• Instrument

• Method book (check with your child's music teacher for correct book)

• Metronome (or use the free version here)

• Music stand

• Bow

• Rosin

• Sponge or shoulder rest

• Pencil (any #2 pencil will do, but we like this one)

*no pens, markers, or highlighters should ever be used on music

• The Viola is slightly larger than the violin and can play lower notes than the violin

• The violin and viola are very old instruments that have not changed in many years

• Sound is produced by drawing the bow across one of the four strings or by plucking the string with a finger

• The viola comes in just two pieces, the instrument and the bow

• The bow uses horsehair or a synthetic material to vibrate the strings as it is drawn over the instrument

• A small amount of maintenance and cleaning of the violin is needed. It is important to clean the instrument with a soft rag and occasionally change the strings

• The viola should be tuned every day or every time it is taken out of the case

• Learning how to tune the instrument is one of the most important skills you have to learn

• The viola is played with the instrument under the chin on the left side. A shoulder pad is used under the violin and on top of the left shoulder

• The right hand holds the bow at the bottom (the bottom of the bow is called the “Frog”) and draws the bow over the strings

• The viola come in different sizes so it can be played by students of all sizes!

• The viola is also extremely popular as a solo instrument

• Violas are not as popular as violin, but can also be found in many groups and is a popular solo instrument