Viola

When to start:

Some viola players start on the violin - and then transfer to the viola at about secondary school age. The technique is very similar for both instruments - which makes transferring easy. However, if you want to start on the viola there's no reason not to do so.

Costs:

Hire:

We charge £13.70 per term. Instruments are available in several sizes so we recommend that you hire until a full-size instrument is required. Find out more about hiring from us.

Buy:

From about £100 for a new student outfit (viola, case and bow). Advanced students should be prepared to spend considerably more. Second-hand instruments can be hard to find, and buying second-hand can be a minefield. Old instruments are usually preferable to new, but less so than with violins. Prices can vary between £100 and several thousand pounds depending on quality, so never buy second-hand without seeking your teacher's advice.

Other:

Strings will need replacement - cost between £3 - £8. Bows are easily broken - cost about £30

Pros/Cons:

Pros:

Viola players are in very short supply - you will be in demand. Because viola parts in orchestras are generally easier than the violin parts you will be able to join an orchestra sooner.

Cons:

Less music written for the viola than for the violin. Otherwise none.

Find out more about the viola  from the BBC’s guide to the orchestra.