The viola is often referred to as the "middle child" of the string family, positioned between the violin and the cello in terms of pitch and size. With its rich, warm sound and unique tonal qualities, the viola is an incredibly rewarding instrument to learn. Whether you dream of playing in an orchestra, a string quartet, or as a soloist, the viola offers exciting opportunities for musical expression.
Why Learn the Viola?
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Rich sound: The viola produces a deeper, fuller sound compared to the violin
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Versatility: Played in orchestras, quartets, and solo performances
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Distinctive tone: The viola’s unique tonal range adds warmth and depth to ensemble music
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Skill-building: The viola develops your understanding of harmony and the relationship between string instruments
If you're drawn to a slightly larger, more resonant instrument than the violin, the viola is an excellent choice.
Lessons at the Australian Academy of Music
We offer individual and group viola lessons for all skill levels:
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Beginner lessons: Learn the basics, including how to hold the viola, bow technique, and simple scales
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Intermediate lessons: Dive into more challenging pieces and refine your technique
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Group program: Viola is a great instrument for students in our group lessons or ensemble-based classes
Our experienced instructors are here to guide you through your learning journey and help you discover the beauty of the viola.
Location:
26/302 South Pine Road, Brendale QLD 4500
Enquire about a viola lesson today
Buying Your First Viola
Choosing the right viola can significantly affect your playing experience. Here's what to consider when purchasing your first viola:
Viola types:
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Full-sized viola (usually 15.5 to 16.5 inches in length) is most suitable for adult players, but smaller sizes are available for younger students
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Material: Most violas are made from wood, typically spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides
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Popular brands: Yamaha, Stentor, and Eastman offer quality violas suitable for beginners
Ensure that the viola is the right size for you, and don't forget to purchase a viola bow and shoulder rest for added comfort.
Renting vs Buying
If you’re unsure about committing to buying a viola right away, renting can be a great option:
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Flexible rental plans that allow you to test out the instrument
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All rental violas are inspected and maintained for quality
Renting gives you the freedom to try out the viola without making a large upfront investment.
Must-Have Viola Accessories
To enhance your learning experience, you'll need the right accessories:
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Viola rosin: Essential for bowing, providing grip and sound
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Viola shoulder rest: Ensures proper posture and comfort while playing
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Viola chin rest: Supports your chin during long practice sessions
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Viola case: Protects your instrument when it’s not in use
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Viola tuner: Keeps your viola tuned and in top condition
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Extra strings: It’s always a good idea to have a backup set of strings on hand
We offer all the necessary accessories to support your viola learning experience.
Cases
Protect your viola with the right case:
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Hard cases are the best option for maximum protection, especially during transport
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Soft cases or gig bags are lighter and more portable but offer less protection
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Look for cases with compartments to store rosin, extra strings, and other accessories
A good-quality case will keep your viola safe and sound for years to come.
Performance & Band Gear
Once you’re ready to perform, whether solo or in an ensemble, you’ll need additional gear:
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Viola mute: Helps reduce volume during practice or performances
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Music stand: Keeps your sheet music organized
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Extra viola bows: Having an extra bow can be useful in case your primary bow breaks
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Viola shoulder rest: Offers added comfort and helps maintain the correct playing posture
We can help you select the right gear to complement your viola performances.
Viola Maintenance Basics
Maintaining your viola is key to ensuring it sounds great and lasts for many years:
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Rosin your bow regularly: Ensure your bow is well-rosined to produce a clear, rich tone
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Tune your viola: Tuning before each practice session will keep your viola sounding great
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Clean the viola: Wipe down your instrument after each use to prevent rosin buildup
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Check fittings: Tighten the chin rest and adjust the shoulder rest as necessary
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Change strings when needed: Strings wear out over time and will need to be replaced to maintain the instrument’s sound quality
Regular care will help keep your viola in top playing condition.
Servicing and Repairs
If your viola requires repairs, we offer expert servicing:
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String replacement: Replace worn-out strings as they can lose tone and become brittle
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Bow re-hairing: Bows need to be re-haired after extensive use to keep them functional
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Crack repairs: Violins and violas are wooden instruments and can crack over time, especially with humidity and temperature changes
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Fitting adjustments: We can adjust the chin rest, bridge, and other fittings to ensure your viola is comfortable to play
Regular servicing is essential for keeping your viola performing at its best.
Easy Songs to Start With
Here are some beginner viola songs to help you develop your playing:
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“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
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“Ode to Joy” – Beethoven
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“Minuet 1” – Bach
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“Song of the Wind”
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“Mary Had a Little Lamb”
These beginner pieces are perfect for honing your technique and developing your ear for music.
AMEB Viola Exams
AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) exams for viola offer a structured approach to assessing your progress.
First exam (Preliminary or Grade 1):
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Perform two pieces from the AMEB viola book
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Technical exercises: Learn basic scales, arpeggios, and bowing techniques
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Sight reading and aural tests: Develop your skills for quick reading and identifying musical elements
AMEB exams are a great way to track your development and get formal recognition for your progress.
Ready to Start?
The viola is a beautiful instrument with a rich sound that can suit a wide range of musical genres. Whether you want to play in a symphony orchestra or simply enjoy music on your own, the viola is a great choice.
Visit us at:
26/302 South Pine Road, Brendale QLD 4500
Enquire about a viola lesson today
