Month 8: The Art of Shifting - Expanding Your Viola's Range

Shifting high and shifting low,

Our fingers glide, a seamless flow.

Expanding our range, we'll embrace,

A wondrous journey through fingerboard space.

Welcome to the eighth instalment of our imaginative 12 Month blog series for young viola students! In this month's adventure, we'll dive into the incredible world of shifting on the viola. Shifting is a fundamental technique that allows violists to access various positions on the fingerboard, expanding their range and unlocking new expressive possibilities in their playing.

To begin our journey, let's explore the different types of shifts that violists use. The most common shifts are position shifts, where we move from one position to another, and sliding shifts, which involve moving smoothly from one note to another without changing positions. Additionally, there are also pivot shifts, where we rotate around a fixed finger, and crab shifts, where we change positions lifting each finger at a time, crawling up or down like a crab.

Position Shifts

When shifting between positions, you are essentially moving from one "box" of notes to another along the fingerboard. For example, shifting from first position to third position involves moving your entire hand up the fingerboard while maintaining proper hand shape. In this shift, the first finger takes the place of the third finger in the new position, expanding the range of notes you can play. When practicing position shifts, concentrate on smooth movement and keeping your thumb aligned with your fingers for optimal balance and finger placement. 

It is crucial to ‘feel’ the new position before you practice the shift, move the hand to the desired position so you know what the target is. While in the position, close your eyes and feel what that position feels like. Pay special attention to any points of contact of the hand with the fingerboard, thumb placement.

Remember, you have only shifted successfully if all four fingers can be placed on the fingerboard.

To help with practice, imagine a graceful swan gliding across a lake as you move from one position to another on the fingerboard. These shifts are essential for accessing different pitches and expanding your range. Focus on maintaining a relaxed hand and arm while shifting positions, ensuring smooth transitions and accurate intonation.

• Learn more

  Position shifts refer to the movement of the entire hand along the fingerboard to access different ranges of notes, allowing violists to play higher or lower on their instrument. These shifts are essential for moving between the distinct positions on the viola, such as first, second, third position, and beyond. Properly executing position shifts is crucial for playing different pieces of music that span various ranges and require the ability to access higher or lower notes on the fingerboard smoothly.

  This type of shift occurs usually after playing an open string. To practice position shifts:

  1. start in a specific position with your fingers on the strings, then gently lift your fingers keeping them very close to the string.

  2. Relax both the base of finger 1 and your thumb

  3. move it to the desired new position while maintaining a relaxed hand posture.

  4. Once you have reached the new position, place your fingers on the string, keeping your hand shape consistent and your fingers curved.

  For example, if you are in the first position with your first finger on the B note on the A string and want to shift to the third position, lift your hand and move it up the fingerboard, placing your first finger on the D note on the same string, where your third finger previously was.

  As you practice position shifts, focus on maintaining a consistent and relaxed hand shape, keeping your fingers curved, and anticipating the new position before moving your hand. This will help ensure that your shifts are smooth, accurate, and seamless, allowing you to play a wider variety of music and access different parts of the viola's range with ease.

Sliding Shifts

Sliding shifts, also known as "glissando shifts" or "portamento shifts", involve moving the hand along the fingerboard while keeping the finger that initiates the shift in contact with the string, creating a smooth and continuous slide between the starting and ending notes. This type of shift is particularly effective for creating expressive and lyrical passages in your playing or for adding a touch of emotion and character to your music.

To practice sliding shifts, start with your finger on a specific note in a particular position. Slide that finger along the string, maintaining consistent and light contact on the string throughout the movement until you reach the target note in the new position. While sliding, keep your hand shape and focus on maintaining a relaxed hand and wrist, allowing for a smooth and even sound during the shift.

Picture a swan gliding gracefully across a serene pond, barely disturbing the water's surface, as you smoothly slide between notes within the same position. This imagery captures the elegance and evenness of movement required to execute sliding shifts effectively, allowing you to produce a connected and fluid sound in your viola playing.

Sliding shifts can add expressive elements to your playing, such as portamento or glissando. Practice by isolating specific slides in your music and gradually increasing confidence, ensuring a clean and controlled motion.

