Vln2Vla
A helpful practice tool for violinists learning to read alto clef
Violin and viola have the exact same technique.
I originally thought it would be nice if the viola was a transposing instrument similar to oboe and English horn. Then, a violinist would just pick up a viola and all the notes would be in the same spots. However, all the music would need to be changed. So, I started teaching my violinists how to read alto clef. I tried every possible trick to help them learn the alto clef. Nothing works better than repetition.
One day, I realized that the alto clef sits right in the middle of the grand staff. Middle C is MIDDLE C! Using the alto clef superimposed over the treble and bass clef has helped violinists grasp the alto clef much faster. I created a workbook to help them. Check it out!
This worked, but they were memorizing the finger placement without really knowing the note names. This slowed them down with accidentals and made rehearsals challenging. (When I say: violas, watch the pitch on the Eb – they often had no clue). They still needed repetition with note names. I recently solved that with an app I call Vln2Vla. Here students could quiz themselves on note names and finger placement. Try it out!
Free Viola Workbook
Download this free resource intended to help students learning or transitioning to viola. This includes helpful tips and a variety of introductory exercises to get familiar with the note names on each string.
Frank Lestina 