Can you teach yourself viola?

Question

I've taught myself guitar and drums and bass. Can I get a book and just go from there? I know it is important to get lessons, but no one teaches where I live.

Answer 1

You can, but if you ever want to play with a local symphany or something similar, you'll want to take at least a few lessons at the beginning to make sure you're not picking up any bad habits, posture, fingering trouble, etc that could keep you from being sucessful later. Also, it's not as easy as it looks! You'll want some advice on staying in tune, violin care and matinance, and where to get started musically.

If that's stand-up bass and not bass guitar, you may be ok to teach yourself, but I'd say take at least one lesson. Local colleges and universities will have a teacher, or can recommend a grad student to help you out.

Answer 2

don't let the price of the instrument affect your decision to play which. The viola and the cello are both great instruments and both have their uniqueness, they have the same set of strings, but the sound of the cello is much deeper while the viola is kind of a hybrid between a violin and the cello, so many call it the best of both worlds what I would do is just go to your local store and rent both. By far, the viola will be easier to learn just because the instrument is much smaller and it is much easier to adjust learning a string instrument, but if you're sure about the cello, go for it and buy an "all for strings volume one" for it, and go from there. Try both and see which one you like more, you don't want to have any regrets. Then after you pick one, go and pick a cheap one, there's a lot to choose from around $100-200 and play them a little, find one with a good sound, I would recommend a Chinese instrument because they are just as good but 1/3 the cost remember it's not how good the instrument is, but how good the player is :)

Answer 3

Learn Viola

Answer 4

I did... though I had already studied french horn. All I did was go out and get the first three Suzuki books, and started from there... by the time I had gotten myself to the fifth book, I was second chair viola in H.S. and then began to take lessons there... it took me about 7 months to get through it. I have also learned oboe, piano, and trumpet that way as well.

Seeing that you taught yourself the other strings, I don't think you'll really have a problem picking it up. I say give it a shot!

Answer 5

Depends on your level of dedication. Viola reads a different clef than guitar and bass. (It's the devil clef according to my AP Theory kids.) I have played for almost 25 years so I am currently teaching myself. But I took lessons for a number of years. You need to consider your level of musicianship - are you self motivated enough to do it? I taught myself the basics of cello and upright bass, but I had to in order to teach it so there was considerable motivation there. You can get some books, but most are geared towards little kids . the older level books are boring. Try a basic book like Essential Elements 2000 - it comes with a CD and DVD and will get you started. Then move onto things like Suzuki series for repertoire. Good luck.

Answer 6

Yes, some people can. I know some people who have taught themselves violin, and there is really no difference in technique between violin and viola. It can be a little challenging at first since there are no frets, but you will get used to this with practice. Best of luck to you!

Answer 7

You can, but you'll probably develop a lot of bad habits -- especially with your bowing and the position of your left hand/wrist. Once you learn to play in an incorrect position, it's REALLY tough to break the habits. If you decide to teach yourself, proceed with caution. The Suzuki books and the John W. Schaum books can only help so much...

Answer 8

I think you should get someone to show you the basics, like how to hold the bow, etc. Maybe there are DVDs out now that show that stuff. Is there a symphony orchestra within 30 or so miles? There are lots of musicians you can ask for a few lessons. A local musicians union could possibly give you some names.

Answer 9

Yes you can I used to play the Viola in scholl its not hard at all you should be able to pick a book up from your local music store

Answer 10

It would be just as easy as teaching yourself guitar and drums. I haven't taken a single bass lesson in my life, and I certainly wouldn't say I can't play. Most instruments are pretty straightforward like that.