Welcome to the Viola
The viola looks like the violin, but is the “alto voice” of the string family. Some call it the violin’s “big sister.” If you enjoy singing harmony and listening to lower pitches, you will probably love the viola! It is held the same way as a violin, but the viola reads the alto clef and plays lower notes than the violin can - it can play six half steps lower, to be exact! While violins and cellos are measured in fractional sizes (¼, ½, ¾ and 4/4), violas are sized in inches - 12”, 13”, 14”, 15” and so on.
The primary consideration in choosing a string instrument is the student’s preference, as all of these instruments come in partial and full sizes so that all students can succeed on their chosen instrument regardless of their size! A teacher or your Musical Innovations representative would be happy to give you the opportunity to try all four of the string instruments, and to measure you to be sure you get the correct size.
Checklist of items needed:
Here is a checklist of typical items you will need to get ready to play! Each item indicated with an [*] is already included, at no charge, with your rental or purchase from Musical Innovations. You may also want to check with your music teacher for any additional items he or she suggests:
* rosin
a cleaning cloth
a shoulder rest
polish and/or rosin remover
a pencil
your method book (textbook)
a music stand
All of these items are available through Musical Innovations!
Some things to remember:
Please keep your instrument in its case when not in use. Keep it in a room that is not too warm or cold; not too humid or dry. Use a humidifier if necessary to keep the humidity in the case between 40% and 55%.
Please do not let anyone else play your instrument.
Remember that your fine tuners are for fine adjustments only! Cranking them down too far can warp your bridge, snap your strings or even cause a crack in your instrument (please note that overuse of the fine tuners will void your Maintenance Coverage as well). You can bring your instrument for a FREE tuning any time, and we will let out the fine tuners, tune from the pegs, and check your instrument set up for you.
Remember to loosen your bow when you are done playing, and gently wipe any excess rosin off your instrument and strings. Keeping your bow tight all the time can cause the frog to break away from the shaft, and you would then need to replace your bow (unfortunately, bows are not covered under our MRC).
Your instrument will need to have regular maintenance checkups to ensure it remains in proper playing condition. This should be done at least every six months to keep your warranty in effect. If you have our MRC, these checkups are free of charge.
Remember, practice is an essential part of playing an instrument. Practicing is actually “strings homework,” and should be given the same importance as homework in any other academic subject. Give it your best, and you will be amazed how rapidly you progress!
Instruments belonging to Musical Innovations cannot be left overnight at school at any time.
If this sounds confusing, just ask your teacher or someone at Musical Innovations to demonstrate. We are happy to help!
(864) 286-8742 or info@musicalinnovations.biz
If you have any questions or difficulties, please see your band director right away!
