[hardcorerocker]

Hello,

I really want to learn to play the violin or the viola, and I have some questions. 1) Is it possible to teach yourself either one? 2) Which one do you prefer (Violin or Viola) and why? 3) How much would a good violin or viola cost? What are some good starter violins, violas?

Thank you so much!!!!

[~FreT~]

1) Well, yeah. Of course you can teach yourself anything. But if you're serious about this whole thing, I suggest you get a teacher. Well....it depends on what your goals in your music career are, if you would care to share about it.
2) Violins v. Violas...Ok, now the violinists outnumber the violists. This is a mystery that I haven't heard anyone solve. And so, the violinists are like overpowering the violists. Recently, I've noticed that some musicians do have compassion on the violists. They are usually pretty quiet (I don't know why) so they need some support. We need some more violists in the world. But if you pick the violin, it's ok even though it's shrieky high. I haven't heard a really good violist in a really long while so I hope you'll be one.
3) You can take a look at this online string instrument store: www.sharmusic.com They cost more than guitars.

I play the cello. Nice to meet you.

[PatrickStar4491]

1. I'm not quite sure. I took beginners orchestra in 4th grade and it really helped having a good teacher. You might want some lessons to start out with.

2. Being a violist, I'd say viola. They really are about the same though. As FreT said, violins are pretty high. :P I enjoyed playing viola while I did. And as FreT mentioned also, violins so outnumber violists. I guess that's one of those unsolved mysteries... lol. It really isn't much different in difficulty. They only differ by one string. And violas are larger than violins.

3. I always rented from my local music store. You can probably get a good rent-to-buy plan. That way if you decide you don't want to pursue it anymore, you can just return it... lol

[~FreT~]

Now I think I like the viola...

[His_Violinist]

1) Of course! Get yourself a good method book and follow through that. The Suzuki method is a great series, it develops your ear very well, but doesn't stress sight-reading as much as it should.

2) I prefer violin, definatly. I've been playing for seven years, and was ranked one of the best in my state this past year, so I have a lot of passion for it. I like the sound better, though if you like a deeper, lower sound you should go with the viola. Another thing about violin, is that it has a LOT of competition, so if you want to have less competition with other players, which really only counts if you want a good seat in an orchestra or want to compete, play the viola.

Fret: Violins have a range that outdoes even flutes. Yes, they're very high! But a good violinist can play those ranges in tune and with good tone, making them really more beautiful than a beginner shrieking out the notes. Also, there are more violins because their sound is needed in an orchestra for two, sometimes even three parts. (First violin, second violin, and sometimes third violin, which is really the viola part made for violin to help with the viola sound and strength.) There are less violas because only one part is needed in an orchestra. They sound 'quieter' probably because the melody is always supposed to be pronounced, and violins have the melody much more often than violas.

3) I'm not sure about viola, but a decent violin would cost about in between 300-500 dollars, excluding the bow. A good string magizine to order accessories from is Southwest strings, they have a website. Shar Music is also very good, I order most of my stuff from them. You could buy an instrument from a catalogue, but I recommend finding a string dealer near you, and going there to try out instruments. Then you can hear the instrument and choose one with a sound that you like (each one is different) and within your budget. You can also get help from a professional.

[~FreT~]

Originally Posted by His_Violinist

1) Of course! Get yourself a good method book and follow through that. The Suzuki method is a great series, it develops your ear very well, but doesn't stress sight-reading as much as it should.

2) I prefer violin, definatly. I've been playing for seven years, and was ranked one of the best in my state this past year, so I have a lot of passion for it. I like the sound better, though if you like a deeper, lower sound you should go with the viola. Another thing about violin, is that it has a LOT of competition, so if you want to have less competition with other players, which really only counts if you want a good seat in an orchestra or want to compete, play the viola.

Fret: Violins have a range that outdoes even flutes. Yes, they're very high! But a good violinist can play those ranges in tune and with good tone, making them really more beautiful than a beginner shrieking out the notes. Also, there are more violins because their sound is needed in an orchestra for two, sometimes even three parts. (First violin, second violin, and sometimes third violin, which is really the viola part made for violin to help with the viola sound and strength.) There are less violas because only one part is needed in an orchestra. They sound 'quieter' probably because the melody is always supposed to be pronounced, and violins have the melody much more often than violas.

3) I'm not sure about viola, but a decent violin would cost about in between 300-500 dollars, excluding the bow. A good string magizine to order accessories from is Southwest strings, they have a website. Shar Music is also very good, I order most of my stuff from them. You could buy an instrument from a catalogue, but I recommend finding a string dealer near you, and going there to try out instruments. Then you can hear the instrument and choose one with a sound that you like (each one is different) and within your budget. You can also get help from a professional.

Thanks.

That guy posted in November of last year, you know. *Chuckle*.

[His_Violinist]

Originally Posted by ~FreT~

Thanks.

That guy posted in November of last year, you know. *Chuckle*.

Wow. *smacks forehead.*