Reply #23: I think it's because, too often, [View All]

[GoddessOfGuinness]

the kid who doesn't play the violin well in school gets switched to viola, which often has an easier part in elementary orchestras.

Rest assured that any musician who doesn't appreciate the value of a fine violist (or a fine viola!) is not much of a musician.

Violists must master elements of musicianship that are subtler than the obvious need to maneuver fingers to the correct places. For example, violinists spend their entire careers in one clef, while violists must be able to read alto, treble, and occasionally tenor clef. In addition to this, they are challenged with playing an inner voice the bulk of the time in orchestral work, requiring more diligent attention to intonation than 1st violins; yet they must be ready to emerge from their supporting role to shine brilliantly when their big moment comes.

Your daughter picked a great instrument!