@TwoSetViolin Please Stop the Bullying of Violists.

I sent this video directly to TwosetViolin a week after it was published.
This is an issue that has been bugging me for a long time and I felt like it was finally time to do something about it. If it was not clear in the video, I have absolutely no hard feelings towards Brett and Eddy. This issue not anyone’s fault directly, it is just something that TwosetViolin has the power to help.
I used many clips from various TwosetViolin videos, obviously I do not own any of those clips.
Note: I changed the title from “TwoSetViolin Please Stop Bullying Violists” to the current title. I received many comments that seemed to only read the title and assume I was attacking them, so I wanted to make the clarification that although they can help the issue, the core problem is with the community and not with them.
The reddit post that I read comments off of can be found here:
www.reddit.com...
I used some fanarts in the beginning of the video. Those can be found here (in order of usage):
www.google.com...
www.deviantart...
www.deviantart...
/ 192458584064043896
The background music is entirely my own recordings.
Kalendarmusik IV. Shadow Sarabande by James Preucil
• Kalendarmusik IV. Apri...
Le Cygne (The Swan) by Camille Saint-Säens (arr. James Preucil)
• The Swan (Saint-Saëns)...
Listing titles of recent twoset videos (this will help the KZbin algorithm recommend this video to more people):
How musicians practice, we drink and rate every bubble tea brand, on the topic of Asian hate... our experiences growing up in a western country, when she tells you she hates guys with perfect pitch
#TwoSetViolin #viola #violagang

[@ViolaKing]

Greetings, if you’re planning on leaving a hate comment along the lines of “you’re a snowflake,” please watch the video first. I specifically explain how I and most violists are not offended by viola jokes. I also explain how viola jokes can be okay. I also clarify these things in a follow-up video called “Viola Gang Responds to TwoSetViolin”. Also please don’t leave a hate comment about TwoSet as that would not be constructive (discussing a relevant issue is certainly allowed)

[@ckchang-wg2lw]

I agree with you, the viola plays an important role in music and should not be disrespected.

[@Chopin124]

Might want to pin this comment? :) it’s seriously a good video :)

[@ViolaKing]

@@Chopin124 thanks for the heads up, I thought I had pinned it in but I must have forgot!

[@joekerr5418]

It's like people just forget why they click a video, TO WATCH THE VIDEO lmao

[@samanthatheriot8879]

Can someone explain why so many viola jokes in general, not just 2set, I understand jokes about triangle players but the viola requires skill, what am I missing?

[@ashbu_guitar]

"In order to make fun of the viola, you need to appreciate it first" THIS

[@gogisthecoolcatt3017]

YES!

[@ViolaKing]

Your channel name is kinda like the video title lol

[@ashbu_guitar]

@@ViolaKing lmao

[@whispergleam3576]

I think the problem with saying this is that Brett and Eddie _do_ appreciate the viola but because it doesn't show through most of the time, most of the nonmusical part of the community often believe that they mean to be hurtful. I don't believe that this is the case, however, because fans often see them "roasting" themselves by calling their violin skills mediocre, et cetera. Obviously, I'm not quoting them correctly, but it seems clear that they wouldn't say something bad about themselves with serious intent, which should show that they wouldn't intend to harm anyone.Their content is generally them messing around in the hopes of lightening someone else's day. Never the less, however, I do agree that it might not be the best to glamourise viola prejudice.

[@ashbu_guitar]

@@whispergleam3576 oh, I see exactly what you mean. What I meant was not in direct reference to Twoset but rather younger fans who might not quite understand the concept well. I figured it was worth saying like this because of how well James iterated it.

[@worm3179]

thank youuuu!! i find a lot of their fans don’t understand that they’re really just jokes and that viola is genuinely good, and a lot of my friends even have started to make me feel less worthy as a musician just because of my instrument :(

[@jazjrl]

This makes me sad tbh ☹️ 13 years ago when I was 15, I switched to viola after hearing the String quartet No 1 from Smetana and never regretted my decision. This instrument has so much magic in it ❤️ that being said good musicians never make their colleagues feel unworthy, they help each other out! Don't stop playing 🎵

[@cheeseontoast3434]

pls don't let anyone make you feel less worthy because of the instrument you play. The viola is a beautiful intsrument. Tell your friends their jokes upset you, and if they continue anyway, just drop them, you'll find new ones. Good luck on your journey as a musician, don't let others discourage you

[@gloriajusti407]

don't be. be proud of the instrument you play. it's your music :)

[@rashahussain5315]

I don’t think is should go that far. At first I was originally going to play the viola since it had a deeper tone. I laugh at violin jokes all the time and and viola jokes. But that shouldn’t make you feel less of a musician because of what your playing.

[@ViolaKing]

If you or anyone you know is bullied for playing the viola, let me know and I will stand up for you

[@michaelwoon]

viola jokes aside, *how is it that i've never met a violist who isn't hella chill and nicer than everyone else? tbh i probably admire them more than anything ;)*

[@tteee7241]

Us classical saxophonists are pretty chill too, unless you ask us why the hell are we in an orchestra if we’re a jAzZ instrument.

[@safarfsaf]

Its the instrument I think. I've noticed a lot of musicians take on qualities of their instrument. Brass players are all loud and a bit abrasive. French horn players are quiet and elegant. Flute players are all beautiful angels with sweet personalities etc etc.

[@kaistinakemperdahl9667]

Seriously, in any orchestra, my fellow 2nd violins and the violas were always the ones I got along with best.

[@robsonroku2691]

Yeah why do you make fun of viola, like dude I’m not starting to like you. Because I’m a violinist.