• Learn more

  For example, if you are in the first position with your first finger on the B note on the A string and want to shift to the third position, slide your first finger up the fingerboard while keeping it in contact with the string until you reach the D note on the same string.

  When incorporating sliding shifts into your playing, remember that the key to achieving a fluid and expressive sound is maintaining consistent and light finger pressure and a relaxed hand position throughout the shift.

  By mastering sliding shifts, you can add a new dimension of expressiveness and emotion to your viola playing, enhancing the overall musicality of your performances.

• For high achievers

  You can also start with one finger, and swap to another finger at the half-way point of the slide then end the slide on another finger. This creates even more flexibility, variety and adds more nuance to your expressive playing.

pivot shifts

Also known as "extension shifts", pivot shifts involve extending or contracting the hand around a fixed finger, effectively changing the position of the other fingers relative to the fingerboard without moving the hand itself. This type of shift is especially useful when playing passages that require quick and precise changes in fingering or when transitioning between positions that are close together, such as between first and second positions or between third and fourth positions. They often work really well in passages where thinking enharmonically can helps us play with more ease.

• learn more about enharmonic passages

  An enharmonic passage is a musical passage in which two or more notes that are enharmonically equivalent (meaning they have the same pitch but are written differently) are used interchangeably or in succession.

  For example, in the passage below, we can easily shift to 2nd position thinking enharmonically. Imagine the passage is:

  C - E - G♭ - B♭

  G♭ (enharmonically equivalent to F♯) and B♭ (enharmonically equivalent to A♯)

  In this example, placing finger 2 on G♭ (thinking it is F♯) and 4th finger on B♭ (or A♯) allows us to shift to 2nd position without moving the hand, playing with secure intonation.

Visualize a spinning top as you rotate around a fixed finger on the fingerboard. Pivot shifts are particularly useful for navigating tricky passages and maintaining a stable hand position.

To practice pivot shifts, choose a finger to serve as your anchor, usually the first or second finger, which remains stationary on the string. With that anchor finger in place, extend or contract your hand, allowing the other fingers to reach new notes without physically shifting the entire hand. Focus on maintaining a relaxed hand position and avoiding tension in the fingers, wrist, and arm during the pivot movement.

For example, if you are in first position with your first finger on the C# note on the A string, and the next note is B♭ on the D string, you can pivot to second position, extending your hand and placing the fourth finger as if was an A#. This allows you move to second position without the need to move the hand.

By mastering pivot shifts, you can efficiently navigate the fingerboard, making it easier to play fast and intricate passages while maintaining accuracy and control.

Crab Shifts

Crab shifts, also known as "crawling shifts," involve moving the hand along the fingerboard while keeping all fingers in contact with the strings, giving the impression that your hand is "crawling" like a crab. This type of shift enables you to maintain constant contact with the strings, resulting in a more connected and fluid sound, as well as providing a sense of security during position changes.

Crab shifts involve moving between positions sliding individual fingers on the string, as if your hand were a crab crawling along the fingerboard. This type of shift enables you to maintain constant contact with the strings, resulting in a more connected and fluid sound. To master crab shifts, practice sliding individual fingers along the strings while maintaining light finger pressure, as if your fingers were delicate crab legs touching the surface of the water. Pay attention to the smoothness and continuity of the movement, striving for a seamless transition between positions.

Crab shifts can help you maintain contact with the fingerboard and achieve a smooth, seamless sound. To master this technique, practice moving individual fingers with minimal finger pressure, each time altering the finger patterns, focusing on the sensation of your fingers gliding along the strings.

By incorporating crab shifts into your viola technique, you can achieve smoother position changes and improve the fluidity of your playing, especially in legato passages where seamless connections between notes are essential.

• Crab Shift Relay

  Objective: This exercise helps students practice crab shifting by moving from one note to another while maintaining the same finger on the string, imitating a crab's sideways movement.

  1. Start in first position with your second finger on B on the G string.

  2. Without lifting your finger from the string, slowly slide your second finger up to the C# note while maintaining consistent finger pressure and a relaxed hand position.

