Watch and listen to the instrument videos below to help you choose the best one for you! All String instruments come in different sizes to accomodate all students.
Smallest, highest pitch
Reads treble clef
Most widely known.
Easy to carry to school.
Lower sound than violin.
Reads alto clef
Easy to carry to school.
Large, sit to play
Low pitch
Reads bass clef
Sometimes not allowed on buses. (It depends on how crowded the bus is.)
Can be carried to school - takes extra effort.
Very large, usually stand to play
Lowest pitch
Reads bass clef
Not allowed on bus.
Students rent a bass to keep at home. For Strings class, they use a school bass.
Home bass needed at concerts.
Pitch/sound preference- Students are happiest when they love the sound of their instrument! Do not get stuck on a favorite song. Any song can be played on any instrument!
Readiness/ Open Mind- Be ready to make a good effort with a positive approach! Learning to play an instrument will be both challenging and rewarding.
Difficulty: All 4 string instruments are equally easy or difficult to play.
Size- String instruments come in different sizes. Cellos can be carried to school with extra effort. Carrying one is similar to another backpack, but longer. Basses, even small ones, are very large. Students rent one to keep at home for practicing and concerts. For the weekly Strings class, they use a school bass.
Music reading/clefs
Violins read treble clef (recorder/general music, right-hand piano, )
Violas read alto clef (unique to viola!)
Cellos and Basses read bass clef (left-hand piano).
You may want stick with what you know, or challenge yourself with a new clef!