[@joshua2400]

Jesus loves you all

[@anaghshetty]

The 'issue' isn't only with TwoSet, its with the entire classical community. The fact that there is a Wikipedia article on viola jokes shows that the problem is widespread

[@peacara7727]

its not really twosets fault, not saying that you said so, but its more on the people who perceived it as something negative

[@tteee7241]

@@peacara7727 yea I agree; this could easily be what they’ve heard from other people when they started out so now they think it’s fine

[@johnbewley3119]

It started because the viola was the third violin for such a long time. It's what you played it you weren't good at violin. But that is no longer true. So....

[@tteee7241]

@ImaEffinUnicorn it’s not a joke when people constantly diss viola and making Violists feel like they aren’t musicians. It’s bullying.

[@andrewmanzano4792]

Why encourage viola jokes then? Why must they become more widespread? That's what Twoset is doing. They are pouring gasoline on the fire. Viola jokes were only a small pilot light, and now they dumped so much gas on it, and continue to do so, that their whole fan base and all of their viewers can see that destructive fire.

[@pockyrock1764]

i feel like twosetviolin respects and appreciates people who play viola but some fans just take it too far. i agree with this video to a certain extent and im very happy that you've made this aware since i have a lot of violist friends who'd appreciate this :)

[@nikitamatakupan3614]

They (the fans) don't get the joke and took it out of context.

[@timmyc9915]

Im pretty sure it do be like that

[@quadricode]

Yes, Brett and Eddy show their utmost respect by continually trashing it then saying "but srs it's just a joke bro we love everybody ♥️". 🙄

[@astridposey]

Yeah, not there was an entire video of them laughing hysterically at "Violists are shit "

[@andrewmanzano4792]

@@nikitamatakupan3614 it's not the FANS fault for taking it out of context. Have you lost your marbles? The person who uploads the content is responsible for the way content is interpreted. And if content is interpreted in a way that is not intended, THEN UPLOAD AN APOLOGY AND NEVER MAKE A VIOLA JOKE AGAIN. Plain and fucking simple. (I play violin, not viola, but I will not stand for anybody disrespecting a viola. I like to watch Twosets content, but I have an EXTREME distaste for what they said and say about violas. And I am not the only one that thinks this way either.)

[@ellacoon3240]

I hope twoset sees this video, I love them but I feel the same way

[@ckchang-wg2lw]

Ikr!!

[@williammillena3397]

Same.

[@fatetastarossa]

I hope they will see it. It’s good to make a clear line and clear this understanding. Good job point it out!

[@kaosucos]

same.......

[@joshua2400]

have an awesome day 😊 Jesus loves you

[@Jygge]

If we were all determined to play the first violin we should never have an ensemble. therefore, respect every musician in his proper place. ~Robert Schumann I want to thank you for making this video! The viola indeed needs much more appreciation.

[@elainewang9419]

Not a violist but I totally agree the jokes are too much sometimes, especially that there are more and more young teen following their channel. Teenagers are so impressionable and so eager to form cliques. While adults like us know twoset are just joking and we have respect for the viola and violists, teenagers may not. They really need to come out with some sort of statement/video saying that all they say about viola is a joke, and they have appreciation and respect for viola and violists. Props to you for offering constructive criticism and possible solutions!

[@nataliag.h4296]

12 year old me (cellist & violinist): I RESPECT VIOLAS! MY BFF PLAYS IT! :V

[@elainewang9419]

@@nataliag.h4296 that’s good! Keep it that way! I said it only because I’ve seen posts on lingling40hrs that disrespects violas and violists, when being called out, OP claimed that they are only 14 so they dunno what’s wrong with what they are saying cuz it’s “what twoset says”

[@nataliag.h4296]

@@elainewang9419 ur totally right!

[@subratanandy2142]

This !! I have seen a lot of people in the community who are outright disrespectful. Joke should be just a joke and nothing more than that. But some young people actually think viola is worthless ? !

[@outoffocuss]

As a teenage cellist I agree and I think the viola is and amazing instrument!

[@mitoandchondria]

Yes, its important! They are amazing and I love them, but I've heard terrible, terrible stories of people even quitting the viola because they were bullied... Ah, and yes, love y'all violists :))

[@stellarxnova6660]

That’s so sad that people quit because of this! Just more proof it needs to be addressed

[@ViolaKing]

Wow, I had never heard of people quitting viola because of TwoSet. I'm sure they would feel terrible if they knew that had happened

[@mitoandchondria]

@@ViolaKing Well, they weren't exactly quitting because of TwoSet (or because they make those violajokes), but because of people, who thought it would be a really smart idea to bully violists, only because they play the viola. And from what I have heard they got this idea of bullying violists, because of the jokes, TwoSet makes.

[@fidulario]

@@ViolaKing That's not truly accurate. Viola jokes exist since before those two were born.

[@joshua2400]

Jesus adores you my friends

[@mg-yu5od]

I love Brett and Eddy and the viola jokes, but I think it’s time we need to prioritize some #VIOLALOVE

[@TeenTitanGirl123]

As a Violinist and someone who has been watching Twoset for 5+ years. Their earlier content was really about just to musicians and of course like you said there is gonna be jokes and of course as their audience changed (and most of us got older) so fid their content. I never realised now how much the jokes are being taken by the viola community and I feel like I should have. Especially being in a symphony orchestra myself there were times when I remember jokes being made and the poor viola section looking like they just stick on a smile so they're not just the but of the joke. And I love what Twoset has done for the music community, especially being that I have watched Twoset religiously since finding them years and years ago. And I will say a lot of the new audience or younger audience probably take everything they say and joke about it (so I mean about non-musicians now joining in on the jokes with the violas). And I think not only getting these comments from your peers but also from people who don't even play a instrument must do something to these young kids (and even older, experienced musicians) self-esteem. And now seeing it and even knowing people have stopped watching twoset due to this situation also, I hope it is at least addressed seriously for everyone's sakes.🙂

[@joshua2400]

Jesus loves you 😊

[@reepicheepsfriend]

I've said this before but I'll repeat it here... I've often felt that TwoSet's use of viola jokes is really about making fun of themselves, similar to the way PewDiePie makes fun of himself. On the surface they're making fun of violists, but on another level it's a play on the stereotype of the egotistical violinist. One example is the end of a recent string quartet video in which there were some bloopers, edited to show TwoSet making a lot of mistakes but then losing it over the violist making one mistake. That to me communicates "we want you to laugh at us for being hypocritical". However that's a level of humor I don't expect most people to get, certainly not young budding musicians, so I think the points you bring up in this video are still valid.