  3. Pause for a moment, and then slide it back down to B.

  Repeat this process for each finger (first, third, and fourth) on the same string, sliding up and down a whole step for each finger.

  Once comfortable with this exercise on the G string, practice it on the other strings (C, D, and A) to become familiar with crab shifting across the entire fingerboard.

• Exercise 2: Crab Shift Leapfrog

  Objective: This exercise focuses on alternating fingers during crab shifting to develop finger independence and coordination.

  1. Begin in first position with your first finger on B on the A string.

  2. Without lifting your finger from the string, slide your first finger up to the C# while keeping a relaxed hand position.

  3. While still on C#, switch to your second finger without moving the pitch, as if your fingers were playing "leapfrog."

  4. Slide your second finger back down to the B note, maintaining consistent finger pressure.

  5. Once back at the B note, switch to your first finger again without changing the pitch.

  Repeat this process for other finger combinations (e.g., second and third, third and fourth) on the same string.

  Practice this exercise on the other strings to master crab shifting with different finger combinations across the fingerboard.

Now that we have established imaginative associations with each shift type, it's time to incorporate some practice techniques.

fingerboard awareness

Poster Viola Chart - Fingering and Alto Clef

Purchase

First, we'll focus on fingerboard awareness. Using a fingerboard map or visual aid, we'll familiarize ourselves with the various positions and note locations on the viola. This will help us to develop a mental picture of the fingerboard, enabling us to navigate it confidently.

finger dexterity

Next, we'll work on finger strength and dexterity. To do this, we'll employ exercises such as finger gymnastics and spider walking. These activities will help us to build strength and flexibility in our fingers, ensuring that we're able to execute shifts smoothly and accurately.

relaxation techniques

As we become more comfortable with the mechanics of shifting, it's essential to incorporate relaxation techniques. Shifting can be physically demanding, and tension in our hands or arms can inhibit our ability to shift smoothly. By practicing mindful breathing and regularly checking in with our body, we'll learn to maintain a relaxed state while shifting, allowing our fingers to glide effortlessly across the fingerboard.

Check out Month 3: Viola Yoga

Check out Month 3: Viola Yoga

bring it to life

Now that we have a solid foundation in shifting, it's time to bring it all together by applying these techniques to real music. Start by choosing a piece that requires shiftingand break it down into smaller sections. Focus on one section at a time, choose the appropriate shift type to that passage and practice slowly and methodically. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the shifts, and soon you'll be playing the piece with confidence and ease.

critical listening

Lastly, let's not forget the importance of listening. As we practice our shifts, be mindful of the sounds we create. Strive for a smooth, seamless transition between notes, and don't be afraid to experiment with different shifting techniques to find the one that works best for you.

finale

In summary, the art of shifting is a crucial component of viola playing. By exploring different types of shifts, creating imaginative stories to accompany our slides, and practicing a variety of techniques, we'll confidently navigate the fingerboard and expand our viola's range. So, let's embark on this wondrous journey through fingerboard space and unlock the full potential of our beautiful instrument!

I would love to hear from you, did you find this post useful? Let me know below.

Month 5 - Tone Production: Crafting Your Viola's Voice

A viola's voice, expressive and bold,

Our tone production's a story untold.

From sul tasto to ponticello's ring,

We'll master the art of our instrument's sing

This month, we'll journey into the magical world of tone production, where we'll uncover the secrets of creating a beautiful and resonant sound on the viola. So, let's embark on this exciting quest and help you develop your instrument's unique voice!

The Ingredients of Tone

Tone production is like creating a magical potion, with each element contributing to the overall sound. The main ingredients in our tone potion are bowing technique, vibrato, instrument setup, and posture. To create the perfect blend, we'll explore exercises and tips for each of these components.

1. Bowing Technique - The Wizard's Wand

   Think of your bow as a wizard's wand, casting spells to shape your sound. The keys to a magical tone are bow speed, pressure, and contact point. Try this fun exercise: play a scale while imagining different scenarios, such as making your sound "sparkle like a starry night" or "flow like a gentle river." This will help you experiment with your bowing technique and discover new ways to create captivating sounds.

