How to Learn to Play the Violin & the Viola
The violin and viola are the highest "voices" of a string ensemble, orchestra or full symphony. These delicate yet pleasant-sounding instruments produce sound by either plucking or drawing a corresponding bow across each of four distinct strings. The violin's include the E, A, D and G string, while a viola's are the A, D, G and C. Although there are many physical and aural abilities which must be developed in order to play these instruments, learning to play the violin and the viola can bring great personal or even professional satisfaction to your life.
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Instructions
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How to Learn to Play the Violin and the Viola
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Speak with a private strings instructor to decide whether the time and monetary investment of learning how to play the violin and viola will be suitable for you. The cost of instrument rental and/or ownership is only the beginning. It is important to be educated on exactly how much regular lessons will cost as the fundamentals should be learned from a qualified teacher.
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Rent a student violin and/or viola. Because every person's hand size and general build are different, the right instrument for you may be smaller than a regulation violin or viola. The process of choosing the right size for your needs may involve going up or down one or more times; initially renting the instrument as opposed to purchasing it will allow you to decide on an appropriate size without the risk of buying an ill-fitted one.
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Purchase beginner-level violin and/or viola practice texts. These books will not only include the basics of proper instrument handling and maintenance, but teach you the fundamentals of learning the instrument's strings and how to form different notes on each one. Basic songs are also included in many of these texts, including simple scales, chord progressions and strength exercises designed to improve finger dexterity.
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Schedule regular meetings (at least once a week) with a qualified violin and/or viola instructor. Although these meetings may increase or decrease in frequency depending upon your personal progress, these lessons are most vital in the beginning stages of learning how to play to ensure that bad habits are not formed.
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Practice playing the violin and/or viola independently. Like any other skill, the time and effort you invest in this endeavor will directly affect how successful you are. Focus on mastering basic techniques such as even bowing, finger placement and body carriage before attempting more difficult skills.
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Tips & Warnings
Using a tonal metronome will help solidify your ability to accurately tune your own violin or viola. It will also improve your ability to accurately play and sustain notes depending upon their corresponding number of beats.
Joining a community string ensemble is an extremely affordable way to meet other string instrumentalists, show off your acquired skills and steadily learn new ones as well.
Learning how to play the violin and viola are worthwhile tasks for those who are physically able to handle the development of hand, wrist and arm strength. However, If you begin to experience pain related to playing either of these instruments, consulting with a physician will help determine the proper steps to take in order to alleviate the problem(s).
