(Yet another thread on) Learning the Vioin or Viola

[tac-tics]

I took up the piano about a year and a half ago. I absolutely love it. I have been taking lessons and practicing every day.

However, I also want to take up another instrument in addition to piano. Something more portable that I could take with me from place to place (although I never go anywhere special). I played Clarinet and Saxaphone for a year each respectively in elementary school, so I have some experience with reeded wind instruments. I can't stand the sound of brass. I've never played a string instrument, though, and I've been interested in doing so for a while.

So, I was thinking of starting violin or viola. I've been browsing Google and the forum's archives, gathering as much information as I could. But even with reading the archives and online tutorials I figured why not just ask here? I know it's been brought up before, but at least here I can reply to the responses I get.

So my first question is this. People say that violin is difficult for older kids to learn (again, I'm 21). Is this simply because of the size of the instrument? I know that the fretless nature of the violin will pose a difficulty, but I'm not concerned with that. I think that is the most alluring feature of the instrument -- that the player is solely responsible for the pitch it creates. I also realize that the violin is much more sensitive to dynamics than piano. Dynamics and I aren't exactly on good terms (I hated them when I was taking clarinet), but I'm willing to negotiate with them. So with regards to these concerns and others, what are your thoughts on me starting the instrument so late in my life?

I wrote the last paragraph referencing the violin each time. However, I'm also curious about the viola. The only thing I know about the viola is that its bigger, slightly more limited in range, and the repetoire is more difficult to come by. My next question, I guess, would be which instrument would be better to start with? Which one is easier to play and which one is a better solo instrument?

I know all of questions are pretty subjective, so add whatever else you can to them. What experiences have you had teaching or learning which relate to this? I'm going to continue researching as much as possible before I make a decision, and I could really use some friendly advice 

[celticqt]

Well, I started piano lessons when I was 6, and violin lessons when I was 15.  I really enjoyed learning violin; I found it rewarding and not really that difficult.  But piano won out, and when I went studied piano in college my violin kind of fell to the wayside.  Actually at school I picked up the viola too, and played in a small ensemble.  To me the viola parts were easier then the violin parts (note-wise).  You just have to get over reading the c-clef.  The size of the instrument isn't a huge deal either, as long as you don't have mammoth fingers.

I still pick it up every now and then just for fun, but I never got to any advanced music with it.  Piano is too all-consuming for me.  So if you just want to play for a hobby, then go for it - just don't expect to become the next Paganini.

[abell88]

As said above, no reason not to. I played violin in high school (and still get it out very occasionally)...you will find knowing the keyboard very helpful for things like understanding why you stretch your fingers between D and E but not between E and F. I noticed in high school that just about all the best string players also played piano.

There is less solo music for viola...technically it's range is not more limited than the violin's, as it's exactly a 5th lower. However, in an ensemble it usually does not have as challenging a part as the violins...at least in Classical/Romantic era stuff. So why play the viola? Because of its beautiful rich tenor tone...I tried it at music camp a few years ago and fell in love with it. Haven't had another chance, but I expect it will happen some day.

[026497]

I have a friend who can play Violin, Viola,AND piano well, all are over grade 8 with distinction. when she apply for music conservatory, viola is the most 'useful', as not much ppl apply for it, easier to get in. so ,..