[@pyotrilyichtchaikovsky9507]

nicely articulated i completely agree

[@booksandmusic2526]

Sadly not everyone understands that and proceeds to think that they actually hate violas :(

[@captrien]

yeah i noticed how much they roast violas but never took them seriously lol. Not a violist, or a serious violin player either idc really so i feel like it's on you if you want to take it negatively? like it's so clear it's just a meme even when unfunny. Me seeing certain instruments get dissed obviously as a joke doesnt make me hate the instrument

[@pyotrilyichtchaikovsky9507]

@@captrien you are smart you understand its a joke their new audience comprising of 12yr olds is not

[@elimgarak3597]

Yeah, explain that to a 12 years old. See? That's when it becomes a problem

[@NYLazyme]

I feel bad for the viola community, I hope twoset watches this video and realize that some people think they are serious and proceeds to clarify they aren't

[@TheRealPenguinator]

I get what you're saying, but it should be more obvious that they are just jokes. The meme "Viola Jokes" is just jokes. It's in the name.

[@joshua2400]

Jesus loves you my friends

[@dylancaldwell6870]

Our king hath stood up for us well. Praise be to him. 🙇🏾‍♂️

[@ashbu_guitar]

Props to you for coming up with examples of violists for Twoset to collab with instead of shoehorning yourself into the situation first! Really shows that you don't share that same ridiculous thirst for power & fame that a lot of KZbinrs (cough cough Pauls cough) seem to have!

[@tteee7241]

Pls tell me u aren’t putting TwoSetViolin in the same boat as the Paul brothers..

[@ashbu_guitar]

@@tteee7241 I wasn’t referring to any similarity between the two, simply a huge difference from the Paul’s and James. Twoset was never part of that section of the equation

[@tteee7241]

@@ashbu_guitar oop srry I didn’t realize

[@debbiegilbert5393]

Well said James. I’m a flutist but I agree we need uphold and encourage violists. It’s sad to see a comment from an orchestra teacher saying students don’t want to play viola because of the jokes.

[@debbiegilbert5393]

@Manas Ralli in the US flutist is preferred by most. Besides, I play the flute, not a flaut

[@aticasaito6462]

*flautist

[@joshua2400]

Jesus Christ loves you all

[@makenziehitch3152]

Thank you for standing up for the viola community 😢

[@christinashelby6083]

Well said. Knowing myself how they do actually respect the viola as an instrument, it's easy for me to say that all the viola joke aren't that bad--but I'm not the one at the butt end of their jokes. A viola-themed video, like they did with piano or cello, would be super interesting. And we could always use more Ling Ling workouts in our lives!

[@mintbrownieangelfish-6114]

As a violist, for the most part, I don't mind. It's true that violas are the hardest to hear in an orchestra, and since we mostly have low-register harmonies it's true that we don't have to shift as often as the violinists or cellists do. In elementary and middle school we tend to be worse players than the violinists and cellos because of that. In high school it starts to even out, and in college it's roughly the same as the second violins. Twoset makes fun of tons of instruments, and playful teasing is generally a good thing. But, I do think they should tone it down. They don't need to hit a viola joke quota every episode. And it would be AMAZING if they did a couple viola-themed episodes. There are some gorgeous pieces that are unknown purely because they're for viola. (Rebecca Clarke's viola sonata for example is amazing. Look it up) They could do a 'top 10 viola pieces' list, or get a violist to play charades/do the ling ling workout. There really needs to be more genuine respect along with all the teasing.

[@ricardoalexandres.filipe8272]

I love twoset violin to death too. But recently I notice that they clarify less and less. I do really think sometimes that they really look down on violists and they don't had a fun tone to it anymore. They're just blunt and obnoxious sometimes. Hopefully this might bring some awareness. 😀

[@douglastan4758]

As a violinist and a hardcore twosetter who has been a fan for over 5 years in the nascent phase of their channel, watched their live concert in Singapore (and happened to bump into Brett and Eddy separately in a cafe), I completely resonate with this video. The viola does NOT have any less value than that of the violin and are an integral part of any string or orchestral setting. The midrange tone fits as the perfect bridge between the basses and the high strings. Without them, there is nothing to bridge that full spectrum of sound so key to the harmonic integrity of the orchestra. It really is sad that these jokes have gone too far, and I even remember the conductor in an orchestra I played in saying “if you’re not good enough for the violin, play the viola”. This isn’t just degrading but it is outright disgusting to demean an instrument group as “inferior” and I’d go so far to say that it is akin to racism. There little harm in banter, but when this kind of bullying (yes, that’s what it is, bullying) persists, musicians have to take a long hard look at ourselves and call out this type of behaviour. Thank you for this video. Change must happen.

[@BlueTheCartoonAddict]

I, as a violist myself, 100% agree with you!

[@galacticdragon9352]

Me two!

[@Artist-128]

Agreed here!

