Q for FitnessBrat - Viola

[Scrumhalf]

Hey FB, you had mentioned in another thread that your daughter is learning viola. How does she like it and why did she pick it versus say the violin? I know there isn't a lot of music that is composed for viola other than viola parts in orchestral music, but I am sure there is plenty of violin music that can be transposed to viola.

My older son is learning piano and violin and I play piano and my wife violin, so if my younger son (he's just three) picks up either the cello or the viola, we could have a piano trio at home and get pretty close to a string quartet. :)

[FitnessBrat]

I wish I would've known that, maybe I could've talked to you first. Basically, she was offered the chance to play the violin, viola, or cello. I didn't know anything about any of them. She wanted to play the cello or the viola because everyone else plays the violin. I thought maybe she should start with the smaller (and less expensive) of the two just to see if she even liked learning/playing strings. She's only been in it for a couple of weeks now, so they haven't even started using the bow yet. What little she's learned so far, she likes, so hopefully she'll stick with it for awhile :)

[Scrumhalf]

Yeah, have her stick with it. The viola is a great instrument, just that it tends to be more of an orchestral instrument, rather than a lead solo instrument like the violin. It's got a great tone, lower than a violin and really warm and rich. Moreover, violinists are dime a dozen, so violists tend to be in demand for orchestras. Is she taking private lessons? And how old is she?

I've been wanting to learn cello for a long time - there's just something about that instrument that gets me every time I listen to it. Just don't have time for it though - I can hardly devote time to my piano playing as it is. I love music - I'll sit at my piano for 6 hours a day if I didn't have to work for a living - LOL...

[FitnessBrat]

She's actually taking the lessons through a program at her elementary school. I thought it was an excellent opportunity to get her started, considering music lessons are usually pretty pricey by the time you add in the instrument rental, etc. She's 10 yrs old.

You said you have a 3 yr old. My son is 3 as well, and loves music. It's very hard to keep his attention right now, but when do you plan on getting yours involved?

[Scrumhalf]

Cool! Get her started through her school and if she is interested, music lessons are the way to go. My older son is almost 8 and he has been learning for 2 years now - he is learning both violin and piano right now but will probably focus on piano as he gets older as he seems to like that a lot more.

We started my younger son's violin lessons with the same teacher (just for 15 minutes once a week) - he is obviously not quite ready to listen to instructions yet and wants to treat the violin like a toy, so we will see how it goes and restart it at around 5 if he continues to behave like, well, a 3 year old - lol....

I don't think there is any set rule for when you can start learning - it all depends on the maturity level of the child I think. There have been concert violinists who started at 3 and other equally famous ones who started at 10, so a lot depends on interest and of course talent. For piano however, I am not sure starting before 5 is really practical, since unlike the string instruments, the piano keyboard comes in 1 size only and a child's hands are not big or strong enough to push down the keys before that age.

[FitnessBrat]

I didn't really think about strength, but I did think 3 was a little early (for my 3 yr old anyway). The attention span just isn't there yet. He plays soccer an hour a week and it's so funny to watch twelve 3 yr olds trying to play an organized sport. One's on another field, one's playing with rocks, etc etc. - too cute :)

[Scrumhalf]

I don't think strength or hand size is relevant for string instruments because you can get a tenth size violin that is just right for a 3 year old. Like you said, it is primarily temperament. Starting around 5 may be the best because they can actually focus for a 30 minute lesson and follow instructions. In the meantime, we just have to keep them immersed in a musical environment so that they can stay interested.

[Bouncer]

the excitement in this thread is amazing..

[FitnessBrat]

the excitement in this thread is amazing..

Haha. Hey, SH let out a "lol" or two, and I see a couple of :)

Anything involving your children and learning, is exciting. Just not other peoples children lol...

[Scrumhalf]

It doesn't quite have the energy of the "Bouncer, have I told you lately" thread, does it B? :)

[FitnessBrat]

I personally like having a thread that some people CAN'T contribute too :D

[FitnessBrat]

Hey Scrum, quick question for you....

My daughter took those viola lessons after school until the end of the year (June). She is now in middle school and HAS to take a music class - so she chose strings. She's only been in school about six weeks, and has pretty much been complaining the whole time. In your opinion, do you think strings are difficult to learn (I know ALL instruments are "difficult")? The reason I ask is because I'm not sure if it's "hard" and she's being lazy/or doesn't want to be bothered with it, or if she just does not like it. She was put in Advanced Strings, because she had experience. In my opinion, 30 minutes a week didn't equate to a whole lot of "experience." About a week ago, she was "demoted" to Beginner Strings. It bothered her, but it's obviously where she belongs for her skill level.

[Scrumhalf]

As you say, all instruments are difficult, but strings are definitely harder. The violin (and I imagine, the viola) is generally considered the hardest instrument to learn. You *have* to practice - half an hour every day. It is more important to practice every day for at least 15 minutes than once a week for an hour. The thing with strings is that it takes a lot of work until you sound good, whereas the piano is also difficult in its own way but you don't sound too bad even as a beginner.

[FitnessBrat]

Thank you, that's what I was looking for. One of her big problems is wanting to practice "all at once." She is to practice 150 minutes a week. I'm sure her teacher means 30 mins a day x 5 days. She prefers to do it like once or twice a week, and after about 20 mins it's probably worthless. I will make sure she does not do that anymore!

And I have to agree, it doesn't sound very good as a beginner, lol. But I can remember my sister taking piano and playing Christmas music pretty darn good after just months of lessons.

[gdbear65]

what about guitar? Is it difficult to learn? I've been playing drums for a few years but I think I need to learn a more melodic instrument to get a better feel for music.