SWITCHING FROM VIOLIN TO VIOLA // What I wish I had known!

A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that violas are the same to play as a violin... Oh no no no my friend. Here are my top differences that I wish I'd known about when I made the switch!
Much love, Heather x
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[@thomassears1432]

I switched from violin to viola a few years ago, and I will never go back. Your comments seem to be more about the joys of playing viola as part of an ensemble. I only play alone, using my viola to play the melody. I would like to add that the viola is so rich and beautiful as a solo instrument, rather than an accompaniment part.

[@heatherhawken]

Yes you’re absolutely right! X

[@rossthefiddler5890]

After doing grade 8 violin myself in my late teens, it wasn't till after a couple of decades when my daughter needed help in the local orchestra playing viola that I took it up too. The other more advanced (semi-professional) orchestra needed more violists so I was playing there too. Yes, I discovered how different it was too & how fingering & playing was not the same, similar, but different. I did that for a number of years before stopping & doing some Scottish fiddle playing for a while (that was fun), but a couple (more) decades later I got back into playing viola in our local orchestra again, starting in 2020 before covid spoilt that (& then my health), so eventually started playing again in 2023. Now I do it because I know I need to, to keep my fingers from seizing up with arthritis & keep my brain active to hopefully keep healthy there too.

[@davew7948]

Thanks, can you go into the differences in technique more? A video of you playing a scale on each instrument demonstrating what you are doing differently. Bowing, shifting differences. Then playing a tune (possibly transposed an octave), again explaining what different techniques you use to get the best out of both instruments.

[@heatherhawken]

Great suggestion! Yes I can definitely do that :-D

[@lawrencestringacademy2218]

So yeah, I subscribed! Firstly, because I am a professional violist who switched from violin 30 years ago and never looked back. Secondly, because you are a fun and entertaining KZbinr and thirdly, because the comments are hysterical, enjoyable, and relatable! You seem like a good person who has surrounded herself with good people. Happy to be part of the family!

[@heatherhawken]

Oh bless you thank you so much ☺️ welcome to the madness! Haha x

[@canal.connection]

I can't compare because I started straight on the viola. I love the deeper sound. I loved your video, especially about harmony. My teacher says exactly that. In the orchestra, the viola doesn't make much of a sound, but it's needed when it isn't there. And the part about being calmer has more to do with the sound than the difficulty, as the "pressure" to play well is equal. Thank you for sharing your sensitivity in the characteristics you raised about the viola.

[@heatherhawken]

You're so welcome and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the video :-)

[@johnhudelson2652]

The most difficult thing about starting to play the viola as a violinist is learning the alto clef.

[@heatherhawken]

Yes it can be a bit of a mind bender!

[@johnhudelson2652]

@@heatherhawken Since I play the piano and am a bass singer I'm familiar with the bass clef. I think of alto clef as the top 2 lines in the bass clef, a line for middle C, and the bottom 2 lines of the treble clef.

[@johnhudelson2652]

@@heatherhawken What is even more of a mind bender is when treble clef is used for the upper range of viola. I have to remember there is no E string.

[@heatherhawken]

@@johnhudelson2652 That can be a helpful place to start but I would definitely recommend learning the clef in it's own right, otherwise you'll find it starts hindering you more than it helps 🙂

[@johnhudelson2652]

@@heatherhawken I now have the alto clef nailed down in my head; however for Bach"s Cello Suites transcribed to viola there are passages in treble clef.

[@gregmonks]

You EXACTLY described what happened to me going from violin to viola. Got my grade 8 on violin, picked up the viola, largely because I was told that you should play violin first, then got humiliated by the instrument. It's all better now. Just got a 6-string for fun.

[@heatherhawken]

Oh I’m sorry it had a rough road! But a 6 string sounds fun!

[@gregmonks]

@@heatherhawken 6-strings, when you get a good one, are highly addicting. The low F and high E not only open up possibilities, but add harmonics and resonance, to the point that when you back to a regular viola, you're like, Eh? Something's missing.