[@joshua2400]

Jesus loves you my friends

[@swflcocmusic4626]

"banter" usually implies a back-and-forth, where both sides get to be in on it. This sounds more like humiliation

[@GroovyDominoes]

As someone whos been on KZbin for a long time and has experience of what a big fanbase can do to turn jokes into something serious and twisted, I've feared that this would happen for a long time and it looks like it did. Glad to hear your opinion on this and hopefully this could be sorted out as soon as possible. And even though I play violin and not viola, I do fully support the viola gang and think that they are an important part of the orchestra. (no hate to TwoSet, I'm a big fan of them)

[@justanotherlinglingwannabe546]

same here honestly. When I joined the 2set community, I was also fearing this Oh yeah, I'm a big fan of them too, no hate to them

[@critical3000]

hello groovy

[@ashleyv234]

I initially wanted to learn viola because I found the high notes on violin shrill, they just didn't appeal to me. I preferred the sweeter deeper notes so I was really excited about pursuing viola. After getting bullied for bringing it up with my friends I dropped it and learned violin instead. :( Really sad, and I hope Brett and Eddy take this to heart and use their considerable influence on younger people to change this attitude for the better.

[@kerberosdelhades]

I used to watch TwoSet's channel back in the day (not anymore) and I started learning viola just precisely because I don't tolerate bullying very well. If not for their "jokes", I think I would have considered cello in the first place. But then again, I'm an adult and I feel no longer the pressure of other people's opinions. Therefore, I just decided to pursue my own dreams and goals. After a short period, my friends accepted the situation and assumed I definitively was gonna play "that big violin" lol

[@jacobbass6437]

I really think this needs to be said. I’d also add saxophone to the list as it’s spent it’s entire career of almost 200 years being put down and and shunned for almost all serious pieces of music. As well, TwoSet haven’t put the instrument in good light and have only ever had a saxophonists on once or twice.

[@tteee7241]

THANK YOU!! I’m a high school saxophonist (5 years on the thing) and I’ve never heard them say anything about Saxophone at all, what things have they said about it?

[@tteee7241]

Yea I want to play Classical music with Saxophone and people are like “it’s a JaZz instrument so you can only play pink panther and stuff”

[@juliee593]

Really? As a non musician I've always had a very cool image of the saxophone. If anything I thought it was seen as the sexiest instrument. It's weird how competitive people can get about which instrument is better.

[@childofdestiny2811]

Thank you guys for clarifying this. I’m a violist and angry about the garbage that I take. (PS, I’m a REALLY good violist! Currently getting my DMA in Viola performance) sending a shout out of love to my brethren n the Woodwind section!

[@bobk4438]

I'm getting a viola tomorrow. I'm pretty excited.

[@f1xtion817]

Viola jokes are sometimes funny tho

[@brandonskelton]

I am so glad you made this video. I always half-ass laugh at their viola jokes because I know how beautiful the instrument really is. I hope it reaches them and they do address it cause its a respectable instrument and you're right a lot of harm can come from a simple joke. Love violas!

[@MaimiZhang]

All Love for Viola Gang ❤️ I am also inspired to be a musician because of Twoset. A bit late but still not yet out - Piano Gang here

[@user-vr2xi2uh9b]

Petition for Twoset to respond in a reaction video!! 🎻

[@Eva-mp7xg]

I would't mind viola jokes, if they had the same amount of piano, violin or trumpet jokes... and of course if the last sentence would always be: "just kidding, we love you, violists". Unfortunately this is not the case. Hope your video will bring their attention to this problem. Thank you for standing up for violagang.

[@marichristian1072]

Also flute and oboe jokes.

[@kaosucos]

yes!!!!

[@justina2612]

i think they watched this and they did show the appreciation today ? haha

[@emilie.t]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for doing this video. It was very much needed. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one being bugged by this problem and I really hope that it will be addressed one day (although it seems like to me that they toned down the jokes, but they could do more, for sure). I've thought a lot about this subject lately, however I didn't know how to share my thoughts efficiently as a non-native English speaker. Not to mention that I'm a non-musician so I felt like I wasn't qualified enough to talk about it. I agree with all the points you made, especially about the younger part of the audience. Because I used to be that young impressionable teenager not so long ago. When I discovered Twoset, one year ago, I was still in high school, and I quickly became a fan. I remember that when I began to watch their videos, I took all their words seriously, even their viola jokes (yes, I was THAT naive back then), because I saw them as my guides into the classical music world. When you visit a place you don't know or heard about before and you hire a guide to guide you, don't you tend to believe everything they say ? In my case, I was the tourist, Brett and Eddy were the guides, and the unknown place was the classical music world (not sure if this comparison works, because obviously I didn't hire them at all, but I can't think of something better to describe the situation). I'm aware that it doesn't forgive my naivety though. And that's how I ended up having this mindset of "haha, viola bad, haha lol". Fortunately, I've never shown it publicly. I had this mindset until I had this sudden realization, one day : "Wait... how dare I say that something is shit without even knowing what is it !?". Then I searched some viola music videos on KZbin and loved the sound of the instrument. Since then, I started to feel bad for the violists who have to cope with all these jokes and uneasy about those said jokes. Now, how can Twoset help other young viewers to not repeat the same mistake as me ? I don't pretend to have the ultimate solution to this issue. Maybe they could start with a video where they address this issue properly and seriously and do collabs with violists (like you suggested in the video), or even doing a video like "the top 10 performances you must listen", I don't know... Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to sort off my thoughts. I don't usually comment on KZbin videos, I made an exception this time because this subject is very important.

[@kedaver263]

I'm a violinist who tinkered once with the viola.. I definitely think violists have it harder, massive respect to you guys! 🙌 As a pack of Strings, we gotta stick together no?

[@tteee7241]

wE cLaSsIcAl SaXoPhOnIsTs ArE hErE tOo

[@kedaver263]

@@tteee7241 welcome!

[@tteee7241]

@@kedaver263 thank you lol 😆

[@yazanborhan8427]

Very well said! You've highlighted an extremely good point regarding their younger and more impressionable audience. The viola could actually lose potential players because of the fact that they might see the viola as an inferior instrument! Hope your channel keeps on growing so that more people actually hear and learn about the beauty of the viola!

