Learning to play a string instrument can bring about a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment to enhance your life for years. Gain insight into how to begin to play the viola.

Learning to play a string instrument can bring about a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment to enhance your life for years. Gain insight into how to begin to play the viola.

The viola's unique, mellifluous sound is captivating at its best. Fall in love with it, and you may want to start enjoying that sound every day. You can accommodate this craving by learning to play the viola for yourself. Here is how to get started:

• Viola teachers may not be as plentiful as piano teachers, for example. But it is critical to avail yourself of the best possible training. Developing the right habits from the start can save you hours of time correcting basic technique.

(Creative Commons photo by Vladimir Agafonkin)

• Ideally, your teacher will help in this effort. Take your time and shop

1. Internet communities
2. Music school bulletin boards
3. Music stores

• You will want something sturdy enough to withstand the bowing of a beginner.
• Don't overspend if you are not sure of your level of commitment.

• A musician's instrument is an extension of her body. In addition, there is a sensual aspect to playing a string instrument. Once you have found your instrument, make yourself familiar with it. (Take care. You don't want to damage your new viola or bow.)

1. Get to know the feel of your viola, its various parts.
   1. Handle the body. Experience the texture of the wood, the sensuous curves.
   2. Run your fingers along the strings.
   3. Pluck the strings.
   4. See what happens when you adjust the tightness of the strings, and then pluck again.
   5. Tuck the viola under your chin. Try to find a position that feels comfortable, that you think you can sustain for a while.
2. Play around with the bow.
   1. See how it feels just to hold it.
   2. Then try grasping the bow in a raised position, as if you were playing. What is it like to feel the bow so close to your face?
   3. Put some rosin on your bow. See how it feels. Try adding more. Experience the difference.

• The more familiar you are with your new instrument, the more comfortable you will be when you start to play.

• Some background in the fundamentals of theory will make it easier to learn music once you start your lessons. Become familiar with

1. Time signatures
2. Treble and bass clef
3. Note values (whole note, half note, quarter note, etc.)
4. Scales

• Taking a course -- even online -- will help you get off to a good start.

• Learning an instrument requires hours of practice, in addition to regular lessons. According to sources, even 15 or 20 minutes a day every day may be more beneficial in the long run than, say, one hour four times per week.

What could be sweeter than hearing the first strains of a favorite piece of music -- coming from your own bowing? It won't happen overnight, but the dream can be yours with planning, commitment, and work.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Find a Quality Teacher
• Step 2: Find a Quality Instrument
• Step 3: Spend Quality Time with Your Viola
• Step 4: Learn Theory Fundamentals
• Step 5: Commit to Daily Practice
• Conclusion