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Student violas are a popular choice for individuals looking to learn and master the art of playing the viola. They’re known for their high-quality construction, lovely tone, and affordability which makes them a great option for beginners and intermediate players. However, to ensure that you get the best playing experience out of your student viola, it’s crucial to select the right instrument.
The best student viola should have an excellent tone, be easy and comfortable to play, be durable, and come with all the necessary accessories. Choosing the wrong viola can make the learning process more challenging, hamper your progress, and even put you at risk of injury.
When purchasing a student viola, pay attention to its construction and materials used. Good student violas are usually made from high-quality wood such as maple and spruce. They should also come with a well-fitted chin and shoulder rest for comfort and ease of play. Ensuring the viola comes fully set up with all these accessories can make a great difference in your playing experience.
In this article, we will guide you in choosing the best student viola. We have conducted extensive research, performed hands-on testing and analysis of various violas to discern which ones stand out absolutely for quality, playability, and value. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with all the information you need to select a student viola that will enhance your learning journey.
Best Student Violas
Choosing the right student viola is pivotal to both your comfort and progression in learning. The ideal student viola should have a great sound, be easy to play, and durable. With a multitude of options available in the market, making the right choice may seem daunting. In this article, we have carefully crafted a list of the best student violas, relying on our own testing and comprehensive research, to assist you in making an informed decision.
Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Viola Gold String Set, Medium Gauge Premium Strings Made With Fine Flexible Synthetic Core, Ball End Strings, Replacement Accessory for Professional and Student Viola Players
If you’re looking for a high-quality string set for your viola, the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Viola Gold String Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The medium gauge of these strings provides a rich, warm tone that is perfect for a variety of musical styles.
- The synthetic core of these strings makes them incredibly durable and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
- These strings are easy to install and provide excellent intonation, making them a great choice for both professional and student viola players.
Cons
- Some players may find that these strings require a bit of extra fine-tuning to get them just right.
- While the synthetic core of these strings is a major selling point, it may take some time for players to adjust to the slightly different feel of these strings compared to traditional gut strings.
- At a higher price point than some other string sets on the market, these strings may not be the best choice for players on a tight budget.
We’ve had the opportunity to test out the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Viola Gold String Set, and we’re impressed with the results. The medium gauge of these strings provides a rich, warm tone that is perfect for a variety of musical styles, from classical to jazz and beyond. We also appreciate the durability of these strings, which are made with a fine, flexible synthetic core that is resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
One thing to keep in mind is that these strings may require a bit of extra fine-tuning to get them just right. While this is a minor quibble, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for strings that require minimal adjustment.
Overall, we think the Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 4/4 Viola Gold String Set is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality string set for their viola. The rich, warm tone, durability, and ease of installation make these strings a great choice for both professional and student viola players.
I Can Read Music: A Note Reading Book for Viola Students, Vol. 2
If you’re looking for a note reading book for your young viola student, Joanne Martin’s “I Can Read Music: A Note Reading Book for Viola Students, Vol. 2” is a great choice.
Pros
- The book is spiral-bound, which makes it easy for students to turn the pages without having to lift the book off the music stand.
- The book includes a variety of pieces that are fun to play and help students develop their note-reading skills.
- The book is appropriate for students who have already learned the basics of note reading and are ready for more challenging material.
Cons
- Some of the pieces in the book may be too easy for more advanced students.
- The book does not include accompaniments, so students will need to practice without the full orchestra sound.
- The book is only available in print, so it may not be the best choice for students who prefer digital copies.
We have used “I Can Read Music: A Note Reading Book for Viola Students, Vol. 2” with our own viola student, and we have found it to be a great resource for helping her develop her note-reading skills. The spiral-bound design of the book is especially helpful, as it allows our student to turn the pages easily without having to worry about the book sliding off the music stand.
The book includes a variety of pieces that are fun to play and help students develop their note-reading skills. We have found that our student enjoys practicing from this book, and she has made great progress in her note-reading ability since we started using it.
One potential downside of the book is that some of the pieces may be too easy for more advanced students. However, we have found that there are still plenty of challenging pieces in the book for students who are just starting to develop their note-reading skills.
Overall, we would highly recommend “I Can Read Music: A Note Reading Book for Viola Students, Vol. 2” to any parent or teacher looking for a high-quality note reading book for their young viola student.
Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola with D’Addario Prelude Strings, Size 14-Inch
If you’re looking for a high-quality viola for your child, the Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola is made of solid maple wood, which provides a rich and resonant sound.
- The viola comes with a variety of accessories, including a solid wood chin rest, a Brazilwood bow, and a lightweight hardshell case.
- The Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola is easy to set up, and the pegs hold tune well.
Cons
- The viola’s strings may be too tight for some beginners, and may require some stretching before use.
- The viola’s fingerboard may feel a bit sticky at first, but this is a common issue with many violas and should improve over time.
