Whether you’re a violinist eager to try something new or drawn to the mellow sound of the viola, this guide is a great place to start. The viola isn’t just a larger violin, it’s a distinct  instrument with its own technique, repertoire, and unique place in a classical ensemble.

For violinists, adding viola can deepen your understanding of ensemble playing and open up new musical opportunities in both modern and historical performance. This page gathers all my viola-focused articles on Tuning in Fifths, along with curated resources, community spaces, and listening inspiration to support your transition from violinist to violist.

This page serves as a guide for violinists exploring the viola, bringing together my articles, resources, and recommendations to support the transition from violin to viola for amateur musicians.

Why Play Viola?

Many violinists are curious about the viola but aren’t sure whether it’s worth the effort to switch or add a second instrument. These resources explore what the viola offers, especially for amateur musicians who are interested in orchestral and chamber playing.

Six Reasons to Add Viola to Your Musical Life ›
An introduction to the joys of playing viola, including:

• Discovering new repertoire
• Expanding your ensemble opportunities (especially as a sought-after violist)
• Improving tone production and bow technique on both instruments

“As a violinist who was drawn to the timbre of the viola but unsure that I could manage a larger instrument, I’ve been surprised by the playing opportunities and the technical growth that adding viola has opened up for me.”

Making the Switch: Violin to Viola

Learning to play viola as a violinist involves a transition period, but for violinists, the transition is often a simple process. This guide will help you learn how to adapt to reading music in alto clef and to the larger size of the instrument.

Making the Switch: How to Transition from Violin to Viola ›
Learn how to navigate the technical and musical differences including:

• Adjusting your posture and finger spacing
• Differences in technique
• Adapting to reading alto clef
• Exploring the viola’s darker tone and unique repertoire

Getting Started: Choosing a Viola

Shopping for your first viola can be a great experience, but as violas differ from violins, you’ll want to make sure to know what you’re looking for and how viola shopping is different from finding a violin.

So You Want to Play Viola? Here’s How to Choose Your First Instrument ›
Practical advice for violinists choosing their first viola:

• How to test different sizes
• Renting vs. buying
• Tips for finding a comfortable instrument

Repertoire: Pieces to Play on Viola

If you are a new violist, whether you are transitioning to the instrument from violin or you began as an adult, here is a curated selection of repertoire accessible for a variety of players.

Best Viola Pieces for Violinists Transitioning to Viola

Accessible repertoire, from concertos, concert pieces, to solo works, appropriate for intermediate players and those transitioning from the violin.

Baroque Music For Viola: Essential Pieces and Where to Start

Favorite Baroque works for viola from Bach and Telemann.

Online Viola Communities to Explore

If you are looking for support, feedback, and camaraderie on your journey to become a violist, these online spaces are great for amateur violists and violinists making the switch:

• r/viola – Active Reddit community
• American Viola Society Facebook Forum – Ask questions, find events
• American Viola Society – Competitions, articles, regional chapters
• Future Primrose Winners (Discord) – A mix of students, hobbyists, and professionals

Who to Listen To: Viola Inspiration

Listening is one of the most effective ways for violinists to explore the viola’s sound world and musical role. These violists and works offer inspiring performances to start with.

• Kim Kashkashian – For tone, color, and adventurous repertoire
• Tabea Zimmermann – Elegant phrasing; recordings of Bach and Brahms
• Nobuko Imai – Chamber and solo excellence
• Lawrence Power – Modern and classical repertoire
• Timothy Ridout – Rising star with some excellent solo recordings

Try these works (searchable on YouTube or streaming platforms):

• Bach Cello Suites (on viola)
• Brahms Viola Sonatas
• Rebecca Clarke Sonata
• Telemann Viola Concerto (try baroque versions!)
• Max Reger Suites for Solo Viola
• Peteris Vasks Viola Concerto

Essential Resources For Violists

As you begin playing more viola, these resources can help you develop your technique, discover repertoire, and playing opportunities.

• American Viola Society – Sheet music, events, competitions
• Carol Rodland’s “In the Studio” series – Insightful suggestions on viola-specific technique and setup with emphasis on developing ease and comfort in your playing. A must-watch for violinists making the switch.
• For even more tools, reading recommendations, and ideas for building technique, see my resources page. While many of the resources are for violinists, most of them also apply to the viola.

What’s Next?

This page will remain the central place to explore all viola-related content on Tuning in Fifths as I continue publishing resources for violinists and amateur violists.

• Viola-friendly solo and chamber repertoire for beginners and new violists
• Alto clef reading tips
• Playing viola in chamber music and community orchestra settings
• Tips for early music lovers interested in baroque viola

📰 Subscribe to stay tuned as new articles are added