The construction of the viola demands a large amount of time, concentration and years of mastery. A Brief History of the Viola The viola is a descendant from the Viol family of instruments. This includes any stringed instrument that is fretted and/or bowed. It predecessors include the medieval fiddle, rebec, and lira da braccio. We can assume by paintings from that era, that the three string violin was in existence by at least 1520. By 1550, the top E string had been added and the Viola and Cello had emerged as part of the family of bowed string instruments still in use today. It is thought by many that the violin and viola probably went through their greatest transformation in Italy from 1520 through 1650. Famous violin makers such as the Amati family were pivotal in establishing the basic proportions of the violin, viola, and cello. This family’s contributions to the art of violin making were evident not only in the improvement of the instrument itself, but also in the apprenticeships of subsequently gifted makers including Andrea Guarneri, Francesco Rugeri, and Antonio Stradivari. "It was not until the end of the 19th century that the viola gained the same status as the violin. The great difficulty was to find the perfect balance between size and ease of playing, as is shown by several attempts to improve the instrument’s construction which led to the development of various different types of viola in the first half of the 20th century. Smaller instruments are easier to play, but their sound is too soft; larger instruments produce the desired volume but are harder to play. In 1875 Hermann Ritter made a so-called viola alta which had a body 48 cm long. Although Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss appreciated its powerful sound and made use of it in the orchestra, it presented the musicians with considerable difficulties – which were even detrimental to their health. In the 1930s the Englishman Lionel Tertis made a model with a 43 cm long body, which successfully combined size (= volume) and ease of playing. Its full, deep and warm sound was impressive. As a rule larger instruments (approx. 43 cm) are used by professional musicians, while smaller models (approx. 40 cm) are intended for amateurs." Quote from Vienna Symphonic Library. How a viola is made - every part by hand A viola maker is called a Luthier. A luthier is someone who builds, repairs, or restores string instruments such as the violin, viola, cello and double bass. The word luthier comes from the French name luth, which means lute. A luthier was originally a maker of lutes but the term evolved to include makers of string instruments such as violins and guitars. A luthier will likely only work four to five hours a day to help maintain a high level of mental focus. A luthier will likely (but not always) work on multiple instruments at a time, carving some instruments whilst others dry. Each instrument requires about 150 contact hours before it is ready to play. A master violin maker, using traditional methods, working full-time in a workshop, will craft around ten to fifteen violas a year. Antonio Stradivari produced roughly 1,116 instruments during his lifetime, at an average of 14.5 instruments a year. A viola starts its life as a wedge of wood - usually spruce or maple - which is then sawn in two. These two halves are then glued together in what is known as ‘butterflying'. This process is used for the back and top piece of the viola. The back and top pieces are then cut to the shape of the instruments blueprint which is transferred onto the wood. These shaped butterflied pieces are then shaved by hand, to leave the pieces with a thickness no larger than 3.5mm. The ribs start as straight pieces of wood, as displayed. However, in a very delicate process, involving dampening, steaming and bending the wood, they end up matching the contour of the shoulders and c-bout and are glued to the 6 structural blocks inside the viola. After the ribs are glued to the blocks, the top and back pieces are then created to match a template, known as the ‘form’. These pieces are then glued to the ribs using a lining which you can see in the displayed disassembled violin. The end blocks and the corner blocks, which sit in the points of the c - bouts, are structurally integral to the viola. The neck, minus the fingerboard, is set in the top end block. The soundpost (inserted after completion) and bass bar (attached during construction), which do offer some structural support, are primarily there to help generate sound. The soundpost is often called the ‘soul’ of the viola. The process of varnishing a viola is time-consuming and is an art within itself. Each luthier has their own individual recipe, which creates a distinctive colour and finish, which subsequently can be used to identify the maker of the viola. Ingredients such as seedlac, gum mastic, lavender oil and special ethyl alcohol are placed into a glass jar, mixed twice a day and take about one to three weeks to dissolve. After this process occurs, the varnish needs to be double boiled and filtered before it is ready to be applied to the viola. The varnish is hand painted onto the white viola, and each layer needs a week to dry and set before another layer can be added. Linseed oil based varnishes take at least three coats, whereas an alcohol-based varnish needs at least six coats. The old Italian masters used to hang their instruments out their windows to dry, but nowadays some luthiers invest in UV cabinets to hasten the drying process. After a viola has been constructed, and all varnish coats have been applied and dried, the viola is now ready to be ‘set-up’. An instrument set-up includes; the bridge, soundpost, pegs, tailpiece, end button, strings and a neck/fingerboard finish. These are the main functioning parts of the instrument that a violist will use and must be completed to a high-quality in order for the viola to remain in tune and sounds its best. Simply for Strings luthiers complete this set up on every instrument sold. Every luthier has their own set-up hallmarks. The bridge is one of the most important parts of the instrument and is carved/fitted in such a way as to help produce an instrument's tone, luthiers will also add artistic flair to the carving of their bridges. Some luthiers can be identified by the way their bridges are carved. Most makers will place a label inside the viola to signify the make, model and luthier/workshop in which the viola was crafted. There is a science to the set-up of an instrument - however unlike scientific fact, ‘set-up science’ is open to interpretation. For example, the positioning of the soundpost differs from luthier to luthier. Although all luthiers agree the soundpost goes in a general area, the exact position, down to the millimetre, is much debated. If the soundpost is placed slightly towards the right side of the viola, the instrument may have a more prominent treble timbre. If the soundpost is placed closer to the bridge, the instrument may become more direct and clear but may lose some of the mellow overtones. If you have any questions, or want to learn more about this fascinating process, chat with our team of friendly players, makers and educators today.

