Which instrument should I choose?

Question

Next year for school, I have to play an instrument for orchestra. The instruments they have to choose from are violin, cello, viola, and bass guitar. Which should I choose?

I am going between violin, cello, or bass guitar.

Answer 1

Handle each. See which feels right to you.

Violin is a leading instrument and there are plenty of players out there to compete with. It has utiltity beyond orchestra in both country (esp. bluegrass) and ethnic (esp. celtic) music.

Cello is a beautiful solo instrument. They're big though. Not much utility beyond the orchestra for cello (expect in a very few pop/alternative examples).

Bass is big and heavy. The parts aren't always that demanding or exciting but they are essential to any ensemble. Bass has utility far beyond the orchestra into all genres of music. Good bass players are generally difficult to find since they are needed in all genre bands.

Bottom line though - go with your heart. Whichever says "come make music with me" and if none do then look elsewhere. If they all do then it doesn't matter - pick one to start with and expand later.

Answer 2

I was 6 when I first started learning the violin. I saw a girl playing the violin in one of my assemblies at primary school and I went home to my parents and randomely said "please can I have violin lessons?". I don't really know why I wanted to learn it, maybe because it was just something to do in my spare time! But I was soooo determined to learn it that when my parents said that I wasn't aloud to start having violin lessons, they said I could as long as I bought my own violin. So I did. There were definitely times when I felt like I had had enough and wanted to quit but I stuck with it and I am soooo happy that I did! Now (9 years later), I have just achieved a merit in my grade 7 violin exam! (and grade 3 piano! :) ) And no, I have never regretted having violin lessons and I would never want to choose differently if I had the chance. It's so rewarding when you get to a good standard and play music that you really enjoy! These past few months I have realised that playing the violin makes me so happy and that I really want to do it as a job when I'm older. It's weird when you think that that decision I made when I was 6 has affected my choice of what career that I want! I think the violin is a lot like me in a weird way and I think playing this instrument has influenced my character aswell. But to be honest, I really have no idea what made me choose the violin out of all the other instruments! Just go with your instinct- it worked for me! ;)

Answer 3

The violin's easier to carry around, cheaper to purchase, and more are needed in orchestra. Viola's good, too, a bit more expensive instrument, but you'd have less competition.

I don't think they have bass guitars in orchestra.

Answer 4

I'm partial to the violin, but cello is good too.

Do you have any music that you like that might help indicate a preference for deep resonate bass sounds vs higher notes?

Answer 5

Violins are beautiful, but bass guitars are so cool! Then you could be in a band if you wanted to!

Answer 6

Thats all about personal choice, I would go for violin with bass as a second choice but you might think otherwise. Its all what you want to do.

Answer 7

im in the orchestra and the violin was the best

Answer 8

Violin, You can play lots of different kinds of music with it.

Answer 9

violin! i play da violin for my skool orchestra!

Answer 10

I love the sound of the cello!!!!!