VIOLA or CELLO. I wanted to know which instrument(VIOLA or CELLO) is easier to begin with.?

Question

I know there are too many questions of this kind, but I just couldnt stop myself from asking!!! I am in college now and I have no musical background.
If i begin with Viola will it be easier to switch to cello or is it the other way around??

Answer 1

Which do you like the sound of more?

The reality is, whichever one you start with, it's going to be a challenge to switch. You have no musical background, so switching from a viola (which is, practically, the only instrument which uses the alto clef), to anything else is going to be like learning another language for you. Can you do it? Sure. Will it be easy? Probably not.

Pick whichever one appeals to you..I go by the sound the instrument produces. I like deeper tones, so of the two I'd pick the cello (this from a violinist, but we won't go there.)

Answer 2

You should start with the instrument you actually want to play; there is no reason to start with one and switch to the other!
The cello is an amazing instrument with a beautiful rich sound (the viola is higher pitched and scratchier), and there is much more music out there for it than there is for viola. I play the cello and am very glad I do! There is just soooo much you can do with a cello!
But if you think you like the viola better, you should play it because there aren't as many violists as there are cellists. If you are any good at all, many chamber groups and orchestras will want you to come play for them!
Another factor to consider when deciding on an instrument is a teacher- You won't be very good if you don't have a good teacher. (And if you aren't planning on private lessons just don't play at all- you'll find that it's hard to teach yourself) Take lessons from somebody who knows alot about their area of musical expertise, and preferably whose personality you like.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I played the viola for about four years now, and it's pretty good. Personally, you should stick with one instrument, why? Well, if you played the violin and you decided to switch, you'll have to get use to the weight, the shape, the tone, the notes, and the music you get. If you played the viola and switched to the cello, you have to get use to so many things.

I think you should start out with the viola, because if you plan to play viola professionally, and your one of the best out there, conductors from all these orchestras will rip your door down just to beg you to play in the orchestra!

So, play the viola! :]

Answer 4

Neither. They are two completely different instruments. Why would you want to start with one then switch to the other?

Best to choose one then stick with it. OK, someone who's played viola before will learn cello faster than someone who's never played anything before. Someone who's played cello before will learn viola faster than someone who's never played anything before. Get it?

The best way to become a good cello player is to start on the cello, learn the cello, practice the cello.

Ditto for viola.

There isn't one that prepares you for the other.

Answer 5

I started with viola because I wanted one of the instruments you "hold on your chin." (What?) Now I play cello. I've played for four years, and I still like it. I'd say any instrument's pretty easy to pick up as long as you start at a beginner level. As far as switching from viola to cello, it was pretty easy, but I had experience with the bass clef from piano...I'd say just start playing cello.

Answer 6

I think viola probably. At least with viola it's pretty effortless to switch to violin, but with cello it's harder (at least relatively) to switch to any other instrument (except bass kind of). However, since viola uses alto clef, you're also kind of forced to learn other clefs, too, making you a more well-rounded instrument.

Answer 7

As a cellist, naturally, i'd say cello.

i know loads of people who've started later on and done really well with it. yes, perhaps viola is more practical, but it's less comfortable to play...

... .and you'll make a much nicer sound on the cello to start off with. viola plays and violinists are much more interchangable, i've never heard of cello/viola swap, or vice versa.

cellists read in bass/tenor and treble clef. and viola players tend to maily use alto clef. so on balance... i'd say that playing the cello would be more useful all-round musically.

Answer 8

they are both equally difficult ... in diferrent ways nut an older beginner i would recommend the one you like the best and if you can't decide go for viola there are more opportunities for the viola player and the parts tend to be easier than cello parts

Answer 9

This is totally subjective, but I would say cello. The strings are further apart which, for me, made it easier to play. Also something about being able to look down at the strings for me helped. But again, totally opinion.

Answer 10

CELLO- there is a Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Drum, Keyboard/Piano.