Violin is a great instrument. Versatile, adaptable, with a beautiful sound, you can play practically anything on it. But sometimes, it seems like everyone plays the violin. What are some alternatives you can add to your resume to help make you stand out from the crowd?
Viola
Yes, the viola is its own instrument in its own right. But it's very similar to the violin, and is grossly under-represented. If you do a search for players of a particular instrument, compositions for an instrument, look at surveys that different companies have done (Strings comes to mind), or look for products available for the instrument (like strings), you'll see this. There's the most for violin. Then cello. There's actually quite a lot on cello, and it seems to be quite the popular instrument lately. Viola comes in last.
If you can play viola as well as violin, you will be a much more sought-after player; opportunities abound for the musician that can play both instruments. So, in my opinion, it's worth acquiring a viola to broaden your experience and expertise.
Electric Violin
Ever wanted to play in a rock band? Or how about play fiddle with a country band? You'd probably be playing on an electric violin. Even with a microphone, most acoustic violins can't match the volume of the rest of the band. But an electric violin . . .
With an electric violin comes a whole new world. Pickups, preamps, amplifiers, PA systems . . . the list goes on and on. I have just begun my search through this world, but I've realized it's bigger than I've ever thought possible. Do your research, talk to others that play electric instruments, and be prepared to play around and have some fun! Just like with acoustic instruments, everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. The good news is, you only have to learn the electronics, because playing the instrument is the same as your acoustic violin.
The Five-String
Violin? Viola? Can't decide which you'd rather play, but you're convinced you only want one instrument? Then the 5-string may be for you! It is the same size as the violin, and has the violin E, A, D, and G, but also has the viola C string. Of course, there are a variety of other options as well - 6 or 7 string instruments, 5 string violas . . .
Five String violins are becoming a lot more popular recently, particularly in the electric world. In fact, it may be easier to find an electric 5-string than an acoustic! I recently bought an acoustic 5-string, but I have plans to add the hardware to make it an electric/acoustic instrument. It'll be my "go anywhere, do anything" sort of instrument that I can take camping, fiddle playing on a street corner in Seattle, play at a wedding (don't want it to rain on my nice violin!), and then hook it up to an amp and rock out with a band. Of course, I could do all this with a 4 string acoustic/electric violin, but that extra C string gives me just that little bit of extra versatility.
Fiddles
Yes, a fiddle is the same as a violin, but often the two are set up a little differently. A fiddler likes their strings a bit lower, so they can play faster notes. However, it makes playing in the higher registers impossible, as a fiddle's strings will touch the fingerboard and cause a buzz if you play too high.
But I'm more interested in the fiddle style of playing. You can play fiddle music on your classically setup violin just fine, and then turn around and play Vivaldi. Have you ever tried fiddle music? Since it's based on an aural tradition (songs passed down generation by generation through learning the piece by ear, rather than written down), fiddle music gives you more wiggle room. You can alter bowings, fingerings, even notes or rhythms. There are a lot of fiddle pieces written out today, but if you look up "Whiskey Before Breakfast" you're liable to find half a dozen different ways of playing it. And this is just fine. Learn a fiddle tune, then change it and make it your own!
Alternative Styles
Yep, there's more you can play on your violin than just classical music. Rock, jazz, country (fiddle), pop, and many others all have a place for the violin. And the violin is getting to be more popular in these alternative styles, too. All you need is an appreciation for the style, and a willingness to experiment. There's lots of classically-trained violinists that have gone on to make careers for themselves in the alternative styles. In addition, alternative style music programs are popping up on college campuses all across America.
Why not try something different? Expand your horizons, and have some fun! Happy Playing!
