Not at all! Many adults discover joy and creativity through learning violin or viola. Adult learners often bring more focus and motivation to practice than younger students. For tips on how to practice successfully, check out the Practice category on this site.

Consistency matters more than time. Try to practice for at least 20–30 minutes a day 6 or 7 days a week. Break your practice time into mini-sessions focused on technique (like scales), repertoire, and sight-reading. For ideas and tips on how to practice effectively, check out the Practice category on this site.

Simple, targeted warm-ups are most effective: begin with open-string bowing to focus on tone, then move to slow scales with attention to intonation and shifting. For ideas and resources for detailed warm-up routines, head to my Resources page under “Practice & Technique Tools” at Violin & Viola Resources.

Start by isolating the vibrato motion without the bow: practice finger taps and arm movements to develop a relaxed, rhythmic motion. Then, gradually add the bow while practicing vibrato acceleration or pattern exercises. For step-by-step tips and exercises, explore my vibrato guide in the blog.

Practice scales deliberately with focus on intonation in the left hand and rhythmic variety for the right hand. Use a metronome to increase precision. Add bowing variations to work on rhythm and musicality. Browse my blog posts and the “Scales & Technical Systems” section in Violin & Viola Resources for ideas and examples.

Renting can be a budget-friendly way to start, especially if you don’t know if you’ll be sticking with the instrument long term and because as you progress, you might refine your taste in instruments. It also makes sense for new violists who aren’t yet sure which size they’ll prefer, as shops usually let you switch out your rental instrument for a different size. Buying makes sense if you’re playing long-term.

Violins come in fractional sizes (4/4 (full size), 3/4, etc.), while violas are sized in inches (14″, 15″, 16″, etc.). Most adults will want a 4/4 or full size violin. Some smaller adults will feel more comfortable with a 7/8 size violin however these are slightly more difficult to find. As there are multiple “full size” viola sizes, selecting a viola is slightly more challenging. Work with a local string shop and your teacher to find the size that works best for you. Most adult violists play instruments between 15.5” and 16.5”. The most commonly played size is around 16”.

A good rule of thumb is every 6 to 12 months of regular playing, or sooner if you notice dull tone or tuning instability. Check out the care and maintenance guide on my blog for more information.