Chapter 8: Teaching The viola

Question 0

Are the violin and viola bow grips identical?

Answer 0

They are almost identical. The viola bow is slightly larger in diameter, slightly longer, and weighs more than the violin bow.

Question 1

Discuss some of the ways in which playing the violin and playing the viola are similar.

Answer 1

Holding the viola is the same as the violin.

Holding the bow of the viola and violin are the same.

Playing position for the viola and violin are almost the same.

Question 2

In reading viola music what is the first problem encountered by the beginning student?

Answer 2

Reading the alto clef.

Question 3

How do fingers spacing on the viola differ from those on the violin?

Answer 3

There is a larger spacing between the fingers of the left hand because the strings on the viola are longer than the strings of a violin.

Question 4

Explain half position.

Answer 4

Half position on the viola is located one half step below the first position.

Question 5

Draw an alto clef and list the letters of the lines and spaces.

Answer 5

The intersecting point of the lines of the alto clef sign of the intersects on the third line of the staff.