Viola Lessons
Charlotte Academy of Music viola teachers customize a program of traditional, Suzuki, O’Connor, or a combination of methods. The choice of teaching method is specifically based on the age, learning style, and interests of each student. All viola lessons are taught as private, one-on-one music instruction at CAM. Our teachers will help you learn your favorite style of music, too. Learn to play classical, bluegrass, pop, country, folk, or even jazz on the viola!
The Viola
The viola is a beautiful instrument with a warm tone, slightly larger than the violin. The top string on a violin is an ‘E’, but the top string on a viola is the ‘A’ five notes below that. The overall pitch of a viola will generally sound lower, and a bit more mellow than a violin.
The first instruments that we would recognize as being in the violin family appeared in the 16th century. The names of all the instruments in the violin family – violin, violoncello, viola – come from the term ‘viola’. Within that, there were two families of violas – the viola da braccio (viola of the arm) and the viola da gamba (viola of the leg). The terms refer to whether they were played on the arm, like a violin, or by the legs, like a modern-day cello. The modern-day viola, like the violin, evolved from the viola da braccio and came into its own in the 18th century.
Viola Lessons
Viola lessons at CAM are available in lengths of 30, 45, and 60 minutes. We suggest kids and teenagers begin with 30-minute viola lessons and progress to longer lengths as your teacher recommends. For adults who have some previous experience, we recommend starting with 45- or 60-minute lessons.
Viola lessons for kids include learning fundamentals, such as posture, bow and left hand technique, and music reading. Fun songs and games are also added to keep students interested and engaged. We also love working with our adult students. Adults new to playing the viola start with basic technique and music reading and progress to play repertoire from a variety of genres. Intermediate and advanced students are introduced to advanced techniques, scales, speed work, and more challenging pieces. Viola lessons also boost coordination, finger strength, self-confidence, self-discipline, and right brain power in all students!
What's Included
- A Multitude of Performance opportunities
- Student Rewards to celebrate accomplishments
- CAM tote bag and Getting Started Packet
- Front Desk staff to assist you 5 days a week
- Inspiring, supportive environment
Taking part in the multitude of opportunities at CAM is important to each student’s success. In addition to weekly lessons, many of our students thrive in our Compass Achievement Program, participate in our many concerts and special events, and work together to help our community through our CAM Cares program.
To learn more about Viola lessons, contact us for a studio tour.
Or, if you’re ready to begin your musical journey, enroll today!