[@marthahancock7938]

It was fun to see this topic pop up! My experiences: no technical differences to speak of from violin - just the wider reach. // I got the neck of my viola narrowed by a music shop. It has helped my reach. Violin and viola necks are not special and they can be replaced on an instrument. // It is harder to hear yourself when playing in an orchestra as compared to violin, so it's tempting not to fix every little note! // Learning alto clef has taken me a loooooooooooooong time - and then there is the problem of switching clefs, just because composers think you can't read a few ledger lines. If you ever have to play Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland, get ready for the top of page two, where the clef changes almost every measure!

[@heatherhawken]

Yes the clef changes can be a tad tricky when they're sprung on you but it's all part of the fun! She says... 🤣

[@britcommom]

Having made the switch myself, you’ll find it gets so much easier with time. I joke around that violin is the gateway instrument to viola for those meant to be violists ;)

[@heatherhawken]

YES! Officially how I’m referring to violins from now on 🤣 x

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

I play Viola and I am learning fiddle for Irish/Scottish music. so it is good to get some great ideas and gossip. ta...

[@heatherhawken]

Glad I could help!

[@kaistinakemperdahl9667]

Thank you for this! I added the viola a couple of years ago. I figured out pretty quickly that doing the same things as on the violin is a bad idea. But finding good advice on what to do instead isn’t easy (I can’t afford a teacher atm.) So, if you want to do more videos on transitioning from violin to viola, that would be very much appreciated.❤

[@heatherhawken]

My pleasure! Yes I definitely can do ☺️ x

[@jamsauce_music]

This video was so interesting, thank you. I don’t currently own or play a violin or viola, however I was researching to see which I should choose because both appeal to me. Upon seeing your video as well as other people’s videos, I never realized how much viola connects to me. It’s so beautiful and lovely, and yeah in theory it’s harder but that seems to make it all the more satisfying once you get it down. Thank you!

[@heatherhawken]

You’re so welcome! It’s just such an underrated instrument in so many ways

[@jamsauce_music]

I know this doesn’t completely relate, but the instrument I know the most is ukulele, and while it has gained more recent popularity, sometimes when I tell someone I play the ukulele they immediately judge me and my character based on it. One time someone said to me “oh you’re one of THOSE people.” So, the fact that viola is another instrument where violinists hate them just because they’re not violins makes me want to play it even more lol. @@heatherhawken

[@bobbyggare8364]

a reflection I had as a bassist in a rock setting is that it sounds very similar to the bass role in rock. the bass is the viola and the guitar is the violn. Many bassist incluing Paul mccartney started out on guitar and switched to the bass later. The bass is also seen as the lesser version of its counterpart despite being fundamental to the sound and harmony of the band. We can play complicated stuff. Its just not always needed.. loved your video.

[@heatherhawken]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes it can be quite frustrating at times but it's also quite fun to chat about when people ask :-)

[@bobbyggare8364]

@@heatherhawken indeed it is

[@shipsahoy1793]

I agree. It is somewhat annoying that there are some great low level violin books that are just nonexistent for viola. My first etude book was one. 2) A 16" viola is somewhat of a "standard" full size viola. It's not too big and unweildy, yet not small enough to ruin the "viola" sound. 3) Even though the viola tends to be a bit more difficult to solo with, the biggest hassle in my mind was the clef, although you eventually get used to it. Cheating by thinking of it differently is more trouble than it's worth. Also, I would have been much happier if they just used the G clef for the whole range and used ledger lines for the lowest notes.

[@winnie5498]

I do think that more people would play the viola if there are more viola lessons for beginners. Honestly coming from someone who just started learn the viola not the violin i do prefer the deep tone it gives haha.The best part for me for being in the viola section is when i get to accompany the other sections (especially the cellos haha when playing the melody its sooo good)

[@heatherhawken]

I totally agree! I think the issue is that it can be tricky to find violas small enough

[@user-do5hd7zb4x]

You are a caution! I may yet get a viola but Im happy right now with my violin. Im sorry the viola camp is ridiculed! I think its just bad manners on behalf of us violinists. Im not one of those that makes light of violists when everything I ve been taught was by a six foot tall lumbering violist of considerable skill. I was merely a 3rd or 4th chair violinist, My instructor thought I was slow. The main thing I have learned is to never give up. Yes I put it down for about 40 years . Then having graduated hi school and after my dear mothers passing I got a hairbrained idea I would re hair my one and only bow. I was riding my bicycle in the country side and came upon a farmhouse with a horse in the front yard. I stopped by and asked if they could get me some horse hairs. They bribed the horse with a carrot and clipped the tail hairs effortlessly and handed me the hairs up front. I was delighted brought them home counted out 288 single black horse hairs and plugged them into my violin bow. My violin now had more.power more sonourous tone than I would have immagined. That was when I got the bug for the violin a second time. I know I talk a lot so will save the rest for another time. Have a happy safe enjoyable New Years Heather and bye for now.😅

[@allytam9990]

Very interesting! I’m not switching from violin (still love my violin and all the repertoires) but as a new year resolution for 2024 I set myself up to also learn viola!! Quite excited!!!

