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Intermediate violas are a step up from student violas and an investment in your musical journey. They offer substantial benefits in terms of sound quality, playability, and musical versatility. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be a daunting task to choose the best one for your needs. It is essential to choose a viola that has a rich warm tone, a comfortable feel, and is built to last.
When purchasing an intermediate viola, key factors to consider include the type of wood, the quality of strings, the craftsmanship, bow included, and whether the instrument has been professionally set-up. In addition, you want a viola that is easy to play without compromising on sound.
In these days of online shopping, looking at user reviews and expert opinions can be very helpful in deciding on quality. It’s always a good idea to choose a reputable brand or a known luthier, keeping in mind their track records in building high-quality instruments.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best intermediate viola. We have personally tested and researched numerous violas to help you make an informed decision. By the end of this article, you should have all the information you need to select a high-quality viola that will serve you well as an intermediate player.
Best Intermediate Violas
Choosing the right intermediate viola can greatly enhance your musical performance. You want an instrument that not only sounds beautiful but one that will motivate and inspire you to practice and play. We understand the importance of this decision and have put in the legwork to simplify your selection process. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best intermediate violas, basing our selections on sound quality, ease of play, craftsmanship, and value for money. We genuinely believe that our real-world testing, combined with this comprehensive guide, will equip you with the knowledge to select a viola ideally suited to your playing level and personal style.
Best Beginning Viola Book for Kids: Combining two popular viola books into one for beginner and intermediate students (Best Beginning String Series for Kids)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive viola book for your child, the Best Beginning Viola Book for Kids is a great option.
Pros
- This book combines two popular viola books into one, making it a great value for parents.
- The book is designed for both beginner and intermediate students, so it can grow with your child as they progress in their viola playing.
- The book includes a variety of songs and exercises to help your child improve their viola playing skills.
Cons
- Some parents have reported that the book is a bit too advanced for very beginner viola players.
- The book does not come with a CD or access to online audio, which some parents may find disappointing.
- The book is only available in print, so it may not be the best option for parents who prefer digital copies.
We’ve used this book with our own child, and we’ve found it to be a great resource for helping them improve their viola playing skills. The book includes a variety of songs and exercises that are engaging and fun for kids, and it’s great that it can grow with them as they progress in their playing.
One thing to keep in mind is that the book may be a bit too advanced for very beginner viola players. However, if your child has some prior experience with the viola, this book is a great option for helping them continue to improve their skills.
Overall, we highly recommend the Best Beginning Viola Book for Kids to any parent looking for a comprehensive and engaging viola book for their child.
Christmas Sheet Music For Viola: 60 Easy To Intermediate Classic Christmas Hits
If you’re looking for a collection of Christmas sheet music for the viola, this book by Hal Leonard is a great option.
Pros
- Includes 60 classic Christmas hits, ranging from easy to intermediate level.
- Features standard notation and bowing symbols for easy playing.
- Comes with a CD-ROM containing printable PDFs of all the music.
Cons
- Some pieces may be too easy for advanced players.
- The book is only available in English.
- The CD-ROM may not be compatible with all computers.
This book is perfect for viola players who want to learn or improve their skills in playing Christmas music. With 60 easy to intermediate level pieces, you’ll be able to play a variety of classic Christmas hits. The standard notation and bowing symbols make it easy to play the music, and the CD-ROM containing printable PDFs of all the music is a great bonus.
However, some pieces may be too easy for advanced players, and the book is only available in English. Additionally, the CD-ROM may not be compatible with all computers, so you may need to print the music out beforehand.
Overall, if you’re looking for a collection of Christmas sheet music for the viola, this book by Hal Leonard is a great option to consider.
Red Label Viola D String 14″ Intermediate
If you’re looking for a high-quality viola string that can enhance your playing experience, the Red Label Viola D String 14″ Intermediate by Super Sensitive is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made with high-quality materials for excellent sound and projection
- Designed for easy installation and long-lasting performance
- Suitable for intermediate to advanced players looking for a brighter sound
Cons
- May not be suitable for beginners or those looking for a mellow sound
- Some users may find the string to be too bright or harsh
- May require some adjustment to achieve the desired sound
We’ve had the opportunity to test and use the Red Label Viola D String 14″ Intermediate, and we’re confident that it’s a great choice for intermediate to advanced players looking for a brighter sound. The string is made with high-quality materials that allow for excellent sound and projection, making it perfect for performances and recordings.
