It takes a lot of practice and dedication to play the viola well. There are, however, a few pointers that can help you learn faster. After the viola has been set up properly for the musician, his or her posture should be checked, as incorrect posture can lead to back problems in string players. Other suggestions include practicing effectively, focusing on weaknesses rather than strengths, and warming up properly before practice.
It’s critical to set up the viola correctly before a musician begins playing it. A shoulder rest is necessary because it makes holding a viola more comfortable. The application of rosin, a type of pine resin, to the bow makes it easier to maintain contact with the strings. Before playing the viola, make sure the instrument is properly tuned and hire a teacher to help you learn the fundamentals.
When playing the viola, posture is crucial because poor posture can lead to back pain and overuse injuries. When playing the viola, the musician should stand up straight and avoid hunching his shoulders. In a right-handed musician, the left wrist is usually bent to some extent, though this varies depending on the individual. Maintaining a relaxed shoulder while playing and correctly positioning the left thumb on the viola — again, on a right-handed musician — are two other things to look for.
The best way to improve at playing the viola, as with any instrument, is to practice. However, it is critical that a musician practices effectively and makes the most of his or her time. Spending an hour practicing songs that he or she already knows perfectly, for example, may be entertaining, but it is unlikely to improve a musician’s skills. Instead, practicing difficult songs until they can be played perfectly — perhaps at a slower tempo at first — is a much more effective method of practicing.
Warming up before playing the viola is also important because it allows a musician to perform at their best while avoiding overuse injuries. Warming up with basic scales, such as the C Major scale, is common. The time it takes to warm up properly is determined a number of factors, including the musician’s skill level and the intensity of the practice session. On the day of a performance, most viola players warm up for longer, but it’s important not to overwork the hands or back before the performance.