One of the most important things when it comes to playing the viola is your viola posture. It affects all areas of your viola playing. From tone production to bow hold to bow techniques, your viola posture is the base of everything. At Simply for Strings we believe your viola posture is vital to ensuring you can play your best. Here’s a starters guide for new viola players. Ensure you have a correctly sized viola In order to have the correct viola posture, you’ll need to make sure the viola you’re playing is the correct size for you. You can figure out if you have a correctly sized viola by reaching under your viola while in the playing position. When extending your arm in front of you, the scroll should touch your palm. Additionally, you should be able to stretch your middle fingers around the scroll easily. Have a read of our size guide here to help determine which instrument size you need. Get in touch with us if you have any questions about this or need help figuring out what viola is right for you. Read more on ‘Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass - What's The Difference?’. Learn how to hold the viola It may seem like common sense but learning how to hold your viola will help you with your viola posture. The height of your collarbone to chin should be the same height as the combined height of viola and chin rest. The bottom of your viola should sit on your collarbone, and your shoulder rest should be used to stabilise the viola. Your viola should remain mostly horizontal and not tilt towards the floor. You should be able to pull your bow straight from the frog to the tip. If this is not possible, try changing the position of the chin rest accordingly. Read more on ‘Learning the Viola: A Beginner’s Guide’. Know how to position your body while playing Your viola posture depends on how you position your body and knowing what position works best for you. This structure is basically knowing how to stand properly while you play. Balance plays a role in this. When standing, your weight needs to be evenly distributed between your feet. It may seem obvious but slouching your body can cause problems both with your bow position and instrument hold. Make sure to stand up straight. While standing up straight, keep your shoulders both level and relaxed. If you’re sitting, sit at the edge of your chair. Learn how to hold your bow Another way to ensure you have excellent viola posture is to learn how to hold your bow. Start with your hand held out with the palm facing you. Bring the bow in, lining up with the base of your fingers. Make sure the thumb curves and pushes into the bow with a slight firmness. The tip of your thumb needs to support the bow between the frog and the winding. Your middle finger should rest opposite your thumb with the joint just touching your bow. Your index finger needs to touch the bow. The joint between the second and third phalanx of your ring finger should touch your bow. Finally, your pinky simply rests on top of your bow. The bow should always be held loosely and never squeezed. Maintain a springy feeling in the fingers. Practice regularly and you’ll have it down in no time. Correct finger placement Finger placement is also crucial to correct viola posture. Add your left hand into the fray, use it to drop your fingers onto the strings to make notes and add ornamentation to a piece. For this, it’s important to know the amount of pressure you’ll need to use. To practice proper pressure, drop your finger onto a string, and lift it off again. Keep doing this until you create the desired sound. It’ll take time finding the balance between too little vs too much pressure. Find out more about ‘‘Brands to Try When Buying an Advanced Bow for String Instruments’. Tips for improving or maintaining good posture For standing position—remember that the viola rests on your left side for balance. Check that your knees are flexed and your right leg is relaxed. Try not to move around. If you decide to use a shoulder rest, you should get one that you can regulate. Change the height to extend all the way from the base of the neck to the chin so that you bend your head to the left as little as possible. Avoid slouching, stand up straight—stretching often can help improve your posture too. Practice, practice and more practice. Like with any other skill you’re learning, the more you do it the better you’ll get. The same applies to playing the viola and getting the correct viola posture. Focus on one element at a time. This way you can make sure you’re learning it right, rather than trying to rush through and forming bad habits along the way. It’s better to wait until you’re ready to move onto the next step and add more elements on. Soon, you won’t have to think about the steps anymore and it’ll just be muscle memory doing the magic. For more tips, check out ‘Maintaining Your Viola 5 Steps to Great Viola Care’ Get in touch with us at Simply for Strings either online or give us a call on 1300 739 293. You can ask us any questions you may have regarding your instrument or viola posture. We’re here to ensure you get the right education and support when it comes to playing string instruments. Our team consists of professional musicians, passionate educators and specialist staff who are knowledgeable about everything string. We’ll be here for every step of your musical journey.