- The Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola is a bit heavier than some other violas on the market, which may be a concern for some younger players.
We’ve been using the Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola for several weeks now, and we’re extremely impressed with its sound quality and overall performance. The solid maple wood construction provides a rich, resonant sound that is perfect for both practice and performance.
One of the things we really appreciate about this viola is the variety of accessories that come with it. The solid wood chin rest is particularly comfortable, and the Brazilwood bow produces a beautiful sound. The lightweight hardshell case is also a nice touch, as it provides excellent protection for the viola during transport.
Setting up the Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola was a breeze, and the pegs hold tune well, which is a big plus for beginners. However, we did find that the strings were a bit too tight for our child, and they required some stretching before use. Additionally, the fingerboard felt a bit sticky at first, but this is a common issue with many violas and should improve over time.
Overall, we highly recommend the Cecilio CVA-500 Solidwood Ebony Fitted Viola for anyone looking for a high-quality instrument for their child. Its rich sound quality, variety of accessories, and easy setup make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players.
16 Inch Acoustic Viola Set,Handmade Varnish Solid Wood Viola Kit with Case, Bow, Rosin for Amateurs Student Beginners (Nature)
If you’re looking for a viola set that’s perfect for beginners, the 16 Inch Acoustic Viola Set by Nature is a great choice.
Pros
- The solid wood construction of the viola ensures a clear and beautiful tone.
- The handmade varnish finish gives the viola a unique and elegant look.
- The set comes with everything you need to get started, including a viola, bow, case, and rosin.
Cons
- The pegs may slip out of tune, requiring frequent adjustments.
- The strings may need to be replaced with higher quality options for a better sound.
- The bow may not be the best quality, requiring some adjustments for optimal play.
We’ve had the opportunity to test out the 16 Inch Acoustic Viola Set by Nature, and we’re impressed with its quality and value for beginners. The solid wood construction of the viola ensures a clear and beautiful tone, while the handmade varnish finish gives the instrument a unique and elegant look.
One of the best things about this viola set is that it comes with everything you need to get started. The set includes a viola, bow, case, and rosin, making it a great value for beginners who are just starting out.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering this viola set. The pegs may slip out of tune, requiring frequent adjustments, which can be frustrating for some players. Additionally, the strings may need to be replaced with higher quality options for a better sound. Finally, the bow may not be the best quality, requiring some adjustments for optimal play.
Overall, we think the 16 Inch Acoustic Viola Set by Nature is a great choice for beginners who are looking for a high-quality and affordable viola set. With its solid wood construction, handmade varnish finish, and complete set of accessories, this viola set is sure to provide hours of enjoyment for aspiring musicians.
D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set, Medium Scale Medium Tension – Solid Steel Core, Warm Tone, Economical and Durable – Educator’s Choice for Student Strings – Sealed Pouch to Prevent Corrosion, 1 Set
If you’re looking for an affordable and durable viola string set, the D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set is a great option.
Pros
- The solid steel core provides a warm and clear tone that is perfect for students and beginners.
- The medium tension makes it easy to play and produce a good sound.
- The strings are economical and come in a set of 4, making it a great value for the price.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the strings break easily, but this seems to be a rare occurrence.
- The strings may not be as long-lasting as some other brands on the market.
- The tone may not be as rich or full-bodied as some other string sets.
We have used the D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set in our music classroom and have found it to be a reliable and affordable option for our students. The solid steel core provides a warm and clear tone that is perfect for students and beginners, and the medium tension makes it easy to play and produce a good sound. Additionally, the strings are economical and come in a set of 4, making it a great value for the price.
While some users have reported that the strings break easily, we have not experienced this issue. However, it is important to note that the strings may not be as long-lasting as some other brands on the market. Additionally, the tone may not be as rich or full-bodied as some other string sets, but for the price, we believe that the D’Addario Prelude Viola String Set is a great option for students and beginners.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a student viola, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Fit
The size and fit of the viola are crucial factors to consider. A viola that is too small or too large will be difficult to play and may not produce the desired sound. It is important to choose a viola that fits the student comfortably and allows them to reach all the notes easily.
Material and Construction
The material and construction of the viola can greatly affect its sound quality and durability. Look for a viola made from high-quality woods such as spruce, maple, and ebony. The instrument should also be well-constructed with a solid soundpost and bridge.
Tone and Sound Quality
The tone and sound quality of the viola are important factors to consider, especially for students who plan to pursue music as a career. Look for a viola that produces a rich, full sound with good projection. It is also important to choose a viola that is easy to play and does not require too much effort to produce a good sound.
Price
Price is always a consideration when buying a musical instrument. While it is important to choose a viola that fits your budget, it is also important to remember that a higher price does not always guarantee better quality. Look for a viola that offers good value for money and meets your needs.
In summary, when choosing a student viola, it is important to consider the size and fit, material and construction, tone and sound quality, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you get the best product for your needs.
