Alternate String Instruments

I started playing violin when I was 7, and violin was always my instrument.  I started playing a wind instrument in middle school because my school didn't offer an orchestra, but that was always a side thing.  When people asked me what musical instrument I played, the answer was always "violin".  I never had any interest in anything else.

Now that I'm teaching, I've had requests to teach viola.  I warned them that I was really a violinist, but the two instruments were similar enough that I should be able to teach them something.  And WOW, what a COOL instrument!  Totally undervalued.  The first time I ever played a viola, it was to tune my first viola student's instrument.  And that C string can VIBRATE!  I could feel the instrument vibrating under my chin!  I've tried to do that with my violin, and there's just no comparison.

So now, a few viola students later, I have finally bought my very first viola.  And I have to say, I'm enjoying it immensely.  Some of my old favorites on violin are even cooler on viola.  Such a deep, rich sound, and so much sound!  I can produce a lot more volume on my brand new viola than I can on my old, very nice violin.

I've recently gotten several requests for cello lessons.  I sadly informed them that I had never played the cello, and really didn't know the first thing about it.  Did I know of any cello teachers?  I looked.  Everywhere.  And made a startling discovery:  I can't find a single cello teacher in the Puyallup area.  I've even looked into bringing in another teacher into the studio specifically to teach the cello, but there is not one to be found.

So, I bought a cello.  Watched a bunch of online videos, including one very helpful one for violin players converting.  Bought the Suzuki books and tapes, and started to realize, hey, this is great!  This big instrument (which, I have to admit, is a HUGE pain to lug around!) seems a bit more intuitive to learn than the violin, and has a really nice sound.

The moral of the story:  if you haven't ever tried another instrument, maybe you should.  You might be surprised at what you discover - a whole world of possibilities.

Happy Playing!