Hi All-This is my first post here. Anyway, I am an experienced classical violinist and I've always wanted to learn viola-just to see what it's like in a different section of the orchestra. What would you recommend as far as method books? I would imagine I can go a little bit faster than starting with Viola String Builder Volume 1-are there any method books specifically written for this? Thanks, Mike

If you are going to try viola but have music experience, I think that the most challenging thing would be learning to think in a different clef. When I added tuba to my repoitoir, the most difficult thing was learning what the notes down there were caled and where they were played. All you'll probably need are some Alto clef flashcards

check out the "essential elements for strings" viola series, it was what i was taught with and the books are only about 5 dollars each. very basic with challenges as you go.

I've always wanted to learn viola-just to see what it's like in a different section of the orchestra.

You realize that you'll have (in the standard set-up) the worst seats in the house with the loud and shrill woodwinds immediately behind you and the louder-still brass a bit further behind you?

All you'll probably need are some Alto clef flashcards

The "note trainer" at this site can help, but it only drills you on notes found in the key of C with no leger lines. Where can you get alto clef flashcards?

I went from Violin to Viola and once I wrapped my head around alto, it was fine. I actually like Viola better now! It's just constant practice. The other instruments I play are in treble. It got to a point where I could just flip a switch in my brain for alto. Be patient. It will come.

Hi.

I was a grade 6 violinist when I took up the viola last year and took grade 5 on the viola in a mater of months.
As soon as you get hang of the clef, it's not too difficult, and as people have said, that's the hardest thing.
The ressinence is wonderful and personally I prefer it to the sound of the violin.
If you are looking for a teacher I would reccomend Jo or John Gillett Smith (if you live in england or near gloucester).
It's a wonderful instrument and I'm glad more people are taking an interest.

peace. xx

Oops i forgot to answer the question.
I would recommend beginner books such as "strings in step" just so that you can get used to the clef and extending your fingers further for the fingering. Seeing as you're a classical violinst as soon as you've mastered the clef you should be able to move onto more difficult pieces for viola.

Good luck :D

Thanks for all the tips! I found that learning the clef was the hardest-someone recommended the Whistler Book From Violin to Viola so I worked through that. I then dove into the Telemann, then the Bach Cello Suites and I'm not playing viola for all of my orchestras-I like it much better than the violin-I like the deeper tone much better. I also find that I can hear the whole orchestra better from the viola section.