[@kaosucos]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO. that's exactly how i feel about this. i'm a beginner violist and i discovered the viola BECAUSE of twosetviolin's jokes (so i thought that the viola was a terrible instrument). it was only when i got to listen to an actual viola piece that i realized how beautiful it's sound is (my dad showed me. thanks dad.) and i decided to play the viola. but i remember clearly that when i first got my viola, although i was happy and excited, i was also really........... scared. i was scared that i had picked a bad intrument, an instrument that everyone thinks is terrible. i was scared of not being appreciated........ and after that, the viola jokes became even more hurtful to me, because they made me even more insecure. as you said, the jokes are not the problem, but it's clear that violists are always the ones being made fun of, to a point where it doesn't seem like a joke anymore. i like twosetviolin, but i agree that they never showed any kind of appreciation towards violas, so it's really easy to feel like they are not actually joking. and as i said, i almost didn't start learning to play the viola because i assumed it was trash and also because i was really insecure. viola jokes are fine, you just have to show that you actually respect the instrument, and be careful to not discourage young musicians to play what they love.

[@kerberosdelhades]

Same here. I started learning viola because of TwoSet's jokes. I don't care what people say, I love the instrument.

[@OneSetViola000]

Don’t let that get to you! I’m 2 years late, but I guess that’s fine. As a beginner violist in middle school, I had a passion for viola since I was like 8, not because of two set viola jokes, but I loved the instrument itself, and I just discovered two set like a few months ago, they slightly discouraged me, then fast forward to right now, I’m 12 (going on 13 this year) I held on to my dreams for 4-5 years. Genuinely, I thank you so much for this comment, you don’t know how much I can relate.

[@kaosucos]

@@OneSetViola000 hi :) thank you for your sweet reply! wow its been 2 years since i wrote this comment 😯 and looking back i think i was THAT insecure about playing the viola because it wasnt the right instrument for me, haha! im learning the trombone now and i feel like i finally found what i love so im really happy and i dont feel insecure at all! im glad you're still playing the viola tho, if its the instrument you love dont let anyone discourage you! cause i know i wont let anyone discourage me from playing the trombone!!! good luck on your musical journey

[@theseaandthesun7852]

i agree so so much, ive always thought that obviously it is fine to boast your own instrument, but as violin is widely perceived to be the 'coolest' instrument anyways, maybe they should be a bit more careful generally. i think jokes like the sacrilegious playing are completely fine, making people understand that it should be about musicality first and foremost. they always portrayed the classical music community as something that should be more accessible to young kids and that that was the goal afterall, but would a quartet or an orchestra work without its violas, not really right?

[@ViolaKing]

Exactly, I hope they can help the viola to be accessible to younger audiences in a more positive way

[@johnalexander301]

I am an old adult viola beginner. It’s a beautiful instrument.

[@mangos_1929]

I agree!! I mean, I play Viola, and I don’t mind jokes that much, but you know, a break, or appreciation or something every once in a while would be great…

[@panamatimdawson]

Your explanation of this is very valuable. I have also felt the same way about everything you say. I know that Twoset have a deep respect for every single orchestral instrument (and also for non-orchestral where monstrous amounts of practice have raised a player to the maximum of what their talent allows them), but the mocking tone of their jokes is now too frequent, and many viewers will not understand that it is an "in joke", knowing they would never speak to a violist themselves in the same way. They are genuine, humble, respectful, talented and kind and have done so much to bring classical music to new fans. I personally have taken enormous comfort from the way they talk about practice, as I have been with the piano (I obsess over harmony way more than melody) now for soooo long now and the way they emphasise and articulate the necessity of practice is extremely productive. Twoset, I love you guys, but you must listen to Viola King. And me - I need to go practice...

[@keiraschmal8717]

I’ve always been one of very few violists in my orchestras, but the beginner orchestra at my school has mostly violists. There are only 5, but there are 2 violinists, 3, cellists, and 1 bassist. Viola power is coming along!!

[@Giulia-dc7ml]

The viola gang is amazing you guys take it really well, but I get that at a certain point all the viola jokes are tiring. The fact that in the TwoSet community there are both musicians and non musicians plays a big role in what you are saying, because it is true that not knowing the viola they might start thinking it is worthless. I’m kinda new to he music world but I think that viola jokes cannot be banned, but it would be really awesome to have a viola appreciation video, or the one about the top 10 amazing performances.

[@berribrohi]

It’s not that I hate viola jokes, but at a certain point of time you wonder if people are just joking or genuinely hate the way you play. I used to go to my instrument to calm myself down from stress or anxiety, but recently I’ve began to lose interest in playing something I love the most. I almost quit the viola this year because of all the degrading and bullying; it just felt like playing my instrument was another stressor in life.

[@booksandmusic2526]

As a non musician myself I think that viola is a very good and underappreciated instrument, but there are 12 year old fans who'll not understand that Twoset actually don't look down on violists. I don't think they do this intentionally but still their unintentional jokes are causing harm to the violists. I'm sure that by seeing this video they'll understand the extent of harm their jokes are causing.

[@rooowtwx]

tsv was commending the viola community for taking their jokes well after the recorder community responded to their joke... I think your video was very genuine and honest but you were also very nice and positive about tsv videos. I don't play any musical instrument but they only seemed funny in passing though I can also imagine how their younger audience don't get that they're just joking. But as others have said, it's no longer funny if people are being bullied and laughed AT for playing the viola. Anyone who is hating on this video are just biased towards tsv and not considering the actual consequences that could impact people's lives and that is NOT what tsv is about...

[@dolphinxiah]

Thank you for this video. Viola jokes are fun to laugh along but sometimes I just feel bad for the violists cuz the sound created by Viola is BEAUTIFUL IMO. I believe Brett & Eddy appreciates them too but too bad some immature fans couldn't tell. Before being a twosetter, tbh I didn't know viola existed (Thanks Twoset for educating xD). But now that I do, I would say the sound of viola do grow on me. Unfortunately, there's only violin at my home (which I am still suck at, as a beginner). Hopefully one day I will also own a viola and learning it

[@marusaslibrary]

this is such a sweet video i hope they see it

[@elissahunt]

You've really made a great video here, James. Your points are well stated, and you give excellent suggestions for addressing the issue going forward. I sincerely hope Brett and Eddy see this because I'm certain they don't mean to be hateful, and they'll do something to correct it.

