Despite its rich and intricate tone quality compared to other string instruments, violas are one of the least played instruments in the world of jazz and other non-classical compositions. If you are interested to learn the viola and already have one with you, do not be discouraged to pursue the instrument as a career or hobby for it has a lot of benefits you might not be aware of.
01. SOUND AND TONE QUALITY
Unlike the violin, violas produce husky and mellow sound making it authentic and more fun to learn. Given its uniqueness in sound, this can inspire you as to why viola is a good instrument to invest your time and effort. Its mellow sound is almost similar to the sound produced by guitars and saxophones.
02. MORE GIG OPPORTUNITIES
Viola is vital in a string quartet performance. And since only a few people know how to play viola, youβll definitely become in demand and grow rapidly as a musician for youβll most likely be invited to play in groups every now and then.
03. VAST CAREER OPTIONS
Aside from playing in ensembles, violists are also needed in creating soundtracks for movies. The unique sound it produces makes it in demand to music producers as it gives them the edge to evoke strong emotions toward their audience.
Thatβs why you canβt limit yourself as just a violist playing in a group. You can also work with music producers, pursue a solo career and play in preferred gigs, make use of the internet to earn with this talent (i.e. YouTube, SoundCloud) or even teach violin to eager learners.
Aside from the career options laid out for you once youβve mastered viola, the attitude or traits needed in the real world will also be developed while youβre learning this instrument. Over time, youβll have the ability to perform under pressure as you are used to playing in front of the crowd with a composed aura, youβre also efficient to work alone or in a team, and youβre quick to adapt to changes compared to others.
04. ACADEMIC BENEFITS
It has been known for quite some time that learning a musical instrument can benefit you academically. It was even suggested to pregnant women to make it a habit to listen to music as it helps to sharpen the cognitive abilities of a baby while theyβre still inside their motherβs womb.
Needless to say, learning how to produce one can improve both the reasoning and creative part of your brain. It helps you to stay rational and at the same time boost your imagination better than those who donβt have any experience in playing an instrument.
05. FORM OF EXPRESSION
Learning an instrument serves as an experience or chapter in your life wherein youβve gone out of your comfort zone and gained something you never thought youβd ever do. Thereβs nothing more fulfilling than becoming a professional violist knowing to yourself that youβve gone through so much that most people may never know.
Ultimately, becoming a violist serves as your form of expression. If you canβt find yourself to enjoy writing, playing a sport, and whatnot, maybe itβs in learning an instrument such as viola, that youβll feel like youβve found something youβll be comfortable with to express your emotions. Itβs been said that playing an instrument, like walking, can help in releasing stress hormones and make you experience tranquility.
Unlike the violin, Violas produce more husky and mellow sound making it more authentic and more fun to learn.