What is the difference between viola and violin?
The viola bow is slightly shorter and heavier than a full-sized violin bow and a bit sturdier. Playing the instruments is quite different as it takes a good deal more bow pressure and a more dramatic (or aggressive) technique for the viola, in order to get enough sound. Many violists begin as violinists. It is difficult for children to handle a viola and most students cannot manage a full-sized viola until their teen years. And finally, the bigger the viola the more resonance; this is an eternal struggle. How large can the instrument get and still be playable?