There are so many things to consider when you’re starting a new musical instrument, whether it’s the viola or the saxophone! It can feel a little overwhelming - what age is best to start, what accessories do I need, will I even enjoy this? We’re here to make the start of your musical journey a little easier - we know exactly how you’re feeling and it’s our pleasure to share our advice with you. This guide is perfect for parents or even adult learners themselves. What’s the best age to start as a child? A child should start learning when they are ready. What do we mean by that? You can start the learning process informally from a very early age - eg 3 years old, wait until 5 or 7 if you prefer. The guide we recommend looking for is interest. If the child is eager to learn, and is showing an inquisitiveness, there is more likely to be immediate progress. Some children show a “want” regarding the viola but when we try to engage them they show no focus. Perhaps they simply aren’t ready! Some teachers in our team have experienced this over the years with their students, and they have come back a couple of years later ready to learn. Don’t force kids before they are ready - if they start in their own time, they are more likely to enjoy the journey, hence will show better progress as well. Thoughts from private teacher and former Education Queensland teacher, Michael: “The Education Department in Queensland has set the standard at primary school Grade 3 for stringed instruments and Grade 4 for wind and brass. This works very well for us in QLD, because generally by Grade 3 we find most children have better attention and retention. This also works well for group lessons with an ensemble focus. Many independent schools opt to have a strings immersion programme in Grade 1 or 2, and it works extremely well for them. When I taught in independent schools most of my beginners were in Grade 1, but there the groups were no bigger than two students in a lesson. As a private music teacher I find children more able to apply themselves from Grade 1 or 2 in an individual session. If your child is showing an enquiring mind earlier, then great!” Get your kids into viola lessons if that’s what they want, but be aware that pre-Grade 1 children may not be able to focus well enough yet, and don’t turn them off music by pushing them too hard, too soon. The best thing you can do to get the ball rolling is expose your small child to music and see where it takes them. There are hundreds of music appreciation groups for small children around the country that will give your child an excellent start to their musical journey before progressing to a viola. Learning as an adult The most frequently asked question from adults at Simply for Strings is this - have I left it too late? And our answer? It’s never too late to start. Many adults take up a musical instrument. Often it’s when their children are a bit older and you have time to do something for yourself, or you’re an adult who would like to re-start. If it’s something you’re passionate about and can invest time in most days (even if it’s just 15 minutes) why not? We are often asked by older people if they have left it too late. It’s never too late to start, and by all accounts is very good for our aging brains. Those of us who teach have had beginners in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even in their 70s! Learn more about the benefits of learning a stringed instrument. What viola should I buy? There are thousands of options on the market, so it’s important that you shop with a reputable violin store or maker. Here at Simply for Strings, we pride ourselves on setting up each and every viola for success. Our professional setup ensures that it is easy to play and sounds great. Your first viola doesn’t have to be a Stradivari - but it does need to be professionally set up to ensure you're starting your musical journey on the right foot. Renting is also a great option if you’re not sure about whether you or your child will enjoy the viola - you might find yourself playing violin or cello instead! Read our guide to renting versus buying. If you’re an adult learner, you may only want to buy an instrument once, and buy well. If your budget allows for this, it is a great place for starting and continuing to develop your musical skills. For this, we recommend browsing our intermediate and advanced level violas. This level will mean you have an excellent viola that helps with your development, as it produces a lovely, clear tone and is very easy to work with. Read our viola price guide - and what to expect in every range. If you want to buy, but don’t want to splash out just yet, we recommend purchasing a good quality beginner instrument and upgrading the strings. Many beginner instruments will be fitted with basic steel strings from the manufacturers. Our advice is to upgrade the strings from the start: this will make learning easier, as the sound you produce will immediately be more enjoyable and rewarding. What viola size do I need? In selecting a viola, we need to check which size you need. Children require the correct size or their development can be impacted. Usually we would expect a child to start on 11” for two years, then 12” for another two years, 13” for two, 14” for two years; final size could be 15”, 15.5” or 16”. 