Strings

All string instruments are played by drawing a bow with your right hand across 4 strings that can be varied in their vibrating length by the fingers of the left hand. Learning to co-ordinate bowing and fingering on a string instrument takes a little more time than might be needed to get started on an instrument such as an electronic keyboard but once these initial difficulties have been overcome, the rate of progress usually becomes much more dramatic! It is helpful if you have a good sense of pitch and can sing in tune. If you also have piano or keyboard lessons, this can be an advantage. Most young string players begin tuition in year 3 or 4. However, some begin earlier, and it’s never too late to start!

There is a wide range of sheet music available in good music shops written for all string instruments with piano accompaniment. There is also a growing selection of material for solo strings with a CD accompaniment provided. These days, there is no shortage of well-written and imaginative repertoire for pupils of all ages and levels. Orchestras all need many string players so it is often easier for you to gain places in student ensembles than it might be for players of instruments where only one or two are normally required. If you like the sound of the string family, there are four different instruments to choose from:

Violin

The violin is ever popular and has the widest range of use in many styles world-wide, including classical, folk and jazz and using acoustic or electric violin. There are various sizes of instrument to suit. A new, good quality beginner instrument, with bow and case, will cost just under £100. Hiring an instrument of the right size is about £15 a term and can be a good alternative until you are likely to need the same size for some time.

The violin has a very wide range from medium to very high pitch and can sound beautifully melodic as well as exciting. Most pupils can play simple tunes, holding the violin under their chin, by bowing or plucking the open strings from the first lesson. Although you can play chords, the violin mostly plays from a single line written in the treble clef. It is a particularly good instrument to learn in groups and there are many opportunities to join orchestras and ensembles very early on. From your first beginner group to being a member of the local youth orchestra may take a few years but you will be much in demand all the way.

Viola

If you like the richer, lower sounds of the slightly larger viola, tuition is similarly available, although it is also possible to transfer from violin later on in a school career. Some players continue with both. Although you have to learn from a different clef (alto), viola players are even more in demand than violinists so become very special.

‘Cello

The ‘cello produces a much deeper sound than the violin and the viola. Its tone quality is rich and mellow and it has a very extensive range. As it is considerably larger in size, it is played upright with the instrument resting on an adjustable ‘endpin’. However, size is rarely a problem for younger children as ‘three-quarter’, ‘half’ and ‘quarter’ size instruments are readily available for younger children and beginners. Some designs of ‘cello covers have ‘rucksack’ type carrying straps, which make them even easier to handle.

The ‘cello is an essential member of the symphony orchestra in which it assumes a variety of roles: sometimes providing the ‘bass line’ and at other times taking on a melodic or solo role. It is the essential bass instrument in smaller string ensembles – especially when no double bass is included.

A new ‘cello outfit’ consisting of the instrument, a bow and a case, can be obtained from about £400 upwards. On the other hand, there is always a second-hand market for cellos. As with all string instruments, cellos tend to maintain their value very well, providing they have been kept in good condition. There is no limited ‘working life’. Indeed, good quality instruments often improve with age.

Double Bass and Mini-Bass

The double bass provides the essential low notes in many different ensemble settings – orchestras, string and jazz groups. Occasionally, it is also used as a solo instrument.

Young children could not be expected to handle a full size double bass, and they normally begin on a ‘mini-bass’. This is lighter and easier to handle. It is suitable for 8 - 12 year olds, and it provides access to ensembles and lots of fun.

The Hertfordshire Music Service mini-bass scheme has proved very popular in a variety of settings e.g. as part of our primary schools' string initiative for ensemble teaching of all string instruments. A number of other primary schools have offered mini-bass with success, and discovered how it adds resonance to a range of music making activities. In some music centres we offer free loan of a mini-bass, some free lessons (for a limited period) and a progression of ensembles. Taster sessions can be arranged for schools, and prospective individual pupils can try out a bass at a music centre (by arrangement).