The viola is often mistaken for the violin, but the instrument is larger than the violin and the strings are lower. Violas are known for their deeper, more rich sound.
Viola technique is very similar to violin technique: the instrument and bow are held and played in the same way. Often violin students will switch over to viola because they are so similar!
Viola is a great choice for students who are interested in playing in an orchestra or a group — good viola players are always in demand!
Often the biggest challenge of learning the viola (especially for violinists) is learning to read music in the alto clef. All viola music is written in the alto clef instead of the treble clef.
Violas are a good fit for students with long arms. Full-size violas (and viola bows) are so large, they can be more challenging for smaller students to play.
MEET THE TEACHERS
MEET THE TEACHERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
about viola lessons at NOLA School of Music
F.A.Q.
about viola lessons at NOLA School of Music
WHAT STYLES OF MUSIC DO YOU TEACH?
We teach classical, fiddle, and pop styles of playing viola and we love working with our students to find music that interests them!
We typically work out of the Suzuki Method viola book and the Essential Elements for Strings viola book, depending on the student's age and how quickly they are progressing.
WHAT SIZE VIOLA WILL I NEED?
Younger students will need a smaller size viola, because their arms are shorter. As the student grows, they will upgrade their viola sizes until they reach a full-size viola. We recommend going to Keller Strings and having them size your child for the viola they will need.
WHERE SHOULD I BUY A VIOLA?
Don't worry if you don't have your viola yet! Go ahead and schedule your first lesson — we'll go over the basics with you and let you play your teacher's viola.
If you're anxious to get started, we recommend Keller Strings! They offer a rental program for smaller sizes of violas and offer full-size violas for purchase.
You are also welcome to purchase an inexpensive beginner viola on Amazon. A lower quality viola (as long as it's in good shape) is just fine for a beginner student.
LESSON OPTIONS
LESSON OPTIONS
30-MINUTE LESSONS
30-minute lessons are our most popular option at NOLA School of Music. They are ideal for beginners and children who don't have enough material (or the attention span) for a longer lesson.
60-MINUTE LESSONS
60-minute weekly lessons are great for adults or intermediate/advanced students. An hour lesson gives your teacher plenty of time to focus on technique, sight-reading, improvisation, and other aspects of music without being rushed.
45-MINUTE LESSONS
For many students, 45-minute weekly lessons are the perfect sweet spot. Since 45-minute lessons are difficult to schedule, they may only be available during early afternoon hours or late evening.
PRICING OPTIONS
PRICING OPTIONS
PRICING OPTIONS
Sign up for weekly lessons (with unlimited makeup lessons) at a discounted rate.
OUR MOST POPULAR OPTION
We've found that students who commit to a weekly time have the most success at learning an instrument.
RESERVED WEEKLY TIME SLOT
You'll have a regular reserved time slot with the same teacher each week.
UNLIMITED MAKEUP LESSONS
Schedule a free makeup (through our easy-to-use online portal) for any lesson cancelled by 7 PM the night before.
VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON
Choose between virtual lessons (over Zoom) or in-person lessons at our Mid-City, New Orleans location.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Perform solo, with your teacher, or with a full band in our bi-annual student concerts.
NO LONG-TERM CONTRACT
Simply let us know before your first lesson of the month if you would like to discontinue lessons.
FLAT-RATE MONTHLY PRICE
Save an average of 32% compared to our A La Carte lessons!
Please note: different months may contain 3, 4, or 5 lessons depending on our schedule, but all monthly students are guaranteed a minimum of 48 lessons per year.
Book individual lessons with no weekly commitment.
Sign up for weekly lessons (with unlimited makeup lessons) at a discounted rate.
OUR MOST POPULAR OPTION
We've found that students who commit to a weekly time have the most success at learning an instrument.
RESERVED WEEKLY TIME SLOT
You'll have a regular reserved time slot with the same teacher each week.
UNLIMITED MAKEUP LESSONS
Schedule a free makeup (through our easy-to-use online portal) for any lesson cancelled by 7 PM the night before.
VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON
Choose between virtual lessons (over Zoom) or in-person lessons at our Mid-City, New Orleans location.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Perform solo, with your teacher, or with a full band in our bi-annual student concerts.
NO LONG-TERM CONTRACT
Simply let us know before your first lesson of the month if you would like to discontinue lessons.
FLAT-RATE MONTHLY PRICE
Save an average of 32% compared to our A La Carte lessons!
Please note: different months may contain 3, 4, or 5 lessons depending on our schedule, but all monthly students are guaranteed a minimum of 48 lessons per year.