[@aro4457]

I’m a Violinist who has many Violist friends that I would make Viola jokes with. I know I can do that because I know that they understand IM TELLING A JOKE. However I feel like nonmusicians might just take their words seriously and not wanting to choose to become a violist. And I think that’s kinda messed up.

[@nathaniakesedelleuyvico5323]

This is actually very sad. One day, my cousin and I were talking about different types of instruments. BTW, I'm a violinist. I told him that I wanted to learn every single string instrument on the planet. He jokingly asked me, "Even the viola?", and I responded with a clear yes. Shocked, he looked at me like wutt? He's also a TwoSet fan, and it's sad that the viola is being degraded as an instrument. It's a big deal coming from him because he wanted to go to music uni and learn every single instrument...

[@BlueTheCartoonAddict]

That is a sad set of events, especially reading this myself as a violist. Good for you wanting to learn each one! I hope you succeed!

[@joshua2400]

Jesus adores you my friends

[@ssummerrtimeee]

TwoSet: Viola Gang, you guys are cool in the sense that you guys take it well, so thanks a lot. VIOLA GANG! Viola Gang: *leaves comments about how they felt they were disrespected and mad at TwoSet Me: Ah, so this must be the Viola headquarters, I have found you.

[@RMAK2005]

Thank you. As part of viola gang this is very appreciated

[@dwilt.c]

I'm a violinist. But I reaaaallly agree with what you have said.

[@WildesWaldwesen]

I wish I could like this more than once! Thank you James, I really hope it will be seen and addressed!

[@TwoSetPlaylists]

Thank you. Your video was much needed. Viola jokes have long passed their best before date.

[@franziska6222]

Such a nice and respectful video and you are right, thanks for pointing that out ❤

[@AndytheDandy314]

On every TwoSet video there are comments, "they've taught me so much about classical music." And people do learn from them... sometimes exclusively from them. I recall a time a TwoSet Discord server tried to organize a countdown of 50 favorite composers, but they had to shorten it since most people voted for the same few composers mentioned in the videos. And more than half that server was young musicians! So if that's young musicians, what do non-musicians learn about the viola from TwoSet? I once told someone I play the viola, and he looked it up on KZbin to hear what it sounded like. Despite my objections, he chose a TwoSet video, assuring me they know a lot about classical music. But I know the audience picks up good attitudes, too. I also play recorder, and have never had a TwoSetter react to that by asking me "so, do you play any real instruments?" It is genuinely just another instrument! Which is a huge deal.

[@blauespony1013]

Thank you. I hope they see this video. Appreciate all instruments!

[@FunnyMemes-dr3se]

Hopefully TwoSetViolin sees this and respond. This is a pretty good idea, and it could help a lot.

[@cesaralvarado8016]

I hope this situation doesn't get worse, keep strong, viola gang :c

[@yixinwang5823]

Great job!! Thank you for making this video

[@segmentsAndCurves]

*Insert things that I say without thinking*

[@Eva-mp7xg]

Please don't spam another video's comment section.

[@segmentsAndCurves]

@@Eva-mp7xg Sorry, but for the sake of all, I have to. Also, that was the last measure.

[@elissahunt]

@@segmentsAndCurves James made a respectful, thoughtful video, but if you spam it, people won't hear the message, they'll only get annoyed. You will be destroying what James is trying to do here. I agree with Eva--please don't spam.

[@segmentsAndCurves]

@@elissahunt Thanks, I know the consequence. Also, I don't do spam, just this time.

[@Eva-mp7xg]

@@segmentsAndCurves I admit I'm one of those may people who hates spam comments and constantly reports them. I'm afraid spamming this video will make many people hate it and that wouldn't serve the case.

[@vyro.2315]

this is important. thanks

[@youareallfeckinboring]

I love twoset. They made me listen more to the classics. I love Vivaldi's viola d'amore concerto. The moment I heard it, I love it without knowing that viola joke is a thing. I hope the joke thing would make everyone get curious about viola for better things, not to stigmatize it or something.

[@avatarlilacwolf]

I totally relate to this. I hope this problem will be resolved and hopefully someday Twoset will upload positive videos about the viola and how important the Viola is in the classical community. Much Respect For The Viola! ❤️❤️❤️ I am a violist myself-a beginner at practicing and am taking music classes to bring my violist confidence level back up. 🌟

[@goblackcat]

I agree with you 💯 Keep playing beautiful music with your viola!❤️

[@ahumanmerelybeing]

I love this. I'm a grown adult who's never played the viola, and even I occasionally just feel worn down by the amount of negativity sent at violas in their videos in the name of humor; I actually stopped watching their videos for a while because of it. I can only imagine what it would be like to be a young person who plays the viola. TwoSet seems to be focusing a lot on more serious issues in their videos lately; hopefully they can take a look at themselves at some point and see that they are, in their own way, contributing negativity to the classical music world.

[@kerberosdelhades]

I feel the same way: I'm a adult learner of viola, and as a teacher at a High School I don't respond very well to bullying, because I know the excuses very well: "Hey, it was only a joke". At a certain point I just got sick of TwoSet's worn out jokes and unsuscribed.

[@ilyfaye_2884]

Hello! As a violist since middle school, I've definitely thought about quitting or switching to violin due to all of the hate. Saying things like "ahah violas are firewood" or "violas are just big violins, they're basically useless" really gets to me sometimes. I've noticed that what keeps me going are others who appreciate the viola and how beautiful it is. So to all violists, keep working hard and show everyone just how amazing violas are. :)

[@jasminexie379]

Thankbyou for this empathetic, sensitive and assertive message! I truly think violists deserve much more.respect than people give them credit for! It is a beautiful instrument that is worth celebrating and carrying on!

