Except for the size, what is the main difference between a violin and a viola?
THE VIOLA is, in one sense, a bigger violin, and in ensembles it plays the alto rather than the soprano part. In fact, if one takes vocal music as a parallel, the viola is more the tenor rather than the alto of an ensemble. In French, it is called alto (German Bratcsche). It makes a richer sound and is tuned a fifth lower than the violin http://www.soundjunction.org/differencesbetweentheviolaandviolin.aspa?NodeID=190 The notes are a little farther apart on the fingerboard and you have to work a little harder with the right hand to get a good tone. The other obstacle is that darn alto clef! If you’re just starting out, it doesn’t matter which clef you learn. But if, like most people, you’re already used to reading treble clef, the alto clef can be quite a challenge (on the viola). And if you switch back and forth between instruments, it can be extra confusing.
