To the untrained eye, the violin and the viola may look like different styles of the same instrument. If you haven’t spent much time focusing on them, you have probably mistaken one for the other at some point.
The instruments, however, are quite distinct. If you ever wish to play one of them, it’s important that you understand what makes them unique to decide which one is more appropriate for your physical ability and aesthetic sense.
Northwest School of Music can elucidate these differences and help you understand the best choice of instrument for you to learn to play.
Table of Contents
- Let’s Start With the Similarities in the Viola and Violin
- What Are the Differences Between Viola and Violin? 8 Recognizable Differences
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Violin and Viola
- Violin or Viola: Which One Should You Choose?
- Learn To Play the Violin and Viola With the Skilled Team of Instructors at Northwest School of Music in Salem, Oregon
Let’s Start With the Similarities in the Viola and Violin
The viola and the violin share a place among the stringed instruments and in the orchestra. They look very similar and are played using a similar technique. That is, they are held by the chin on the shoulder, and their sound is produced with a bow.
Their differences may appear subtle, but once you get to know these instruments, they are easily distinguishable. If you want to learn more practically about how each is played, contact Northwest School of Music today to schedule a free trial with one of our coaches.
What Are the Differences Between Viola and Violin? 8 Recognizable Differences
#1: Size
Violins — having a body length between 8 and 14 inches and a slimmer neck — are generally the smaller of the two, whereas violas range 12 to 18 inches long and are wider, including at the neck, to accommodate the larger fingerboard.
Variation in length is designed to allow players of different ages, arm lengths, and finger lengths to play optimally on the instrument. For this reason, small violas may be smaller than or equal in size to a large violin.
Sizes are measured in different units for these instruments: fractions for violins (e.g. 1/16, ⅛, ¼, and ¾) and inches for violas.
#2: Construction
Because of its wider, thicker sides (“ribs”) and front and back plates, the viola requires more wood and is thus heavier than a violin. This contributes in part to its deeper tone.
#3: Bow
Viola bows are slightly longer, wider, and more curved than violin bows. In addition, the part of the bow that the musician grips, referred to as the “frog,” is rounded, whereas that of the violin’s bow has a squared edge.
The purpose for these differences is to optimize the sound of each instrument based on its unique construction. The heavier viola bow allows the musician to apply the extra pressure needed against the viola’s thicker strings to produce its deep, rich sounds.
Simply stated, brass instruments are long pipes that widen at their ends into a bell-like shape. However, instead of being just a long pipe, the structure is curved into different shapes which makes them easier to handle, play, and produce a rich sound.
#4: Strings
Both violas and violins have four strings made of metal wound around a synthetic core, but the viola’s are thicker and tuned 1/5th lower (notes C, G, D, A) than those of the violin (notes G, D, A, E). Because of the greater thickness of the strings, a musician must apply more pressure to produce an effective sound.
#5: Sound
The sound of the violin may be described as higher, brighter, clearer, or more piercing. The viola’s sound is deeper and mellow due to its larger size. Both instruments are tuned in fifths, but the viola is tuned a fifth below the violin.
This makes it possible for the two instruments to play beautiful harmonies together, the violin being the soprano voice and the viola being the alto voice. A good example of this collaboration can be heard in Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante.”
A musical piece that showcases the viola’s depth and warmth is Schubert’s “Arpeggione Sonata,” whereas the violin’s sweet brightness shines through in Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez.”
#6: Clef
Because of the lower tuning of the viola, it uses the alto (“C”) clef, whereas the violin uses the treble (“G”) clef suited to higher instruments. The alto clef is rarely used for any other instrument. The treble clef is the one most beginning musicians learn to play first.
#7: Place in the Orchestra
Violin players are located stage right, whereas violas are in the middle of the orchestra between the cellos and violins. This placement allows the viola’s sound to blend seamlessly with the higher violin and lower cello sounds to create optimal harmony.
