Should i switch to Viola?? Help me! ?

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Question:

K, so heres the deal!. I've been playing the violin for 2 1/2 years and i really like it, BUT my school orchestra only has about 6 violists!. And since theres a greater chance you get into a good college if you play viola (since theres SO many violins) i was considering trying the viola out!. The viola sounds cool but i'm kinda overwelmed about the size, since its bigger than violin!. Is it easy to adjust to if you already play violin!? should i try it!?!? i mean it sounds great because i'll ALWAYS be in the front of the orchestra and its a cool sound!. but should i !?!?!?

HELP ME!!

thanks :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Violas are definitely in demand!.
Many players learn both violin and viola!.
Violas do not frequently have the melody!.
Violas some times move back and forth between the Alto and Treble clefs!.
Violas come in many sizes!. From just larger than a violin, to huge instruments!.
There does not seem to be as many popular tunes for Viola!.
Violas have a more powerful sound than most violins!.
top quality Violas can be expensive, but so can Violins!.
I made the switch in college nearly 50 years ago and have never regretted it!. I do play both!. What ever is needed but Viola most!.
I hope these thoughts are helpfulWww@QuestionHome@Com

There is a large misconception that colleges NEED violists!. We need the good players that know what they are doing, we need the true violists!. Switching to viola would mean that you would have to learn a new clef and your hand will have to stretch further!. The viola has many awkward fingerings that a violinist may not have to do!. There is not a 'greater chance' of you getting into a college of music with the viola!.The professors usually look for the real violists that chose the viola first and stuck with it!. I suggest sticking to the violin since you have been playing it for two years already!. If you truly want to major in music then practice now!. There may be a chance of making it into scools with a violin as your primary instrument!. So just practice!. 6 violas sounds like a good number for the size of your orchestra!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

I'd stick to the violin!. Because I already have it, the sound is great and high pitched!.

But if you want, you can trial a viola, see how you like it!. But you'd have to learn it's notes and all that quicker than lightening (lolz)!.Www@QuestionHome@Com