[@heatherhawken]

Oh amazing!!! Good for you 😃

[@gregmonks]

There are 20" violas and bigger, by the way. And there are old-style violas that are even bigger with no chin-rest that are held against the chest and are around 5" thick. Some of them, going back to Bach's time, have 5 strings. 5-string viola has always been a thing, from Bach to Mahler.

[@heatherhawken]

I do wish they’d kept them as “small cellos” rather than trying to shrink them down to be small enough to play the same way as a violin

[@gregmonks]

@@heatherhawken I dunno. They look funny playing, like cartoon characters. Ever see one of those massive Mexican mariachi basses? Takes a big player with long arns to play one. Add a huge sombrero and it just cracks me up. Like those giant foam cowboy hats. I never pass up an opportunity to laugh. 😁

[@frodsham23]

The viola section snacks thing is so true!!

[@heatherhawken]

They’re a must!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

There are 5 string Violas tuned C, G, D, A, E which helps.

[@heatherhawken]

Yes they can definitely be handy but they come with a whole host of other things to learn. I find them really difficult because of the extra string

[@chickenblah3]

@@heatherhawken I just got a five string violin (been playing violin for a few years) and am here to see what is different with violas so I can try it and see if it works better at some points. Appreciate the note that technique is different on viola.

[@roycelassley5759]

My grad school violin teacher Bettina’s wife, Jodi Levitz (professor at the same school), convinced me to try viola and after studying with her, my whole outlook changed. Totally agree-violists are WAY more chill!

[@heatherhawken]

Yay! So glad you joined us 😁

[@jbusniewski]

This is interesting, becauseI started on the viola, but play and teach violin more often now, though more for various fiddle styles than classical violin.

[@heatherhawken]

Ah always fun to hear of someone switching the other way around!

[@user-do5hd7zb4x]

Don't appologize for clutter. You have the cleanest whitest beautiful ba c kround I've ever seen on any u tube or other! I wanted to share something pertaining to violin/ viola bow grip. Place your rt. Thumb nail under the leather . The thumb should resemble a football standing on its end pointing up! The rest of the grip is as Franco Belgian. If you want Russian. The stick should come up to 3rd joint of index. The bow rocks on the transverse thumb nail . It's like playing a slide trombone. Down bow up bow. Happy New Year. Maybe you already knew this but it rocked my world so I thought I would share it with you. Happy new year. Bye!😅

[@catherinecossey8954]

I learned violin at school over 20 years ago and they didn't teach viola. Now I'm looking into hiring a viola and seeing if I can adapt my dormant violin skills to it! I always hated the E string when I played violin - sounds shrill and piercing no matter how good the player is!

[@heatherhawken]

Ah do it! Let me know how you get on 😃 x

[@catherinecossey8954]

I have had a few sessions with a beginner's book (meant for children😂) and you can certainly tell it's been a long time since I played this type of instrument! I still have some muscle memory but I have to remind myself to press harder on the strings.

[@heatherhawken]

@@catherinecossey8954 Yeah really think about letting your right arm be heavy rather than pressing harder and you'll find your sound improves so quickly 🙂

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

The E string bothers me too. Sometimes it seems a bit unnecessary.

[@christopherderoulet9237]

I started learning viola at age 64 because a cello wouldn't fit in the back of my sports car. As with everything I touch, I did this backward. I'm 67 now and picked up violin three months ago. It's far easier to play with arthritic hands. I'm having a violin commissioned for me, and after almost a year, it will be finished in late May. All the viola jokes are unfounded. The violin is a much easier instrument to play. Even the G clef is simpler and easier to memorize! I will always consider myself a violist and play it 2X as much as the violin. The joke is on you, violinists! They are both beautiful instruments.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Thanks. I’ve considered the viola. I’m a lousy violin player. But I don’t have anyone to play with.

