Violin or Viola?

Have a preference?

I offer violin and viola lessons. Many students do not know the difference between the two.

Listen to Discern

I recommend the parent go online with their child and listen to good quality violin and viola music. This helps them hear the difference between the high  brilliant and the low mellow ranges of the instruments.

Demonstrate

I demonstrate both instruments in the first lesson so the family can see and hear the difference. Then they 

choose the one they like.

Sensitive to High Notes?

I find that some students who would choose viola do not like the high sound of the E string

on the violin. They would likely not want to practice on the violin because it hurts their ears. If they are young, they may not be able to articulate why. It is important to identify these children early and give them the chance to flourish on the low range instruments.