2. Vibrato - The Enchanted Wave

   Vibrato is like the enchanting wave that gives your sound warmth and depth. To develop your vibrato, try the "Wobbly Jellyfish" exercise: place your left hand on the viola's neck and gently rock your hand back and forth, creating a wobbly motion. Gradually increase the speed of your wobble until you create a smooth, continuous vibrato. Remember, a happy jellyfish is a relaxed jellyfish, so keep your hand and arm tension-free!

   more on about vibrato? read this article: The Strad Magazine

3. Instrument Setup - The Sound Wizard's Workshop

   A well-set-up instrument is crucial for producing a beautiful tone. Ensure your viola has a properly fitted bridge, sound post, and tailpiece, as well as high-quality strings. You can also experiment with different types of rosin, as each one can subtly influence your sound. Think of your instrument as a magical artifact – the more care you put into it, the greater powers it will possess!

4. Posture - The Foundation of the Tone Castle

   A strong and balanced posture lays the foundation for a rich, resonant tone. Imagine your body as a majestic castle, with each part working together to support your sound. Stand or sit tall, with your feet planted firmly on the ground, and hold your viola at a comfortable angle. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head held high, like a proud flag atop your castle. Regularly check your posture during practice to ensure your tone castle remains strong and steady.

   more on posture read this article? read this article: The Strad Magazine
   

5. Listening and Imitation - Learning from the Tone Masters

   To develop a beautiful tone, it's essential to listen to and learn from the great viola players who have come before us. Choose a recording of a violist whose sound you admire, and try to imitate their tone in your own playing. This exercise not only helps you improve your tone production but also allows you to absorb some of the magic of the tone masters.

6. Experiment and Explore - Discovering Your Viola's Voice

   Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and explore new ways of creating sound on your viola. Try playing with different bowing techniques, vibrato speeds, or even inventing your own tone exercises. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover your instrument's unique voice and the magical world of tone production.

finale

By delving into the art of tone production, you'll not only unlock the full potential of your viola's sound, but also develop a deeper connection with your instrument. So, embrace the magic of tone production, and let your viola's voice shine bright for all to hear. The world is your stage, and your instrument's enthralling voice is just waiting to be heard!

I would love to hear from you, did you find this post useful? Let me know below.

Month 4 - Painting Brush: Expressing Feelings Through Music

A bow hold firm yet light as a feather,

Flexible fingers, all working together.

We'll guide our bow, a dance on the string,

Creating sweet music, fit for a king

Welcome to the fourth instalment of our inspiring blog for young violists! This month, we're diving into the world of emotions, discovering how to use our bows to convey feelings in our playing, much like a painter uses various techniques to express emotions on a canvas. We'll explore the connection between painting and music, using fun exercises to practice expressing emotions like happiness, sadness, excitement, and calmness.

ARTICULATION IS YOUR PAINTBRUSH

Connecting with emotions is an essential aspect of music-making, and the bow is the key to unlocking the viola's expressive potential. To begin our journey, let's look at some painting techniques and their musical counterparts.

1. Chiaroscuro

   In painting, chiaroscuro involves the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create a dramatic effect. In music, legato bowing can be considered the "light" side, producing smooth, connected notes, perfect for expressing tenderness, longing, or sadness. Staccato bowing, on the other hand, is the "dark" side, creating short, crisp notes that convey excitement, playfulness, or agitation.

2. Impasto

   Just as painters use impasto to add texture and depth to their work, violists can use spiccato bowing to create a lively, textured sound. By allowing the bow to "hop" gently off the string, you'll produce a springy, energetic tone that evokes joy or liveliness.

3. Glazing

   Glazing in painting involves applying thin layers of transparent paint to create a luminous effect. In viola playing, this can be achieved through portato bowing, a blend of legato and staccato that creates a subtle pulsing effect, perfect for expressing yearning or reflection.

4. Dry Brush

   The dry brush technique in painting produces a rough, textured appearance, akin to staccato or other short articulations in music. By using small, controlled movements from your wrist and fingers, you can create a distinct, crisp character in your playing.

5. Scumbling

   Scumbling in painting allows the base color to show through, much like how the use of varied articulation can provide a layered and intricate musical experience. Experimenting with different bow strokes and combinations can help you achieve this effect on the viola.

