Choosing to Play the Violin, or the Viola?

Many people know well the glorious sound of the violin. By comparison, few know the mysteries and dark beauty of the viola. The viola plays a fifth (five notes) lower than a violin, or an octave (8 notes) higher than a cello. It is the alto sound blending, and reconciling the orchestral highs with the lows.

If the viola is new to you, take the time to pick up some viola recordings at the library, and compare it to the sounds of the violin. You might ask your child what they like!

Starting on one or the other, is “no risk,” The early Suzuki repertoire is the same for both violin and viola (with two extra wonderful little pieces for viola!), until mid-book four, when some separation appears. Owning both the Suzuki violin and the Suzuki viola CDs is important for the child’s ear training if both are played.

If your child plays the violin for book one, then switches to viola for book two, then along the way, defines their identity as “really a violinist,” or “truly a violist,” how wonderful that they have had the experience to know this from experience, for them self.

Photo: Suzuki viola students rehearsing for a recital

For more information contact Catherine Whelan
503.244.6190 Email catherine AT suzukiportland dot com

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