Learn to play strings
The world of strings uncovered
Jump to: Viola , cello , double bass
Violin
The violin forms the main body of an orchestra, with the cello, and has some of the classical repertoire's most beautiful music written for it. These two main string family members are very popular with children.
Why learn?
There are few instruments more beautiful than the violin and some of the greatest music ever has been written for it. You can play the violin in an orchestra, perform chamber music or simply perform alone. You'll always be in demand as a violinist and you may even get to lead an orchestra one day.
Getting a Taste
Bach Double Violin Concerto
Nigel Kennedy / Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
EMI CDC 570912
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
Ilya Gringolts / Israeli Philhramonic
DG 4716162
Buying advice
If your child is under 12, he or she will start on a smaller violin and work their way up to a full size model, so there's no point buying until then. When you do eventually buy however, take someone along who knows about violins. You can easily pay far too much for an instrument that isn't worth it. If you want to play safe, go to a recognised dealer and spend no less than £400, plus £150 for bow and case.
Webwatch
Violin and Viola is a good place to start when buying a violin for the first time and for downloading sheet music.
Viola
The viola evolved in northern Italy at around the same time (around 1535) as the other members of the violin family. 'Viola' refers to the alto (or, more properly, to the alto-tenor) member of the violin family.
Why learn?
The viola is pitched a fifth below the violin so it has a warm, rich tone compared to the more assertive, brilliant sound of the violin. It often plays the lovely warm harmony that sits just below the violin part so if you are a fan of playing harmony it is a very rewarding instrument.
Getting a Taste
Berlioz 'Harold en Italie'
19th century viola concerto
Buying Advice
Do your research. Like the violin it is worth investing in a good instrument and that usually means spending more, so go for the affordable best.
Webwatch
For a good string accessories website try The String Zone
Cello
The cello is the bass instrument of the violin family. It must be played sitting down. Amazingly, the early bass violin rested on the floor while being played but towards 1700 it became usual for the player to raise the instrument off the floor, supporting it with the calves.
Why learn?
The cello's sound has often been compared to the human voice. It has an incredible range - from its low bass notes to the wonderful singing notes of its upper register. It's the ideal instrument for chamber music, with an extensive repertoire written especially for it, as well as powerful solos.
Getting a Taste
Elgar Cello Concerto
Jacqueline Du Pre / London Symphony Orchestra
EMI CDC5555272
Bach Cello Suite No.1
Yo-Yo Ma
Sony Classical S2K63203
Buying advice
Most of the buying advice for the violin also applies to the cello, except that the cello is much more expensive. For something you will enjoy for years, be prepared to part with between £1,000 and £1,500, plus around £250 for bow and case.
Webwatch
Find loads of info at the helpful and fun Celloheaven site.
Visit the Yamaha website
Double Bass
This is the lowest-pitched violin family instrument. It is either plucked (pizzicato) or played with a bow (arco) and it normally has four strings, tuned E'-A'-D-G. It sounds an octave below what is written on the score.
Why learn
If you want to stand out in a crowd than this is the instrument for you, purely because of its sheer size. It is great to play in jazz bands and encourages a good harmonic bass foundation.
Getting a taste
Mozart aria 'Per questa bella mano' for bass and double bass
Some of the more exposed double bass passages occur in Britten's 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra', 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream', Mussorgsky's 'Pictures from an Exhibition', Saint-Saens' 'Le carnaval des animaux' and Stravinsky's suite 'Pulcinella'.
Buying advice
It is big, so the instrument price matches this. Many people opt to rent for this reason. But don't let the size put you off. The double bass is a funky instrument with enormous depth.
