ABSTRACT
The viola is the patriarch of the string family and was the more common instrument until the violin was perfected. The viola is considered by some to be less perfect than its relatives, requiring strings that are too thick and too heavy for its length. The pad of the thumb is held lightly against the side of the viola neck for support and will usually extend slightly above the neck depending on the length of the student’s fingers. Viola technique requires the performer to apply sufficient pressure on the strings, but this is often overemphasized. The principles of shifting on viola are the same as for the violin and are often similarly delayed in being introduced to students. Transferring from violin to viola offers the player greater opportunities to participate, much interesting contemporary viola solo and chamber music, and the chance to be “special.”
