I am learning viola, and want to learn a second instrument?

Question

Ok so, I just started learning viola and it's going well so far but the thing is, I want to learn another instrument as well (I only have two and a half years left of school and want to make the most of the great music program here.)

Is it possible?

And would it be complicated because of the clef difference?

I was thinking of maybe flute, or piano.

Answer 1

I learnt Violin then the flute.........I guess you should give a try on Piano since it will help you on your vocals too.

Answer 2

I'd learn the piano;  keyboard skills are very helpful for learning theory.

Answer 3

How about the double bass. It is a bowed instrument like the viola so it would come quite easily to you, and it is also in the bass clef therefore you would learn the bass clef too.

Answer 4

TR has some good advise.

Is it possible to learn another instrument?  If you have the desire and someone who can teach you, yes you can learn.

Clef differences?  

Clef's aren't very difficult especially if the instrument is different enough.  I started with the viola and then added double bass.  The fingering is different enough that there isn't a lot of confusion.  The problem comes if you switch from viola to bass and back again.  That really messes me up.  As far as the flute is concerned, the fingering is different enough that there is little confusion.

The piano will give you a good understanding of how your clef fits with every one else.  Basically the C on the middle line in alto clef is the middle C found on the ledger line between trebble and bass clef on the piano.

If you are planning on college, flute players are a dime a dozen.  Viola scholarships are plentiful.  It all depends on what you want to do with your music.  If all you want to do is play at weddings, for example, the flute is nice with a piano or harp and is easily accomplished.  Without upsetting those who play wedding gigs for a living, let me say this still requires a certain seriousness to learn the music.

If you plan on doing more with your viola, you may want to consider percussion.  Counting in orchestra seems to be a lost art.  A violist who can count is valuable.  I paid for my schooling with a viola scholarship, but I didn't have to be a music major to meet the requirements.

Good luck with your musical endeavors, whatever you chose to do.

Answer 5

I suggest piano, but that's because i personally like it most. Flute, however, would be more convenient if you are looking to join bands, orchestras etc. AND it opens up oppurtunities for clarinet and saxaphone. Price, also, is a factor that favors flute. Piano is something you really have to dedicate some time and money too if you are passionate.

Answer 6

I'm presuming you're still in secondary school, not yet a college music student?  Because if you pursue the career through a college education, you'll likely be required to learn a little bit about playing all instruments.  So you may look forward with glee or trepidation to brass class and woodwinds class (both a source of glee for string players, just as strings class was a hoot for my fellow woodwind players).

Yes, learning to read a new clef will take a little while, but it's relatively painless.

The best choice for a second instrument would be piano.  You'll learn to read both treble and bass clef; you'll develop a deeper appreciation for harmonies.  Moreover, most college music programs require that students demonstrate proficiency in piano; the dreaded 'piano proficiency exam' is often pure stupidity (why did anyone think it was important for me to memorize the Star Spangled Banner and America, each in Bb and C?  It was pointless!) but being able to breeze through it is devoutly to be wished.  Also, most professional musicians do find a need to go to the keyboard on occasion, either to work out parts or to accompany students in private lessons.

Then again, flute (my major instrument) is quite easy to carry

:-)