In the Viola Studio With Carol Rodland: Posture, Stance, and Set-Up

[@macunaima81]

Super helpful! You Professor Rodland are a sweetheart :)

[@KCMasterpiece]

I was a relatively serious viola student for several years and had problems with neck, shoulder, and back tension. Nowadays, I only play once in a while, but I'm really glad I discovered this video. I just finished practicing using some of these techniques and definitely can hear an improvement in my tone and feel a difference in my body. Thanks for making this!

[@carolrodland909]

I am so glad this is helpful for you! Best wishes for continued joyful viola playing!

[@michael_hall_viola]

This is wonderful! Thank you, Carol!

[@rfhundley]

Thank you, thank you!!! This has given me a new way to think about how to hold a violin (even though this is a viola video :-)). I have been putting my chin in the "chinrest," rather than my jaw, among other problems. This is so clear, and I truly appreciate your posting this.

[@carolrodland909]

Randal Hundley i am so glad it is helpful for you!

[@MrViolinGuy]

Beginning the gauntlet of preparing for graduate auditions. These videos have been so helpful! Especially your students as examples. I think my set up is the biggest obstacle. Then onto the bow hand (also a great video, thank you!)

[@alalrual]

Thank you very much Professor Rodland! I feel like I can finally vibrate like a true violist and why it works

[@carolrodland909]

alalrual so glad this is helpful!

[@paolabossiviolista]

a have made a transformation of my chinrest , my luthier did. ( sorry about my english)... actually they are so high, even to a long neck. so i said to him to low down everythink he could and soft without sharp edges and more rounded. because the viola its so big to my shoulder any way, i have to be confortable

[@michelleespinoza8247]

Thank you. Interesting information. May I ask you, how tall are you?

[@carolrodland909]

Hope it is helpful! i am 5'4" .

[@catgal9601]

Hi Carol! This video was extremely helpful. I would like to know what size of viola you recommend for someone with a 26.5 inch arm span?

[@violageo]

Great info! Carol could you please tell me the model of chinrest you are using? Thanks

[@carolrodland909]

So glad you enjoyed it! My chinrest is a custom model from Gary Frisch at Frisch and Denig. Great products!

[@wildmoonchild8210]

i just started viola 3 days ago and my jaw really hurts idk why

[@MrViolinGuy]

I've been playing viola for 3 years (longer background in violin) and jaw clenching is caused by: your viola set up - if you have to absolutely hold the instrument with your head, your set up isn't totally sound. Your instrument should rest on your collar bone, and the shoulder rest should fill in the space from your body to the instrument (while still keeping the viola on the collar bone). The chin rest should simply be a place for your jaw/chin to rest, not holding. think of standing as you would while talking or presenting. Then simply add the viola to your collar bone. Also! general anxiety or frustration can manifest in clenching your jaw. For me, I have to actively say "stop it" and put my tongue lightly between my teeth to make me realize how hard I was clenching. Hope that helps, in my rambling way. Cheers!

[@kathleencannon4489]

​@@MrViolinGuyI'm glad i read the comments as i have gone through 3 shoulder rests in the 2.5 years i started playing again and am still searching (i quit 40yrs ago when i was 13 and handed the full sizer.) it looks like the chin rest may be the key.... the awkwardness was the main reason I quit.