[@sueacord1678]

As a viola player I appreciate the love. We hear so many viola jokes that is disheartening. I have played viola from the first. I was a 10 year playing an 16" viola since I chose it because I inhereted my brother's viola. Luckily I grew into the instrument. I have learned the other string instrument but I am still a violst because I love the music and my fellow violist. It was nice to finally getting to play with other violist since growing up being the only violist in my school orchestra. We are a pretty nice group of people.

[@heatherhawken]

Oh well done!

[@gregwilkin6565]

Thank you for sharing. :)

[@heatherhawken]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching 😃

[@danroberts9050]

I made the switch too. I started out as a banjo player and switched to viola. It seemed like a natural switch. Especially since I played harmonica with one of those holder dealies. So I think it all made sense.

[@heatherhawken]

Sounds like fun!

[@ZeralinaRobinson]

I started with Piano and have made the transition to viola, totally worth it, it's the best instrument ever

[@heatherhawken]

Ah welcome! I always suggest piano as a starter instrument so you’ve had a great start

[@anthonyclegg1511]

The violin is hung on the wall. I play viola now by ear. Lovely sound and not screechy. 💓🎻.

[@heatherhawken]

Yes those wall mounts seem really great

[@wowtac547]

I can’t decide what to start with. I’m more comfortable with more of the pads of my fingers on the strings than the tip, I love the low and highs of the viola and that but also love the warmth of a violin. Should I learn the violin for a month and or listen to viola pieces, covers and jigs to see if I prefer the viola more?

[@heatherhawken]

It's honestly such a personal choice... I would go for the one you're most excited about playing :-)

[@VeryAllegro]

My professor teaches both. But I will keep it in mind. 👍

[@heatherhawken]

Ah very handy!

[@Isaactheviolinist]

I play violin and i am fixing to switch over to viola just for a change of strings and to play deeper

[@heatherhawken]

Do it! You’ll never look back 😉

[@Isaactheviolinist]

@@heatherhawken thank you and subscribe to my channel when you have the chance to see my violin/viola videos 🎻🎻🎻

[@celia6830]

Is it like possible to play the violin and the viola? I'm asking as i see that there's like a competition between those two instrument or is the switch to do is to much important to play the two and i feel like i need and answer 😅

[@heatherhawken]

Yes absolutely! I still play both ☺️

[@celia6830]

@@heatherhawken thank you for the quick response!! :D

[@clarazhang0530]

Hello ❤loved your video! I’ve been learning violin few years as an adult learner almost finished Suzuki violin series. Yesterday my teacher mentioned casually saying you should learn Viola but gave me a lot of thoughts . Am I too late to switch to Viola ? I’m in 40’s 😂

[@heatherhawken]

Never too late! A lot of people switch to the viola later in life ☺️

[@clarazhang0530]

@@heatherhawkenI got a viola after 4 months of hesitating 🤣

[@michaelblaney4461]

If you are not going to play classical music would a 5 string Viola be better for Celtic or Ameican Fiddle music you would have a larger range 😊

[@heatherhawken]

So they’re absolutely useful for that! I haven’t ever seen a really good quality one… they tend to sacrifice quality for the sake of versatility

[@yooogort]

We've lost another one to the dark side

[@heatherhawken]

But they have cookies…

[@yooogort]

@@heatherhawken oh well I might join

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

I’ve considered playing the viola, but I can’t afford it.

[@heatherhawken]

It can get pricey… depending on where you live there can be a lot of help available, especially when it comes to sourcing an instrument x

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

@@heatherhawken would you believe this whole state just lost its entirety of grants for the arts? Yep.

[@heatherhawken]

@@nickiemcnichols5397 Oh I'm so sorry 😔

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

@@heatherhawken yep. Bye bye to $36 million, and lots of good jobs. It’ll wreck a good part of our economy.

[@lorcanzepf7828]

sooooo basicaly viola players are the classical version of a bass guitarist

[@heatherhawken]

Haha yep! Everyone loves to take the mickey but they all need us 😉

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

The harmony to the melody?

[@lorcanzepf7828]

@@nickiemcnichols5397 that too but I was more talking about Heather's response