[@ameliastafford466]

I myself am I fan of twoset, and I agree with you completley! I love twoset, but i think your point is extremley valid, especially with how mauturley you handled it. I hope they see this!

[@ImNotPracticing]

THANK YOU i really hope they realise this because they are growing so much

[@tea_and_music]

Thank you for this good constructive criticism while staying absolutely respectful. Upvoted your post on the subreddit!

[@audrey829sj8]

Stay strong violagang! Viola is perfectly fine, you all play the perfect instrument!!

[@souracidduck]

The eloquence in this video is 🔥🔥🔥 (And I’m guessing they’ve seen this, as their attitude towards viola jokes Chang in today’s video. Honestly I could take a lesson from this peaceful but effective communication...)

[@gatitosupremacy]

As a new follower of twoset, I'm sincerely sorry. I did not know the seriousness of this, however I think that it is just entertainment and I'm sure they're just trying to make people laugh. I hope this situation improves and that the viola gang will be accepted and respected because they deserve it.

[@marcmariscotti]

Thanks for this video, I hope they‘ll see it

[@gogisthecoolcatt3017]

I was actually inn a position where I had played violin since iI was 5, but never took it seriously until I first started watching twoset, when I was about 14. Annyways, when my local youth orchestra (which i got joined becouse of twoset) asked me to start playing the viola, I thought it was the world playing a sick joke on me, but I still accepted. But what I quickly learned was that I actually like the viola more than the violin, but I was afraid of coming to terms with this becouse of all the viola jokes from twoset. But I eventually did and naw i'm a YAM (young aspiering musiscian who is going to start studying music after i'm done with secondary school. TLDR; I got inn to music becouse of twoset, but also afraid to confront my true self beouse of them.

[@ianrosenberg8103]

I cannot agree more wholeheartedly with every sentence said in this video. I have been a violist for the last 4 years, and a violist for 12. I originally started playing viola over the promise of more opportunity, but eventually, viola became “my thing” for lack of a better term. I loved it, and everything It represented. Thank you for voicing my opinion and the opinion of many violists the world over :)

[@oxoelfoxo]

Maybe you can edit your 2nd sentence? One of those violists is violinist, I suppose?

[@ianrosenberg8103]

@@oxoelfoxo yep...viola for 4, violin for 12.

[@tsumiki_77]

They said good thing about viola in the new video!

[@beambaapol]

I know for a fact that twoset knows that violas are good but I agree with your point. It becomes more about the audiences who are impressionable. You have really good points and it was said really respectfully.

[@VIISe7en]

This is such a great video and I hope TwosetViolin watches this. Thank you James for uploading. Sure, they tease the viola and violist as a "joke" but now that they have a large number of followers, their actions may have negative consequences. I love twosetviolin but their constant teasing and bullying of the viola and violist may encourage others to do the same :(

[@Jayspider2009]

Hey Viola King. I just started watching your channel recently. I just started playing the Viola. I play the Double Bass too. I hear where you and others are coming from, when it comes to how people treat the Violas. This is the whole reason why I wanted to do Viola as my second instrument, I want to show what the Viola is truly capable of and how it should not be treated as a lower level instrument. I feel the same with the Double bass and how people treat that instrument. Your videos inspire me to do Viola even more. Violist and Double Bassist should be treated a lot much better, especially when I believe that they make the Orchestra sound really good. Orchestra is a team effort, so if it was not for Viola or Double Bass, the orchestra would not be as good as if it was just Violin and Cello. This is in my opinion. I believe all instrument are equal and they should be treated equal. All instrument are unique in their own way. TBH I love playing the Double Bass and Viola more because sometimes I like to be the supporters to the string Orchestra. I just believe that both Double Bassist and Violist need more respect then what is actually given to the them by some people.

[@pablodesarasate499]

we can make it together

[@forestwildflower641]

I love twoset and I really love viola . I really hope they see this video. I think a lot of people don't appreciate violist enough and that is sad.

[@stellarxnova6660]

Thank you so much for addressing this! I agree with you 100%. I hope twoset sees this and clears things up by making positive changes :)

[@mardeie7204]

really love listening to you man, you sound so soothing and nice 😊❤️

[@sueacord1678]

I am a violist that started on viola and have loved every minute of playing. For most of middle and high school I was usually the only violist in my orchestras, Over the last 40 years I am so glad to see students wanting to play viola, I am so proud to be a violist and enjoy watching budding violist. I love Two Set but worry that they promote that viola is not "cool", I am glad you made this video. My joke about Two Set Violin is that they are just jealous.

[@chadettemayo389]

Yeah, when I started playing music I wanted to play the viola, but ended up taking the violin (I think my mom said something idk). I do want to learn the viola eventually once I’m more comfortable with one instrument, but I am afraid of developing the mindset that getting a viola would be “downgrading.” So this video was a much appreciated wake up call.

[@kerberosdelhades]

@@chadettemayo389 I started playing the viola in the very beginning and couldn't be happier. I don't like bullying and I don't care what people say about my instrument. You should give it a shot.

[@BlueTheCartoonAddict]

Ohh my goodness thank you so much for making this! As a violist, over time, while I absolutely love two set's content, the amount of viola jokes they make sorta gets to me. I'm really glad you addressed the multiple issues! Thanks so much! I also hope you gain at least a fraction of their influence.