#8: Role
Violins, with their clear, bright sound, usually play a chief role and are often featured as solo instruments. Their higher pitch allows them to carry the melody further and make it stand out among all the other voices in the orchestra.
Violas tend to stay in the background, where they serve the overall harmony by adding depth and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Violin and Viola
Which Is More Expensive, Violin or Viola?
Violins tend to be cheaper. On average, you may spend $500-$1,000 for a beginner’s violin. Intermediate and professional-level violins range from $900-$2,000 and $3,000-$10,000, respectively. Many beginning musicians choose to rent instead of investing too much money in a provisional instrument.
A viola of comparable quality generally costs a little bit more for a couple of reasons. First, violas are larger and require more material to manufacture. Second, because the violin is the more commonly played instrument, the proportion of demand versus supply for the viola results in a slightly higher price.
Which Is Easier To Play, Violin or Viola?
The violin may be easier to play for several reasons:
- Bowing on the viola requires more pressure.
- The violin is lighter and thus more accessible to younger or smaller musicians.
- The viola’s wider fingerboard requires more finger dexterity, since the musician’s fingers must be spaced farther apart.
However, the violin may be harder to play in one sense. It is used to play more complex music, whereas the viola is often used to play simpler, accompanying music.
Depending on your talents and physique, you may end up developing more ease with one than the other. By enrolling in lessons at Northwest School of Music, you can discover with which instrument you have greater facility.
Can a Violinist Play a Viola?
Because of its more manageable size, people often begin with the violin as young students and switch to viola as they get older if they wish. Some other advantages of mastering the violin first include:
- Getting a strong foundation in techniques for stringed instruments, which is transferable to the viola (and others), and in reading music on the treble clef
- Having more chances to play in ensembles and orchestras because of the violin’s larger repertoire
There are some cases in which starting with the viola may be preferable, however. For instance, a student may be more physically suited to play a larger instrument like the viola or be sensitive enough to find the screeching mistakes during beginning practice on the violin too irritating to bear.
In addition, a student may prefer the viola’s unique sound or desire the greater number of opportunities that come with being able to fill a less easily filled role in an orchestra or ensemble.
Violin or Viola: Which One Should You Choose?
Which instrument you choose will depend on several things, including:
- Your musical goals: How much do you want to challenge yourself?
- Whether you prefer the spotlight or blending in: The viola is more suited to the latter.
- Your physique and dexterity: Slim fingers are better suited to the violin.
- Which sound you prefer: Do you prefer the low, earthy tone of the viola or the high, clear, crisp tone of the violin?
Regardless of which you ultimately decide on, you will have to dedicate a significant amount of time and practice, as well as, possibly, lessons from a professional coach in order to really master the instrument. This is where Northwest School of Music can help.
Learn To Play the Violin and Viola With the Skilled Team of Instructors at Northwest School of Music in Salem, Oregon
After we’ve discussed the difference between a viola and a violin, you may have a better idea of which instrument you’d enjoy playing more. Or perhaps both appeal to you in equal measure. Either way, we recommend that you look into the many opportunities available at Northwest School of Music.
Among these are our voice, singing, and choir lessons and our lessons for the following families of instruments:
- Woodwinds
- Ukulele
- Piano
- Guitar
- Brass instruments
- Drums
You may wish to opt for our group lessons, lessons designed for children aged 3-5, or virtual lessons, through which we offer support as you seek to master the violin or viola from the convenience of your home. This may be preferable if you are short on time or located too far from our studio.
Whatever your goals, Northwest School of Music can set you on the right trajectory: whether you are looking for a place for your child to learn an instrument, are an adult just starting out, or are returning to an instrument after many years.
Each of our team members has many years of experience in their specialty and holds a degree in music education and/or instrumental performance. Our expertise and dedication to helping you achieve your goals as a musician make Northwest School of Music the most desirable option for music lessons in Salem, OR.
Visit our website or call us today to learn more about our school and to schedule a free trial to experience our lessons firsthand.
