Does anyone here play the viola? I have a question for you...

[ElizabethGould]

I've been trying to learn the violin yet my big hands and the simple fact that I hate the sound of the thing have served to put me off.

Someone has suggested the viola as a better choice for me as it's lower in pitch and bigger. I like the sound of the viola and now want to learn it.

So where do I start? Are lessons vital?

 

[NiobiumTragedy]

Lessons are always vital. The more one on one, the better. You can learn basics from here and there, but you will never truly reach your potential without a proper teacher to help you through your problems.

Where you start depends greatly on age and where you live. If you're still in school, many schools have music classes which use string instruments. A great place to really start though is at local music shops that sell instruments. More often than not, they will offer lessons to get you going on your instrument of choice.

A viola is a large investment, so maybe meet with a teacher so you can get an idea of whether or not it's what you're looking for.

Give Louise Taylor a call at 07976648867. She's an ABRSM Grade 8 Viola instructor from Winlaton Mill. What you could learn from a proper instructor vs a music shop that has lessons is like night and day, though a proper instructor will likely charge more.

Viola Teachers near Newcastle-upon-Tyne - MusicTeachers.co.uk

 

[OhayItsJen]

If you have been playing violin for an adequate amount of time and are proficient with it, then lessons are not required.
Reading the notes can be a turn off though because the viola uses an alto clef instead of a treble. But it shouldn't pose too much of a problem.

I've played violin for ~9 years and switched to viola last year.
The transition was a bit difficult due to the notes but I had no problem with it after a few weeks.

 

[cmarie423]

Lessons are totally vital for beginners, but they can be inexpensive. If your a music player already and you do well with placement of fingers you might be fine on your own but I know whenever I've started anything new it's always helped me to have a teacher to back me up. Plus you can usually rent to buy an awesome viola or violin from the places that have instructors.