Viola
OVERVIEW
The viola is primarily the harmony part of the orchestra. It has a lower voice than the violin and adds support to the violin. It shares three strings with the violin and sounds an octave higher than the cello. Many composers have utilized the viola as a solo voice as well.
VIOLA HISTORY
The viola, much like the violin, dates to the early 1500's and is still used today. Gaspara da Salo is credited with making some of the first violas. Bach and Mozart were both viola players and they composed music that used the viola as both a solo instrument and a partner to the violin. The difference between the viola and the violin are that the viola has a larger body and the lowest string is a "C" which is a fifth below the lowest string on the violin. It has a rich, deeper sound than the violin.
WHEN TO START
We recommend that kids start playing the viola at an early age. They make different sizes for smaller individuals, 13", 14", 15" and 16" (full size) are different sizes for different size beginners. By the time the student is fully grown, they will be on a full size viola. Starting with a smaller viola will not affect the player switching to a larger instrument.
VIOLA BRANDS
Hermet Schartel, Bellafina, Florea, Yamaha, Karl Willhelm, Josef Lazar, William Lewis & Son and Strunal are very common makers of both violins and violas. The different types of wood used will affect the sound as well as the type of bow! Be sure to try different brands and different bows and find the sound that you like!
VIOLISTS
Carl Stamitz, Lionel Tertis, William Primrose, Yuri Bashmet and Paul Hindemith are all virtuoso violists. Violists can be found in every orchestra across the world and are found in string quartets and pop music also. Pink Floyd's David Gilmour also plays violin and viola.
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
Learning how to play the viola can take you to different genres and world music. Predominately in orchestras, the viola is also found in country, pop, and rock bands with each type having its own distinct style of playing. Check out www.playmusic.org for more information about string instruments.
Matt Opachick
Matt Opachick has always been involved in Music. Growing up in Washington, Pennsylvania, Matt picked up the violin and the guitar from an early age. In high school he was able to participate in District, Regional, and State Orchestras, as well as the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra for two years. Also, while still in High School he participated in the Jazz Band, Marching Band, and several Rock Bands as a guitar player. Choosing to leave his hometown to study music, he attended Capital University in Bexley, Ohio.
Jason M. Ferrell
Mr. Ferrell has been playing professionally in Central Ohio for over 12 years and teaching privately for 16 years. He graduated from New Albany High School in 1992 and went to The Ohio State University where he majored in music. He was a 4-year soloist for The Ohio State University Marching Band and played lead trumpet in the Jazz Ensemble. After a leave of college, Mr. Ferrell was asked to play lead trumpet for the Big Band show at Capital University.
Alyssa Capps
Alyssa started playing piano with her grandmother at age 5 and loved making music so much that she joined the school orchestra, band and choir. As she spent more time playing, her primary focus became cello and she began to study privately with cellists from the Lima Symphony and Bowling Green State University. Alyssa also participated in the Lima Area Youth Orchestra, District III Honors Orchestra and at the BGSU Summer Strings Program during high school.