TONAL COLOUR YOUR PALETTE

Now that we've explored these artistic connections, let's put them into action with some engaging exercises designed to help you express emotions through music. Experiment with varying the point of contact of the string for added effect: closer to the bridge stronger tone, closer to the fingerboard, softer/sweeter tones.

1. Emotion Charades

   Choose an emotion (happiness, sadness, excitement, or calmness), and use one or more of the bowing techniques to convey that feeling on your viola. Play a simple scale or melody, and ask a friend or family member to guess which emotion you're expressing. Take turns and make it a fun and interactive game!

2. Emotional Etudes

   Select a simple etude or piece, and practice playing it with different emotional interpretations. Experiment with various bowing techniques, dynamics, and phrasing to convey a wide range of emotions. Record yourself and listen back to evaluate your expressiveness and identify areas for improvement.

3. Bowing Improv

   Choose an emotion and create a short improvisation based on that feeling. Let your bow lead the way, guiding your fingers and allowing the emotion to flow through your music. This exercise is not only fun but also helps develop your musical intuition and creativity.

4. Musical Storytelling

   Create a narrative that involves various emotions and use your viola to tell the story through music. Assign different bowing techniques to different characters or emotions, and experiment with tempo, dynamics, and articulation to bring your tale to life.

finale

By incorporating these fun, creative exercises into your practice routine, you'll develop a deeper connection with your instrument and learn to express a wide range of emotions through your playing. As you become more comfortable with these techniques, you'll notice your musicality and expressiveness blossoming, much like a painter's canvas coming to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. Keep exploring and experimenting with these artistic concepts, and remember that the journey of self-expression through music is an ongoing adventure. Happy practicing, and until next time, may your viola be your paintbrush, and your music be the canvas on which you create your masterpiece.

I would love to hear from you, did you find this post useful? Let me know below.

Month 3: Viola Yoga - Building Mindful Posture and Movement

Viola posture, straight and tall,

We'll stand or sit, won't let it fall.

Chin on rest, hold it just right,

Our journey begins, we take flight.

Welcome to the third instalment of our 12 Month Series for Young Violists! This month, we'll combine the worlds of viola playing and yoga to build mindful posture and movement. By integrating the principles of yoga into your practice, you can develop a strong foundation of body awareness, flexibility, and balance that will improve your playing experience.

Yoga is an ancient practice that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and breath. By incorporating yoga-inspired exercises into our viola practice, we can enhance our posture, release tension, and cultivate a sense of ease and fluidity in our playing.

VIOLA ASANA

exploring mindful posture exercises integrating viola playing and yoga

Make sure you have plenty of space before trying the exercises below, and very mindful of your viola and bow as extensions of your physical body. Always make gentle and slow movements.

1. Viola Sun Salutations

   Begin your practice session with a modified sun salutation sequence to warm up your body and mind. Start in a standing position, holding your viola with both hands. Inhale as you raise your arms and viola overhead, then exhale as you gently bend forward, lowering your viola towards the ground. Inhale and rise back to standing, then exhale as you lower your arms and viola to your sides. Repeat this sequence three to five times, synchronizing your breath and movement.

2. Warrior Bows

   Adopt a warrior II yoga pose by stepping your left foot forward and your right foot back, bending your left knee, and extending your arms to the sides. Hold your viola in your left hand and your bow in your right hand, and imagine drawing energy from the earth through your feet and channeling it into your playing. Practice long, smooth bow strokes on each string, focusing on maintaining a stable and grounded stance.

3. Tree Pose Finger Exercises

   Stand on your left foot and place your right foot on your left inner thigh or calf, entering tree pose. Hold your viola in playing position and practice finger exercises, such as placing and lifting your fingers on the fingerboard or playing simple scales. This exercise challenges your balance and encourages a relaxed and efficient left-hand technique. Repeat with the other leg and notice if your shoulders are arms are just as relaxed.

4. Seated Forward Fold String Crossings

   Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you, entering a seated forward fold position. Hold your viola in playing position, and practice string crossings with your bow, focusing on smooth and fluid transitions between strings. This exercise encourages a flexible and relaxed right-arm movement while also providing a gentle stretch for the back and hamstrings.