16.5” and 17” violas do exist, but they are usually reserved for very tall players with a big hand span! Most adults play 15”, 15.5” or 16” violas, unless their fingers, hands and arms are much longer, requiring the larger sizes for comfort. We usually discourage the idea of seeking larger size violas (16.5”+). They are much longer and heavier: unless the violist is physically very strong, you would just be buying a lot of physical pain and expensive physio treatments. View our size guide to measure yourself or your child at home, or drop in to Simply for Strings to be assisted by one of our viola-playing staff. Getting lessons as an adult There are lots of resources available when it comes to actually starting to play your new viola. There are plenty of resources on YouTube and other platforms that can help you to get started by yourself if necessary. Some of the beginner method books on the market also link in with Smart music, an interactive practice software that helps you learn and keeps you on track. However, a very important part of learning a stringed instrument is technique, including posture. Online resources can tell you if you’re in tune and in time, but at some point soon you will need expert eyes to watch you and give this important advice. Incorrect posture or technique can cause ongoing difficulties with intonation, but they can also create physical injury over time, causing both your body and your bank account considerable pain. We do recommend visiting a viola teacher as you start off, to ensure your posture is correct and not causing you any pain. Learn more about what to expect when you re-start your musical journey as an adult. If you’re looking for lessons for your child, there are local music schools in most suburbs. The majority of these will have string teachers who specialise in playing and teaching the viola. If you’re local to Simply for Strings, and don’t know where to start, pop in and let us help - we have a database of teachers whom we know and can recommend. You may find lessons at a local music school, your teacher’s home studio, at your home or online lessons. Learning how to read music If you are an adult beginner, you may know how to read a little bit of music already. If your child is about to start music lessons, they may not know - and that’s okay! If your child is learning at school, the teacher will be following a carefully planned roster of work that allows the students to learn without “gaps”. Some of the main beginner tutor books introduce you systematically to the theory aspect of music, teaching note reading from the very start, then reinforcing each new note or concept in the next few pieces you will learn. If you are hoping to learn as much as possible on your own, these books will help best. Just be aware that many theory books will focus on treble clef and bass clef - you may find it helpful to also use theory books that feature alto clef. Viola players begin with the alto clef and when advancing, also learn to use the treble clef. Here are some theory books designed for beginning viola: All for Strings Theory Viola Book 1 I Can Read Music Viola Volume 1 Basic Music Theory and History for Strings Book 1 Viola Shop theory books. If using a method book by yourself, avoid the temptation to look for the songs you like. Method books are designed for practical, sequential learning. Work through the book systematically, reading everything, playing everything, doing every activity the book asks of you. This may seem slower and “boring” but will ensure you learn everything you need to set yourself up for success. As stated earlier, some books have online practice resources. Use them: they actually help! Likewise with your teacher: if you feel they are teaching you too slowly, holding you back, or not teaching you enough fun material further through the book, please have patience! They are doing this for a good reason. We have to give you solid foundations. Otherwise you will be making all sorts of mistakes that you're not aware of, and when you play with others it can become a frustration for you and them. Shop beginner method books for viola. Below are some of our top sheet music recommendations - browse our website for our vast collection, or pop into the Old Church to browse in person. Suzuki Viola School Volume 1 with CD Easy Pop & Rock Hits for Viola First 50 Songs You Should Play on the Viola A lot of our team here at Simply for Strings are violists, so there will always be someone who can provide you with personal recommendations. Maintaining your viola as a beginner Just like your car, your viola needs regular servicing to ensure it runs smoothly. We recommend getting into good cleaning habits from the get-go. Here are some quick tips: Clean your viola every time you play. Wipe the strings, fingerboard and body clean of fingerprints and oil from your skin, and to restrict the chance of rosin dust building up on either the strings or the body. Your bow should always be stored without tension. When winding it up to play, usually the best tension is when just the tip of your index finger can fit between stick and hair at the middle of the curve. Another way to tell if it has a good tension is to draw the bow across your strings at about mezzoforte (just moderately loud). If the stick is dragging on the strings, instead of just the hair touching them, then it needs to be tightened a little more.  