About the Instruments

In orchestra, we learn the string instruments of the violin family - the violin, viola, cello and bass. When you join orchestra, you will choose one instrument and get to study that instrument all year, and hopefully for many years to come.

After you learn about the 4 instrument choices, hear more from each instrument by visiting our Recommended Videos page.

Try to choose your instrument based on the sound you like best. Some students like a particular instrument because it is big or small or because of how you hold it or carry it, but most students are happiest when they love the SOUND of their instrument.

The VIOLIN is probably the most well-known instrument in the orchestra. It is held on the shoulder. Violin players can sit or stand to play. The violin is the highest sounding instrument of the orchestra and has a very “bright” sound quality. The violin is sometimes called a “fiddle” when it is played in country, bluegrass or jazz music.

The VIOLA looks like a violin but it is just a little bit bigger and it has a lower, deeper, warm sound. The viola is held the same way as a violin. The viola provides the balance in the orchestra between the lower sounding instruments and the violin.

The CELLO is much bigger than the violin or viola. It is played sitting down and is held between the knees. The cello has a low, deep sound but can also make high sounds. Technically, the full name of the cello is the violoncello.

The BASS is the largest member of the orchestra. It is played by standing up or sitting on a stool. The bass makes the lowest sound of all the instruments. The bass is also often called the double bass, the upright bass, or the stand up bass, to indicate a difference from the electric bass guitar. Many bass players play multiple styles of music such as classical, pop, country, bluegrass, and jazz.

All 4 instruments can be played by plucking and by using a bow.

All 4 instruments can be used in many different types of music.

All 4 instruments are fun, rewarding, and sometimes challenging. All 4 instruments come in many different sizes. There is no “easy” or “hard” instrument to learn. You should choose your instrument based mainly on which type of sound you like the best. 

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