Is there actually a difference between violin and viola?

Yes! There are stark differences between violin and viola, including the instruments' physicality and the techniques required to play them.

Strings

The pitches of violin strings are E, A, D, and G, while the viola's are A, D, G, and C. The viola and cello share the same string names, but the viola sounds one octave higher.

Instrument size

The viola is larger, wider, thicker, and heavier than the violin. The larger instrument body allows it to have a deeper tone, making it the middle range voice in the stringed instruments. Unlike the violin and cello, there is no standard size for the viola. A full size violin is about 14 inches while a full size viola can range from 15 1/2 to 18 1/2 inches, depending on the person.

Bow

Violin bows are light and thin to provide speed and virtuosity. Viola bows are heavier, wider, and can be slightly shorter to accommodate its thicker strings and slower response time.

Clef

Violinists play in treble clef, while violas are one of the few instruments that use alto clef.

Is there any difference playing violin versus viola?

Yes! A very common misconception is that because these instruments are shaped similarly, they are essentially the same. However, violists could talk nonstop about the countless differences between the two instruments.

Because the viola is large, wide, and generally bulky, it is exceptionally awkward and difficult to hold. Violists tend to need more breaks and practice less due to the increased weight. This is also why violists sometimes hold their instruments lower than violinists when sitting.

The viola has a slightly delayed response. Therefore, violists must work twice as hard as violinists to produce a clear, beautiful sound.

The way that violists produce sound differs greatly. Violinists need only put pressure on their first finger on their bow hand, and the violin is immediately louder. Violas require more arm weight to produce the same amount of sound. To do this efficiently, violists relax their bow hand and rotate it so that more weight is in the ring finger. The arm relaxes downwards, enabling the sound to be generated from the back. This difference in technique produces a sound that isn't forced or pressed, and helps the violist prevent playing injuries and fatigue.

So, why play viola?

The viola's middle range and deeper tone allows it to blend well with other instruments. It supports and enhances melodies by adding harmonies and rhythmic textures. Many composers incorporate the viola when they want a richer sound. The viola can be a good instrument for people who are shy, prefer to be in a group, or identify with Hufflepuff qualities. While it can be physically demanding, it is just as rewarding as playing any other instrument.

What are viola jokes?

The viola was long perceived as the underdog of the stringed instruments. The common joke is that people switched to viola if they weren't good enough to be successful violinists. While there can sometimes be truth in this, it isn’t always the case. In the 1900's, composers and violists began to realize and expand the instrument's capabilities and role in the musical world. Now, there are more talented and virtuosic violists than ever. But many violists enjoy a good viola joke!

Do you play violin and viola equally?

I started the violin when I was 2 1/2 years old, but I never made the full "switch" that most people do. I began the viola as an extra activity to help out in a beginning level of youth orchestra, continuing to play violin in an advanced youth orchestra. I realized I loved the viola when I played it in a chamber music ensemble for the first time. I enjoyed hearing the harmonies working together, and I liked having the melody sometimes, but not all the time. I played both instruments equally for a couple years, but because violists are in high demand, I was asked to play it more. I still love playing violin - there's an endless supply of good repertoire, the orchestral parts are better, it's fun, it feels like a toy compared to the viola - and I play it in orchestral and chamber music settings when I have time. But my personality was drawn to the viola, and it has been my primary instrument for several years.