5. Breath Awareness and Meditation

   End your practice session with a few minutes of breath awareness and meditation. Sit comfortably, holding your viola in your lap, and focus on your natural breath. Scan your body from head to toes slowly. Observe any areas of tension in your body and consciously release them with each exhale. This practice can help you develop a deeper connection to your body and instrument, promoting a sense of relaxation and mindfulness that can enhance your playing.

finale

By integrating viola playing and yoga, we can develop mindful posture and movement through fun and creative exploration. This approach encourages a strong foundation of body awareness, flexibility, and balance, leading to more enjoyable and efficient playing.

Join us next month as we continue our creative journey with an exploration of musical expression through dynamics, articulation, and storytelling!

I would love to hear from you, did you find this post useful? Let me know below.

Month 2: Musical Storytelling - Creating Characters with Your Strings

“Strings of gut, synthetic, or steel,

Each with their own unique appeal.

Gently wipe them after you play,

And a warm, rich tone is here to stay.”

Welcome to the second instalment of the 12 Month Series for Young Violists in the ALTOgether blog! This month, we focus on helping young students connect to their instrument through the magical world of storytelling. We will use our viola strings to bring characters to life and tell captivating stories through music. By creating imaginative connections between the strings and the stories we tell, we'll make the learning process engaging and enjoyable.

Each of the four strings on the viola has its unique characteristics and sound qualities:

C string: the lowest and thickest of the four, has a rich, dark, and mysterious tone 

G string: one step higher, offers a warm and sonorous sound

D string: sitting in the middle, possesses a more balanced and versatile timbre 

A string: the highest, shines with a bright and brilliant sound

WALL POSTER - viola fingering chart

〰️

WALL POSTER - viola fingering chart 〰️

the Storytelling Adventure Takes Shape

1. Assign Different Characters and Personalities to each String

For example, the C string might represent a wise old wizard who guards an enchanted forest. The G string could be a brave and noble knight on a quest to save a kingdom, while the D string might be a mischievous fairy who loves to play tricks on unsuspecting travelers. Lastly, the A string could represent a beautiful princess with a powerful and enchanting voice.

2. Create the Story

With our characters in place, it's time to create a story. Encourage students to let their imaginations run wild as they weave together a tale that incorporates each of the string characters. For example, the knight might embark on a journey through the enchanted forest to rescue the princess, all the while encountering the tricks and pranks of the playful fairy.

3. Bring it to Life

Once the story is complete, it's time to bring it to life on the viola. Guide students through the process of translating their narrative into music. They can use different techniques, such as long, sweeping bow strokes for the knight's heroic adventures or short, playful pizzicato for the fairy's mischievous antics. Encourage students to experiment with dynamics, articulation, and phrasing to create an engaging and expressive musical story.

To further immerse students in the storytelling experience, consider incorporating visual and tactile elements. Have them create illustrations of their string characters or design a map of their story's setting. Encourage them to bring in props, such as a wizard's hat or a toy sword, to help them get into character.

The Hidden Treasure

In addition to fostering creativity and imagination, this storytelling approach to viola playing also helps students develop essential technical skills. As they focus on bringing their characters to life, students will naturally work on aspects such as tone production, intonation, and bow control.

Take it One Step Further

Consider hosting a "viola storytime" event, where students can showcase their musical tales for family and friends. This provides a fun and supportive performance opportunity while celebrating the students' hard work and creativity.

Finale

By transforming viola strings into characters and stories, students can engage their imagination and creativity while developing essential technical skills. This fun and immersive approach will make the learning process enjoyable, memorable, and truly magical. Join us next month, as we explore mindful mindful exercises inspired by yoga to develop a strong and comfortable foundation for playing the viola.

I would love to hear from you, did you find this post useful? Let me know below.

Month 1: The ABCs of Viola - Choosing the Right Instrument and Bow

A shiny viola caught my eye,

A perfect match, I can't deny.

With bow in hand, I'm feeling spry,

Together we shall reach the sky!

