How to Hold a Viola

Relaxation is important when holding the Viola properly. The Viola will produce better tone quality and the student will have greater freedom to play the instrument well when it is held properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wrap the left hand around the upper body where the neck and fingerboard extrude from the instrument.

2. Look to the left.

3. Bring your left shoulder slightly up toward your chin as in a "shrug".

4. Place the base of the viola and the black chin rest below your chin with the viola neck pointing slightly left.

5. Keep the instrument level and flat or parallel to the floor with the left hand.

6. Bring the shoulder and chin together to provide firm but easy contact and support.

7. Carefully remove your left hand grip on the body of the viola.

8. Keep your left hand below the viola and support the instrument for 5 seconds without relying on either hand. Find ease and comfort doing this.

Tips & Warnings

• A small shoulder pad or shoulder rest that attaches to the base of the viola will often assist the beginner in securing a firm support at that point. $12 - $15 is the approximate cost range.