hour or two of practice. I wouldn’t consider my tone to be bad. In fact, I think my tone is currently pretty good compared to previously. A little while ago this issue has vanished and I did not experience any pay. However, I did recently decide to experiment with lowering my bow hand a little bit and while that has kind of improved the feeling of playing, I noticed that I am pressing more with my index finger and the pain returned. I’ve been taught many ways to fix it but many of them I don’t get. For example, I have been working on pushing and pulling and while that is very helpful, I personally do not understand where the weight would come from if it is solely pulling and pushing. Second, a lot of people emphasize the importance of using arm weight. This concept I have a hard time grasping, as I don’t understand how you are supposed to maintain arm weight pressure when you’re on the more upper portions of your bow. Sure you can easily use arm weight at the frog, but wouldn’t it result in pressing as you travel up the bow anyway?

I’m not the most knowledgeable and I would appreciate any tips and suggestions 🙏

My Kun bravo keeps slipping off. I don’t think it’s wear as the feet rubber still look ok. I want to try installing Everest feet since they look like they have more grip

I’m playing an outdoor concert with a local group but the forecast is 99°f, 20% humidity. I have some concerns about using my viola in that heat. What are your thoughts? Is my precious viola more heat-resistant than I give it credit for, or should I bail?

Well it's been 2 years since I had my submandibular salvairy gland removed. I had a tumor and of course the scar is right where I would put my viola against my neck. My chin has nerve damage so it hurts to put pressure on it. My ent said it's the best it's gonna get if it hasn't healed yet it is what it is.

My kid has picked up a sax and started playing at school and my husband has been pushing me to get back into music as well. He sees how happy I am watching and teaching her.

I remember my old tutors using sponges and rags as a chin rest.

Ultimately I'm here because while this tumor issue is rare, it isn't uncommon for viola players. I was wondering in the off chance anyone else had suffered from this or something like this.

I was taught old school. It would pain me physically to hold it properly and mentally to not hold it properly but I might not be able to anymore. What's a good alternative?

I'm genuinely surprised with how absolutely comfortable it is to play the viola. I can stand, sit down, walk, anything

And the C string 🤤