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Question: Seriously, should I play the flute or viola!? !?
For the past 4 months or so, i've been wanting to play another instrument outside of band!. After some thinking, i've narrowed my choices down to the flute or the viola!. And i'm asking the public for their opinion!. What do you think i should play!. Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
it's not what we think that matters, but if you want my opinion then here it is!. I don't suggest you start the viola if you are in highschool or if you're going into highschool!. Why!? Playing a string instrument takes a lot of practice and it's not as easy as people say!. The ones who make it sound easy are the people that can hardly play themselves!. The viola may seem like an easy instrument since no one plays it, however it's quite the opposite!. The viola is one of the hardest instruments to play, period!. We are larger than the violin and at times it's like holding a cello on your shoulders!. There are pitch problems that we endure because of wierd fingerings!. But don't forget that the bow hand had to be molded into a correct stance or else you won't be able to progress in your musical studies!. All instruments are hard to master or to make sound decent!. Pick an instrument and stick to it!. But pick the one YOU want, not us!. Because we aren't the ones that will be playing, it's you!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Every friend I've ever known who has played Flute, quit after about 2 yrs and went on to play Clarinet!. The flute isn't a fun instrument!. It requires lots of posture, patience and puff!. (the three Ps my friends have told me about) I'm not a wind player, I play fiddle and recently started Viola in my High School Orchestra because they needed more players!. I find a Viola has a nice mellow sound and only really requires posture, no patience or puff!. The flute is shrill and can get annoying!. What the viola does require is intonation and drive!. (most instruments do) But I really recommend the viola!. Www@QuestionHome@Com

I have played flute for 7 years and love it so much!. flute is a great instrument so don't listen to anyone who says otherwise!. flute is really easy to learn but still hard to perfect!. It sounds so beautiful and I love practicing and preforming!. if you're not playing in band there is tons of beautiful flute music you can play!. I would for sure suggest flute over viola- I tried viola and quit latter on for flute so I think I have very good experience from which to say flute is a great instrument!. I guess it all depends on your personality, I found that playing flute its really easy to play with emotion and express a variety of feeling that word really just don't cover!. I didn't find that with viola!. sorry if that sounds really cheesy but that's just what I think!. I would suggest going to a music store and trying both out, you might fell that way about viola!. Just see if one instrument clicks with you!. there really is no right answer here I just want to make sure you give flute a fair shot and aren't scared away by what everyone says- it's really a beautiful instrument and not too hard to play at all!. good luck with your choice!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Decide which is going to be your passion and which is just going to be another instrument!. In my teacher training I learned the fundamentals of all band and orchestra instruments!. I can, with practice play any one of them, but I have a passion for only one!.
If you must play more than one instrument, go with the viola!. They seem to be in demand the most!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I agree with tifny and suggest you take her answer over all the others!.

One thing I must say though is that!.!.!.as a Violinist learning to play Viola the only great difficulty I have found is learning to read a new clef, it is not like "carrying a cello on your shoulders"!.

I personally would recommend the Viola but that is just me, listen to the instruments!.!.!.!.!.listen to the great interpreters, the greatest pieces!!.!.!.!.!.!.become inspired my friend! It is then that you will be ready to choose!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Viola :D Www@QuestionHome@Com

I play the flute - not all that it's cracked up to be!. Viola also sounds cooler!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Viola!!!!!
100%
Viola is beautiful!! Www@QuestionHome@Com

I agree: viola!. :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

I would pick viola!.Www@QuestionHome@Com