Re-starting an old hobby: Tips on reading music

Post by **Hachimitsu** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:04 am

So after procrastination and excuses on playing my violin, my old violin teacher has convinced me to play for this reunion he is doing. He wants me to play viola which I used to do in the past. The thing is, the viola exclusively uses the alto clef, which umm.. I forgot how to read

. Anyone know of any good sayings to remember the notes? I still remember the ones for treble and bass clef (like every good boy deserves fudge, etc..), but for the alto clef I am at a loss.
I am trying to remember the viola fingerings and matching them with notes and I am bit confused as to what is sharp and what is flat but I think it will come back to me eventually. I have printed wikipedia articles and it has helped me remember the extreme basics but that is about it. I think I am going to ask my teacher if I can get him on Skype and he can listen and see how I am doing.

I just realized I need some scales. :doh1: Anyone know a good site on scales? It sort of gets my mind set for when I play a piece.

I just tried tuning the viola and it sounds a bit abysmal (tuning was always my greatest weakness)

I should point out the reason I am doing the reunion is because I want to get playing again but I have realized I either need a teacher or an orchestra so I always get new music to work on, because me on my own... not so much.

*crossposted on B77*
BTW my Skype name is ladyscaper if anyone wants to look me up. (or listen to my abysmal tuning an give some advice.)

Post by **Primula Baggins** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 7:25 am

Just remember the middle line of the scale is middle C, or an octave above the viola's bottom string (third finger on the G string). So the lines on the clef, bottom to top, are FACEG. I don't remember a mnemonic, because I was a teen when I switched from violin, but you could make one up, I'm sure.

It is so great that you're taking this up again. I'd really love to.

I miss the viola. Mine is broken. Her tailpiece came off, and when I've had time to think about fixing her I have not had the money. And vice versa. The freelance life: money in inverse proportion to the free time to spend it.