Student Violas

Larger than a violin (and deeper in its voice), the viola plays an important role in symphony orchestras around the world. In fact, the viola's versatility makes it ideal for many genres, and numerous famous rock groups incorporated the viola into their recordings as well, including The Who, The Stooges, The Beatles and Van Morrison. If you're thinking about taking up this incredible instrument, you're in luck: today's student violas are crafted specifically for beginners and available from leading bowed instrument manufacturers.

Before choosing a student viola, it's important to consider a few things, including the physical stature of who you're buying it for. If the musician you have in mind is younger, your best bet is to go with a smaller-sized student model. Another thing to consider is whether or not you'd prefer an outfit or the viola itself. Outfits are perfect for any aspiring player because they include your most essential accessories along with the instrument. For a top seller, check out the Bellafina Prelude Series Viola Outfit. Available in a variety of sizes, this viola features a solid spruce back and sides, solid maple neck and an eye-catching oiled finish. Additionally, it's fastened with D'Addario Prelude strings and because it's an outfit, you'll also receive a Brazilwood bow and a deluxe shaped foam case.

And there are many other terrific student viola outfits here as well. If you're willing to spend a little more (like say, in the $300-$500 range), go with the Knilling School Model Viola Outfit w/ Perfection Pegs. The instrument itself boasts a solid spruce top with a lightly figured maple back and sides, inlaid purfling and much more. Along with the Brazilwood bow and a shaped, fully-lined case that has a zippered cover, this outfit will have any student viola player excited about beginning their musical journey.

While student violas are more affordable than intermediate and professional models, that doesn't mean you can't find a high-quality student viola model. Today's student violas are beautifully made with the aspirations of younger players kept in mind through every step of their construction - and a model from this catalog will make that obvious to you.