You never want the stick to be fully straightened, or curved outwards. Sometimes the bow hair can stretch due to weather, and if it stretches too far you may need to replace the bow (or rehair it if it is of a price value that justifies rehairing). In times of weather change, atmospheric pressure variation, extra humidity or extreme dryness, your viola and bow will change and perform differently. Always try to keep your viola and bow in a safe place to avoid unnecessary temperature changes. Read our ultimate care and maintenance guide. What viola accessories do I need to buy? Some great accessories to help you get started are: Shoulder rest (absolutely essential) Metronome Tuner Rosin (essential) Music stand (essential) Violin/viola humidifier, a must in dry weather A violin/viola stand can be very helpful: because when it’s left out we more frequently pick it up! However, in times of changing weather you should store the viola in its case as a buffer against sudden changes. Read our guide to what violin (and viola!) accessories are actually worth buying. The Tailpiece (Some Extra Tips) When you practise, the best policy is to work through each item (scale, exercise, song, piece) until you make no mistakes. Then play it three (3) times in a row without obvious error. If you make a mistake on the third time you’re back to 0. Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent, and that’s why we do it. We want to train best habits in and weed errors out. Only perfect practice makes perfect: otherwise we are simply training to ensure we keep making the same mistake. When playing your viola, you need your feet slightly apart, level with your shoulders; your torso (upper body) needs to be straight, upright and facing forward. Don’t bend to the viola: make it fit you. Keep your back straight and your core engaged. Many violists develop back pain due to weak posture. Shoulders should be relaxed, not raised in tension. If possible, visit our store to make sure your shoulder rest and chinrest are the best ones for your personal best posture.  This consultation service is free. You may book an appointment or simply drop in when you're ready. Read our starters guide to violin posture for more great posture advice. A lot of these tips are transferable to violists! We hope this guide has answered your questions. Our friendly team is always ready to help you start your musical journey. Give us a ring on 07 3368 3666, or visit our beautiful Red Hill store.

Violas come in all shapes, sizes, colours – and prices. But how do you really know what you should be getting for your budgeted price range? This guide will give you a general overview of the standards for violas within each price range and offers a good starting point for finding a viola that best suits your needs. Every viola is different, and you should ideally look for the best value-for-money instrument placed within your budget. If your child is a beginner, you don’t necessarily want to overspend on an instrument that isn’t suited to their level, but if they’ve already started out with a basic instrument borrowed from school, you may want to start looking around at intermediate priced violas instead of the cheapest available. $390 – $850 Viola Price Range These are the most inexpensive violas that you’ll find at music stores. At this price, you’re looking at an entry-level or beginners instrument that is typically factory-made in China. The basic structure of these violas will be well-made, but they come ‘out of the box’ with no adjustments – a professional set up service will be required to get things sounding just right. We include our professional set up on all instruments - at no extra cost. For instruments in this price range, it is also important that individual parts are included or upgraded: Bridge – this will affect the tone of the instrument Strings – these should be upgraded to complement the instrument and give it a better tone Bow – not all accessories are of the same quality, and since a bow is essential to playing the viola, you should look to upgrade to a good quality one that will help to produce a better sound Case - a basic beginner outfit should include a case for transporting and protecting the violas. Shop Beginner Violas online and in-store. $850 – $1850 Viola Price Range There is a shift in quality when