Welcome to the first instalment of our creative and engaging viola blog for beginners! In this month's blog, we'll embark on an exciting journey as we explore the enchanting world of the viola. We'll learn about the unique characteristics of this beautiful instrument and help you find the perfect viola and bow to suit your individual needs. Let's dive in!

The viola, often described as the "middle child" of the string family, boasts a rich and warm tone that sets it apart from its siblings, the violin and cello. As a violist, you'll have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of musical genres and styles, making the learning process engaging and diverse.

Viola Fashion Show - try many instruments!

To start your viola journey, it's crucial to find the right instrument and bow. When selecting a viola, consider size, material, and sound quality. Violas come in various sizes, typically ranging from 12 to 16.5 inches. To find the perfect fit, consult a teacher or a professional at a string specialist store who can guide you through the measuring process. Remember, comfort is key when playing the viola, so finding the correct size will help prevent strain and discomfort.

To make the journey enjoyable and successful, follow these steps:

1. Size Matters

   As violas come in different sizes, it's essential to find one that fits your body comfortably. Measure your arm length, from the base of your neck to the center of your palm, to determine the appropriate viola size for you. Consult your teacher or a knowledgeable music store staff member to assist with proper sizing.

2. The Sound of Mystery

   Each viola has a unique voice, and finding the one that resonates with you is part of the adventure. Play various instruments and pay attention to their tonal qualities. Do you prefer a warm, rich sound or a brighter, more focused tone? Trust your instincts and let your ears guide you.

3. Setup for success

   make sure your viola has been set up by a professional luthier, this can make all the difference, so make sure you go to a string specialist store or a luthier directly.

4. Strings Attached

   The strings you choose can greatly impact the sound and playability of your viola. There are many options available, from synthetic-core to gut-core strings. Consult your teacher or fellow violists for recommendations, and don't be afraid to try various strings to find the perfect match.

5. The Enchanted Case

   Your viola is a treasure, and you'll want to protect it with a sturdy and reliable case. Look for a case with proper support and padding, as well as ample storage for accessories like rosin, sheet music, and a shoulder rest.

6. Trust Your Guide

   Don't be shy about seeking advice from your teacher, fellow violists, or knowledgeable music store staff. They can provide valuable insights and guide you on your quest to find the perfect viola and bow.

Fabric Magic

Next, let's explore the material of the viola. Beginner violas can be made from laminate or plywood, but beware, violas crafted from solid wood, such as maple and spruce produce a richer and more resonant sound, which is super important for a violist. Plywood cannot withstand the tension of the strings for long. I would always encourage you to be happy with the sound of the instrument, and balance your budget with your expectations for sound quality. Always try out several instruments in your price range to determine which one feels and sounds the best for you.

Bow Treasure Hunt - finding the best match for your viola

Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a viola, it's time to choose the right bow. Bows come in various materials, including Pernambuco, carbon fiber, Brazilwood, and fiberglass. Each material offers different benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to find a bow that suits your needs and preferences. Pernambuco bows are considered the gold standard for string players, offering excellent balance, strength, and flexibility. However, due to over-harvesting and deforestation in the past, Pernambuco wood is now a protected species and many musicians are choosing other materials. Carbon fiber bows are a popular alternative, providing a great balance of weight, strength, and affordability. Brazilwood bows are more budget-friendly, offering decent performance for their price. Fiberglass bows are the most affordable option and are ideal for young players who are still learning the basics, but you may want to invest in a higher-quality bow, which will give you greater control and a wider range of tonal colors to work with.

It is important to test multiple bows with your viola to find the one that feels comfortable and draws out the best sound from your instrument. Don't be afraid to ask for advice from your teacher or professionals at a string specialist store – they can offer valuable guidance in finding the right bow for you.

Finale

In summary, selecting the perfect viola and bow is an essential first step in your journey as a violist. By taking the time to choose the right equipment, you'll set yourself up for success and enjoyment in the wonderful world of viola playing. Listen carefully to the tone of each instrument and feel for ease of playing and comfort and you will stay on the right track. 

Stay tuned for next month's instalment, where we'll use our imagination to create musical stories with our viola strings, transforming the learning process into a thrilling adventure!

I would love to hear from you, did you find this post useful? Let me know below.