[@Love-Is-Kind]

Well said, Sir. I hope with you that they listen, which they probably will. I’ve never sensed any ill will from them when they were joking however my perspective doesn’t make your shared thoughts any less valid. I’m sorry that you and other beautiful violist are feeling discouraged by their constant jokes and lack of praise/serious content to display how the viola truly adds value to the community. Perhaps even share a bit more of the history of the viola. Maybe even challenge violist to accompany them in another video the way they’ve invited other musicians to join them in a video in the past. This would encourage violist to shine and “practice” dealing with the shaky bow when playing for strangers around the world. Just a thought. 🤔😊 I’m sensitive by nature and I felt your heart through the brilliant and very respectful video that you’ve put together. I believe that your request is quite reasonable, significant, necessary, and important. Best wishes to you and all of the wonderful amazing violist in this fast growing global classical music appreciation community. Please take care and be encouraged. 🤩😇 💖🎼🎵🎶🎻👍🏽

[@riddledeeznutz6650]

I make viola jokes as a violinist but the truth is it's one of my favourite instruments, I really wish more people would give violists more credit especially since there is such a shortage in violists in the classical community.

[@riddledeeznutz6650]

I'm glad you made this video I hope a lot more people see it.

[@frederickbrind884]

Hello Viola King! I'm glad that you made this video posting. I have played the violin for 36 years. A few years ago I tried the Helicore Octave strings on my violin and loved having that deeper rich tone. After having many thoughts that if I like the deeper rich tone, maybe I should try the viola. This year I actually tried out a viola and fell in love!! I purchased a viola in March and have not regretted making the switch. I love the Viola! ☺

[@lillyc9283]

I agree. Viola jokes are fun, especially during Reddit videos or skits but you have to take a topic seriously at least once or a while. As a violist whose tried playing violin and have played piano longer than both, the viola has been the hardest instrument among a lot of instruments I’ve learned that weren’t mentioned. It’s taken a lot of work to get decent and my friends agree.

[@eolgrillo]

I play the violin, and I understand that they're jokes, I like the sort of warmer sound the viola has, and the extra bass (C string) and I thought people knew they were just jokes, but I guess some viewers really are that impressionable.

[@behra8144]

I learned playing the violin, but one year we only had one violist in our school orchestra and my teacher and conducter both asked be to switch for that year (my teacher was known to love the viola and some of his students joked about him trying to make every violinist switch^^). I really loved it! I'm not particularly good at either instrument, but the other girl was crazy talented and went on to become a professional violist. For me it was quite a shock initially to go back to my tiny instrument with it's high pitch at the end of that year :-D So.. what I want to say is.. I agree, that the amout of violist jokes should be tuned down (I never understood them anyway) and I really hope Brett and Eddy take your suggestions and make some great viola content

[@namastemoon7442]

This was so sincere and authentic. You showed so much grace and composure getting your message across. I am confident that both Eddy and Brett would never do anything that would harm or discourage any aspiring musician to stop playing music. Unfortunately, like in every industry, there is always that one departments, or in your case instrument, that gets made fun of. I'm sure they have that for wind instruments, percussion., etc as well...Either wat, it should stop because music is suppose to bring people together not tear them apart. Every instrument has a purpose and together it can lift the spirit like nothing else can. So I do hope they watched this video because your message pulled my heartstrings and makes me want to learn the viola rather than the violin.

[@MILAMGM]

@twoset are obsessed with the viola and many of their statements are just plain ignorant. To cure their ignorance I highly recommend to listen to Tabea Zimmerman, Maxim Rysanov, Amihai Grosz, Antoine Tamestit, Dana Zemtsov and Marina Thibeault just to name a few soloists

[@beamerandking6169]

I love how you made this vid so twosetters and everyone else can understand

[@maryashaelvey1911]

Eloquently put. I'm glad you are standing up for the violagang. Personally I think that it started off as just more mocking of other instruments and then r/lingling40hrs sort of latched onto it as a staple meme a bit too much. I think generally the jokes aren't meant to be toxic. I am a violinist myself (and pianist) but I can definitely imagine someone becoming quite depressed over the constant viola memes. Again thank you- I am a huge twoset fan so I really think we should bring this to their attention as it puts people off. I am on r/lingling40hrs a lot and have noticed that viola memes and jokes aren't as well tolerated and tend to get downvoted a lot, so the problem might be starting to go away by itself.

[@onurag7176]

I am not too familiar with classical music communities but I don’t get why viola gets hate... its a n instrument of music like any other Also they also seem to not like electric violins?5 string violins? I play guitar And every type of guitar like instrument is appreciated be it a nylon string guitar, steel string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 7,8,9,24 string guitar, baritone guitar, ukulele and so on Its only when i started watching twoset and getting familiar with classical community that i got to know about hate on viola, electric violins, 4+ strings violin etc and also hate on using modern technology as well I hope the classical community can be a bit more “flexible”? Mature? (I don’t know what term to use ) in the future... Love classical music

[@AvelarMusica]

Yeah, that's completely wrong. Real respect would be beautiful.

[@axanthiccrestie2460]

I am a violinist and a very hardcore twoset fan I also thought the viola jokes were getting to be a bit much vet well said. I'm subbing to u

[@finneasmoore]

I was literally thinking about making a video like this, except instead of viola for jazz and electric violin- if you think they’re mean to violas boy, never mention electric violin to a Twoset fan, half the time they won’t even give it a chance. I know a really popular electric violinist on TikTok and she is always inundated with comments from Twoset fans that know nothing besides the awful electric players Brett and Eddie have shown on their channel- so they ridicule and laugh even though the music is really good, better than 98% of Twoset fans could manage anyhow. And if you ever call them out suddenly everything is a joke. They decide whether or not to call it a joke based on the reaction of people around them, really frustrating haha Trust me man, many people in classical and alternative strings music are and have been real sick of them and their crowd for a while. I'm sure they mean well and they're nice guys, but once their fans get ahold of something it doesn't always end well.

[@funghitruff1376]

As an Italian and someone who is fond of both Jazz and Classical, electric violins are incredibly sacrilegious and I find it rather disappointing to see what these Violin amateurs are considering “classical music.”

[@finneasmoore]

@@funghitruff1376 Please be joking omg

[@funghitruff1376]

@@finneasmoore no, I am not.