you move to this price range. A higher grade of timber is used, and so more highly skilled labour is required (resulting in a higher quality of workmanship). These violas are hand-finished and better parts are used, which further improves the quality of the instrument. The combination of workmanship and fittings gives these instruments a more mature, resonant tone. Instruments in this range are generally better suited to an intermediate player as an upgrade from their first viola to their second. This level of instrument would be considered a ‘luxury’ item for a beginner, but the quality can really pay off in their early musical education if you can afford it. Be on the lookout for: An upgraded bow - some intermediate viola outfits will include an upgraded bow, which will help aid in improving tone and technique Upgraded strings - most intermediate viola outfits should include at least a set of Piranito strings or even better, Tonica strings or Dominant strings. Bridge - the quality of the bridge should be at least an Aubert or Despiau 1-tree. Shop Intermediate Violas online and in-store. $1850 – $4000 Viola Price Range From here we start to see a much higher level of workmanship and expertise going into the crafting of the instrument. They are hand-finished for finer detailing and more refined workmanship is used. The grain of the timber is something you’ll need to consider in these instruments. The grain is the natural alignment of fibres in the wood, and can produce a more visually pleasing aesthetic as well as improve the tones and overtones of the instrument. You’ll want to look at the tightness of the grain on the front, and the flame of the grain on the back. These elements are a reflection of the higher grade of timber used in the instrument, which produces much nicer tones and overtones, allowing for a much more resonant and expressive quality of sound when played. They also project their sound better, producing a higher volume than the previous ranges. This level of instrument is usually the choice of advanced students because the quality of sound allows them to play more solo repertoire and suits much more expressive playing. In this price range, keep in mind that you may need to invest in: An upgraded bow - instruments in this price range may not always include an intermediate bow. If this is the case, you should expect to spend around $400-$1000 on selecting a higher quality intermediate viola bow from brands such as Paul or Dorfler. Professional strings - instruments in this price range should include at least a set of synthetic core strings, however upgrading to a Larsen, Obligato or Evah Pirazzi set will yield an even more beautiful tone. $4000+ Viola Price Range At this point, you start to find more individually priced items, and your considerations will change depending on the workshop that the instrument comes from. The reputation of the maker may influence your decision, as various levels of workmanship and timber will vary and musicians may prefer one maker’s sound to another. The characteristics of the instrument’s sound become more personal and individual at this level. At this price range and above, you will find many instruments are crafted in European workshops. They are popular because people know the European reputation for high-quality workmanship and materials. Our best-selling advanced violas are from the Jay Haide, Scott Cao and Helmut Illner workshops. These are customer favourites due to their expressive, full tone and very high quality materials. The quality, and the grain of the timber is something you’ll need to strongly consider in these instruments. The grain is the natural alignment of fibres in the wood, and can produce a more visually pleasing aesthetic as well as improve the tones and overtones of the instrument. You’ll want to look at the tightness of the grain on the front, and the flame of the grain on the back. As mentioned above, these elements are a reflection of the higher grade of timber used in the instrument, which produces much nicer tones and overtones. Varnish is another consideration in this price range - many modern instruments are varnished with an antiqued finish. Be careful to ensure the varnish is of a high quality, and is uniform across the instrument. In this price range, you'll generally have to purchase a bow and case separately. It’s generally expected that you have your own preferences for the bow and case. Learn more about choosing a bow. You should expect to spend at least $600 for a higher quality pernambuco or carbon fibre bow, depending on your level of performance. Shop viola bows.  Of course, choosing a viola doesn’t have to be a decision that you make all on your own. Here at Simply for Strings, our friendly team members are all qualified musicians who understand the nuances of each different viola we stock. We can guide you through the range and help you find the one that’s right for you. Come and visit us at our store in Red Hill or get in touch with any questions you might have.

