Rosin, rosin, rosin and more rosin.

Liz

Use tons of rosin! If you`re using the stuff that came with your viola, scratch the surface a bit with a paper clip before you use it. As I`ve said before, William Salchow is really good rosin and its what I`ve used for about 7 years.

Don`t forget to have a soft cloth for your viola! You can`t just let rosin build up on the strings. After I practice, I wipe off my viola with a very soft yellow cloth(you might even find some in music stores) to keep the strings in good shape.

I use a sponge for a shoulder rest, and it`s just fine. I haven`t gotten around to getting a shoulder rest yet.

I have one that`s oh-so-cute. Its plastic, very comfortable, and its bright blue! It adds a nice touch to my viola; brings out my personality.

if you`ve already rosinned your bow and still not getting a good sound could be because you need to use more arm weight and get a good controlled bow speed.... and make sure your right arm isn`t glued to your side when playing on the G and C string =)

Tighten the back part which is the frog, to put some tension on the horsehairs. Add dark rosin for 10 minutes. No cheating. Count 10 minutes. Now play the violin. You can not play the bow. Hope this helps. Strat man Dwight

The world needs more violists! So, rosin rosin and more rosin on that bow! You actually should not feel uncomfortable with the viola under your chin - you should be able to hold it for an hour hands free and not tire or get sore! ! ! I found it particularly difficult to find something that works, you just have to experiment. I highly recommend the KUN shoulder rests - a little pricey but worth it. No amount of padding will stop the formation of a viola hickey or the inevitable skin soreness that plagues beginners. If you can`t hold the viola and move both arms freeley underneath, then something is not adjusted right. Just keep playing with it :~) Also, since you got it from ebay, make sure it`s the right size for you! You should be able to wrap your left hand around the scroll when in playing position - or get measured at the music shop. Anyhow, hope everybodies threads help you out so we can add another violist to the group! :~)

I agree that the KUN shoulder rest is great. I have a kind of long neck, and am an adult beginner (48 yrs. old, and never played an instrument before xcept clarinet briefly in 5th grade!)and it is excellent. There can not be too many violas or violists in the world, with the rich and mellow tones. I played at my first recital (with many small children), but it was a great step to take, and I am sure I was a novelty, and other adults thought it was cool to see someone so late in life starting.

I desperately need help!! I just received a viola for Christmas and I have not played in years!! I found some sheet music, but I have no idea what any of the notes are! I do not know what strings go with the notes! Any ideas?

To learn about the alto clef-- just go to google and look up Alto Clef, or viola clef, etc...also Essential Elements 200 for Strings, Viola Book 1 is good for beginner info. I knew nothing, and I could only go up from there!!

If your viola is bothering your chin (digging in), simply get a cloth and wrap it around the bottom of the instrument so it is between you and the instrument. This is what professionals do. You can also have the chin rest replaced by a professional repairman so you have one more suited to you.