Choosing between the violin and the viola

The violin is the smallest member of the string family, with the highest range. It is extremely adaptable, and can be heard playing many, many kinds of music. Here are some of my favourites

The viola is the tenor member of the strings, playing slightly lower notes than the violin. It has a warm, rich sound, as is just as adaptable.

The technique for playing the violin and viola is basically the same, and many people start on the violin, then add, or move to the viola as they grow up. But small violas are available for beginners, so if you think the lower sound might be more your style, viola could be for you.