Are you locked away at home with plenty of time on your hands, on holidays with little to do, or isolated for other reasons? Learning the viola at home can be a great way to pass the time; it’s also healthy for your brain and your soul. Here are some tips to help make the process enjoyable and effective. First things first - you’re going to need a viola! Here at Simply for Strings we offer new, second hand and rental options. Read our guide to buying vs renting, or check out our viola price guide, so you get a better idea of what to expect in every price. In order to have an enjoyable learning experience, you’ll need to purchase or rent a viola that has been professionally set up by a trained violin maker, with a correctly carved bridge and good string height to ensure ease of playing. Learn more about the Simply for Strings Professional Set Up here. If you have purchased a beginner viola, we do recommend upgrading the strings if your budget allows. Most beginner models have very basic strings: fitting a slightly higher grade string set will open up the potential of your instrument to give a more pleasing tone and better response, making the learning process much more enjoyable and rewarding. A poorly set-up viola with lower-grade strings is probably the main cause of all the ‘dying cat’ jokes! Essential Accessories Shoulder rest Comfort and correct technique are both affected by posture, and you need a suitable shoulder rest. Here at Simply for Strings, we offer free consultations with violists to help them find the perfect setup. They often experience pain in their neck and shoulder whilst playing, which is something you definitely want to avoid! Solutions are always found by identifying exactly the right chinrest and shoulder rest for their body shape. If you aren’t able to visit for this assistance, the most popular styles of shoulder rest are Kun (and the FOM Kun-style cheaper alternative), Wolf and Everest. Read our starter’s guide to posture here. Tip: Viola's are usually fitted with Violin Shoulder rests, depending on the Viola's size. For example a 14'' Viola will be fitted with a 4/4 Violin Shoulder rest and a 12'' Viola will be fitted with a 1/2 Violin Shoulder Rest. If a Viola is 15'' or bigger that is when you will need to specifically purchase a Viola Shoulder rest.  Shop Viola Shoulder Rests with fast delivery Australia wide. Rosin Rosin is made from resin - yes, that’s right! Sap extracted from fir trees, melted down, purified and some extra special ingredients specially formulated for you to rub on the hair of your bow. Learn how to use rosin here. It makes the bow hair sticky enough to create a lovely sound when you pull it across the strings. Without rosin the bow will make no sound. There are many different styles of rosin and many secret recipes. Read our ultimate guide to rosin. Shop Viola Rosin with fast delivery Australia wide. Bow Your bow needs to be in good working order, which means plenty of hair, in a nice straight ‘ribbon’; a good curve to the stick when unwound; and when you tighten it to a reasonable tension, the distance between the middle of the stick’s curve from the tightened hair should be approximately the diameter of a normal HB pencil, or the tip of your pinky. If the bow has lost its spring or the hair is loose and uneven, it would be advisable to invest in a new bow. Shop Viola Bows with fast and free delivery Australia wide. Tuner and Metronome It’s obviously a lot easier to practice your new viola when it’s in tune! Tuning is a skill that takes years for players to develop, but we have a few helpful tips in our post all about it! (Nearly all violin tips are transferable to viola - just don’t forget you have a C string on a viola!) An electronic tuner is a good investment, as it can help you keep your instrument in tune between lessons. Likewise, a metronome is very helpful when practising, to teach you about playing in time and keeping a good beat. Shop Metronomes and Tuners. Music Stand For correct posture (preventing sore back, damage to spine and neck, and to make sure you can play properly in tune) you need to be standing upright and looking straight ahead, not craning your neck down to look on a table. Depending on the lighting in your room, you may need to consider a music stand light. We use the Aroma Music Stand Light, which also acts as a clip to hold the pages open. Shop Music Stands. Practice mute If you are in an apartment, or have a baby needing lots of uninterrupted sleep, you may wish to use a practice mute. These reduce the sound substantially and make it kinder for those around us. There are three types to choose: rubber, metal and rubber-coated metal. Read our guide to mutes. Shop Mutes. Starting Lessons If you have a child learning at school there will be a tutor book already selected. These are a great place to start, and some have excellent instructions included on the pages. Some are more particularly designed for a teacher to use his or her own teaching style and simply have a good selection of educationally sound progressive music, with the teacher expected to give the information in other ways. If you are hoping to learn on your own or with minimal guidance, we suggest choosing books with plenty of explanations and diagrams on the page. These include but are not limited to: Essential Elements, String Basics, and Sound Innovations. Shop Viola Beginner Method Books. If you are seeking to do most of your learning at home, many of the method books also have CDs included or access to online accompaniments, and some even include free access to the Smart Music interactive practice software. Online lessons Many teachers are now offering online lessons. You just need an internet connection, a tablet or computer with speakers and built-in microphone, and you can set up easily. Your teacher will help guide you through positioning your computer so they can see your posture. We hope this guide has been helpful for those looking to start learning the viola at home! If you have any questions, or just want to have a chat about all things viola, give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to help you get started on your very own musical journey!