What’s the difference between viola lessons and violin lessons?

Not much difference! The viola and violin are both bowed stringed instruments developed in the 16th Century. They both have 4 strings; they even share 3 strings (G, D, A) tuned in perfect fifths. But the viola is larger and has a lower string (C), while the violin is smaller and has a higher string (E). The bows appear similar, but a viola bow is about 10 grams heavier and half a centimeter shorter. But violas and viola bows have no standard size. Unlike violins which are fairly similar to each other (about 14 inches if you measure the length of the back), standard size violas range from 15.5 inches to 16.5 inches with small (15”-15.5”) and large (16.5”-17.5”) violas not being considered particularly abnormal.

The sound of a violin is often described as brilliant and soaring, a viola is more nasal with a complicated sweetness. A violin often takes the melody while a viola plays harmony or rhythm (or both simultaneously or alternating). A great deal of the violinists’ solo repertoire comes from the 18th and 19th centuries while the viola emerged as a solo voice in the 20th and 21st centuries.

The training materials and methods for learning these two musical instruments are quite similar, especially for beginners. Many people begin their viola training by taking violin lessons, the smaller instrument allows for young musicians to reach a level of virtuosity a little more easily. Contact me by phone or email for a free trial violin lesson or viola lesson.