Is it too late to pick up the violin or viola again?

Question

I started the violin when i was 6 years old, but i stopped playing when i was 11 or 12 years old. I'm 16 now, well 17 in a months time, and I would really like to pick up the violin again. However, I'm really sure whether to re-start the violin again, or to start the viola. The reason for my interest in the viola is because I really love the violas depth and thickness of sound. I have my doubts whether the violin can produce a warm sound as well, as I never played a full size violin, I only ever reached a 3/4 violin, but then of course I stopped. So since I've never played a full size violin, I don't really know what the sound is like. I guess I won't really know until I've played both a full size violin and a viola, but is it too late for me to play? Will my fingers be slow? Can I do anything to gradually get my fingers to pick up the pace? Have I been apart from the strings for too long?

I don't know if this will help with anything, but according to the man who I talked to at the music store, he said that the size viola that I would play if I chose the viola would be a 15 inch.

However, I'm really sure whether to re-start the violin again, or to start the viola.

Also, I realised after re-reading the details to my question that i said, "However, I'm really sure whether to re-start the violin again, or to start the viola."
I would just like to rephrase that sentence with what I was originally going to say and that is, I'm really NOT sure whether to re-start the violin again, or to start the viola.
Sorry about that typo.

Answer 1

You won't be as good as you were. You'll just have to accept that. However - it's amazing how fast you can pick it up again. You have a good background in the instrument - 6 years learning at the fastest speed (children learn faster than adults) so even though you've not played it for 4 years you will still be able to play it to a reasonable standard. Your fingers will probably be pretty slow, but they'll be able to find the right notes, even if a bit slowly.

The thing to remember is you know HOW to play the instrument - now you just need to get the technique back into your "muscle memory" so you can play once more without thinking. The best way to do that would be through technical exercises (including scales etc) and slow repetitous practice.

As for which instrument to go for it's entirely up to you - but I'd go for the viola first (as that's the one you know best) and then start the violin again.

So in short, go for it! If you don't start again now you'll probably wish you had, and the longer you wait the harder it will be to start again.

Answer 2

Well, not like the guitar, the violin and viola shouldn't have the areas in which you place your finger (forgot what the ones are referred to as), plus you ought to get the fundamentals down of maintaining it proper, hanging your arms within the proper position, maintaining the bow proper, gambling among the fingerboard and bridge, after which after that you just ought to be trained the notes. So I'd say it is rather complicated. But while you opt for it up, all of the ones matters come evidently. So. probably someplace among a 6-eight for you.

Answer 3

I wouldn't advise paying the $400+ for a viola like what was suggested if your just starting again. There are alot of great resources on the internet with free video tutorials to get you back in the swing again. Playing musical instruments again after a long period of time is alot like riding a bike - it will all come back to you. If you do start up again with the viola or violin, I would suggest starting out with a cheap violin or cheap viola. http://www.musicalmart has nice viola outfits at about $109 (http://musicalmart.net/shop/index.php?cPath=21_1_4) and nice violins for under $50 (http://musicalmart.net/shop/index.php?cPath=21_1_8). Good luck!

Answer 4

Get a 16" viola and see:

http://beststudentviolins.com/PedagogyTech.html#3

Answer 5

Never, ever too late.