One of the standout features of this string is its ease of installation and long-lasting performance. We found that it was relatively easy to install, and it stayed in tune for extended periods of time without the need for frequent adjustments.
While the Red Label Viola D String 14″ Intermediate may not be suitable for beginners or those looking for a mellow sound, it’s definitely worth considering for intermediate to advanced players who want to take their playing to the next level. However, some users may find the string to be too bright or harsh, so it’s important to keep that in mind before making a purchase.
Overall, we highly recommend the Red Label Viola D String 14″ Intermediate by Super Sensitive for those looking for a high-quality viola string that can enhance their playing experience.
Intermediate Classic Duets for Viola and Cello
If you’re looking for a duet book for viola and cello, Intermediate Classic Duets for Viola and Cello is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The book includes 22 classical and traditional pieces that are arranged especially for equal players of intermediate standard. Most of the pieces are in easy keys, which makes them accessible to intermediate players.
- The book is spiral-bound, which makes it easy to open flat and play from. This is a great feature for duet music, as it allows both players to see their music clearly.
- The pieces in this book are suitable for various settings, including church services, weddings, recitals, and private study. This makes it a versatile book that can be used in a variety of settings.
Cons
- The book only includes sheet music, so there is no accompanying CD or online audio. This may be a downside for some players who prefer to have an audio reference to help them learn the pieces.
- Some of the pieces in the book may be more challenging for viola players than cello players, as the viola parts are often more difficult than the cello parts. This may be a consideration for players who are looking for a more balanced level of difficulty.
- The book is published by Hal Leonard, which means that it is only available in print and cannot be downloaded digitally. This may be a downside for players who prefer to have digital copies of their music.
Overall, we think that Intermediate Classic Duets for Viola and Cello is a great choice for intermediate players who are looking for a duet book for viola and cello. The book includes a variety of classical and traditional pieces that are accessible to intermediate players, and the spiral-bound format makes it easy to use in duet settings. While there are a few downsides to the book, such as the lack of an accompanying CD and the potentially uneven difficulty level between the viola and cello parts, we think that the pros outweigh the cons and that this book is definitely worth considering.
Intermediate Scales And Bowings – Viola
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to help you master the viola, then Intermediate Scales And Bowings – Viola is a great choice.
Pros
- This book covers a wide range of topics, including scales, arpeggios, slurs, and more, making it a great all-in-one resource for intermediate viola players.
- The exercises in this book are designed to help you improve your technique and build strength in your left hand, which is essential for playing the viola.
- The included CD with audio examples and accompaniments is a nice bonus, and can help you practice more effectively.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the book is a bit pricey compared to other viola method books.
- While the book covers a wide range of topics, some users may find that it moves a bit too quickly for their skill level.
- A few users have reported issues with the quality of the CD, such as skipping or poor sound quality.
Overall, Intermediate Scales And Bowings – Viola is a great choice for intermediate viola players who are looking to improve their technique and expand their musical knowledge. While it may be a bit pricey for some users, the comprehensive nature of the book and the included CD make it a great value. If you’re serious about improving your viola playing, this book is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best intermediate viola, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the viola are important factors to consider. Intermediate violas typically range in size from 15 to 16 inches, but it’s important to choose the right size for your body type and playing style. Additionally, the shape of the viola can affect its sound and playability. Look for a viola with a well-proportioned body and a comfortable neck.
Materials
The materials used to make the viola can greatly affect its sound and durability. Look for a viola made from high-quality woods, such as spruce, maple, and ebony. These woods are known for their superior tone and durability.
Tuning
Tuning is an important aspect of playing the viola, and it’s essential to choose an instrument that stays in tune. Look for a viola with a reliable tuning peg and a well-adjusted bridge.
Accessories
Accessories such as a case, bow, and rosin are essential for playing the viola. Look for a viola that comes with a high-quality case and a suitable bow. Additionally, make sure to choose a rosin that works well with the hair of your bow.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best intermediate viola for your needs.
