need Advice from DU string players

[Cheswick2.0]

I am thinking of the time when my voice is gone and I still want to make music. I have been wanting to start talking lesson on either the violin or viola. Are they about the same in degree of difficulty? Are new players going to sound equally horrid no matter which they choose?

[displacedtexan]

1. viola doesn't sound as horrible

in the beginning because of the lower clef.
guitar gives you almost instant musical gratification.
a combo of violin and guitar is my recommendation: both treble clef instruments, one screechy and one mellow. the ease of the guitar will help you put up with the violin scales and precision finger placement and bowing exercises.

[Cheswick2.0]

5. right now I can only afford one instrument and a used one at that

you have given me something to think about. I used to play guitar when I was a kid... and violin too. I never got very good at either because I did not practice. Singing always came very easily so that is what I did.
Is Viola bass clef? Or is that treble clef too. I am embarrased to say I don't know.

[flamingyouth]

2. I used to play the cello

And I really miss it. I think that if you are drawn to the strings, you should give it a try. I'm sure you won't be horrid - far from it. Just give it a try. I'm excited to hear how it goes for you. :hi:

[Cheswick2.0]

7. I am going on the theory that a cello will be more

money.
My sister used to play cello. It is a very beautiful instrument. Did you ever hear the cello duet in Tosca? I think it is between the 2nd and 3rd acts. It gives me chills.

[dreissig]

3. Fancy Fiddling

People who don't have the patience for violin can still learn how to fiddle. I used to take a fiddle out on a rowboat in the middle of Lake Merritt in Oakland. No neighbors to squawk about the wolf tones.

[Cheswick2.0]

8. I love fiddle music

we have a fairly active bluegrass community around here. Do you still play?

[Snow]

4. Why would your voice go, though?

Just make sure you keep taking lessons so you don't do bad things to it. But look at the age of some of the still-active top vocalists - Samuel Ramey is like 61 and he's still very active. Pete Seeger's voice went, but he was in his mid-70's r so when that happened, and he may have been abusing things a bit. Just don't do a Maria Callas and you should be good for quite a time, unless you're already in your 70's. On the other hand, any of violin, viola, or cello would be fun. Only thing I can think of is that solo rep is more limited for the lower pitched instruments, and the orchestral parts are usually easier.

[Cheswick2.0]

9. I am in my forties

I don't expect my voice to go too soon. I think it will take me about 15 years to be a decent string player and that is about the time no one will want to hear me sing anymore. We mezzo do tend to get wobbly sounding eventually.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

6. Where's Goddess of Guiness when ya need her?

[Cheswick2.0]

10. I don't think I have seen her in a few days

yeah, where is she?

[curse10]

11. Viola is much more difficult on your body

take it from me- I can't play anymore

violas are sometimes 3-4 inches longer than a violin- although that doesn't sound like a lot, it makes a huge difference. In order to avoid carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and pain in general- go with the violin. At the beginning you'll sound crappy anyway :-)

[Cheswick2.0]

12. really? Interesting

thanks for the advice. I am thinking I will probably sound crappy for several years and then just kind of elementary. I do hope to sound halfway decent by about 2008 or so.

[dbt]

13. The key to playing the violin is accepting the fact

that you WILL sound crappy for a little while, but it probably will NOT be several years. You have to lose your fear of hitting a bad note (everybody does it, and the world does not end when it happens) and remember that the thumb on your bow hand is doing the driving.

A horsehair bow (NOT nylon) is absolutely essential and a quality instrument will give you a deeper, more expressive tone. Good luck and try not to watch "The Red Violin;" it will give you the creeps!

Cheers,
:hi:
dbt