Thinking about violin or viola lessons in Queens for your child? The two instruments look almost the same from across the room, so parents often ask us which one to choose. After more than twenty years of teaching strings in Elmhurst, Queens, New York, here is how we help families decide.
What is the difference between a violin and a viola?
- Size: the viola is a little larger and heavier, with a longer neck and thicker strings.
- Sound: the violin is bright and singing; the viola is deeper, warmer and richer, closer to a human voice.
- Tuning: the violin is tuned G–D–A–E. The viola is tuned a fifth lower, C–G–D–A, so it shares three strings with the violin and adds a low C.
- Music: violin music is written in the treble clef. Viola music is written mostly in the alto clef, which viola students learn from the start.
- Role: the violin usually carries the melody. The viola plays the inner harmony that makes an orchestra or string quartet sound full.
Which one fits your child?
The violin is often a great first choice for young beginners. Violins come in very small sizes, so even little hands can hold one comfortably, and children love its bright, singing sound.
The viola can be a wonderful fit for a child who loves deeper, warmer sounds, enjoys playing harmony with others, or simply connects with the instrument at a trial lesson. Violas come in child sizes too, measured in inches rather than fractions.
Many string players also start on violin and move to viola later. The bow, the left-hand technique and the posture all carry over; the main new skill is reading the alto clef. And because fewer students play viola, violists are often in demand in youth orchestras and chamber groups.
The best way to decide: try both
A trial lesson is the easiest way to find out. Our teachers let your child hold, hear and play the instrument, check the right size, and tell you honestly which one suits your child’s hands, ear and personality. Every Musipire student also gets to perform in our student concerts every winter and spring.
String lessons in Elmhurst, Queens, New York
Musipire has taught music in Elmhurst, Queens, New York since 2003, with one-on-one violin lessons and viola lessons for children and adults at every level. We also teach piano, guitar, voice and drums.
Questions? Call (718) 393-8866 or email support@musipire.org. Our office team is happy to help.