Are shoulder rests necessary?

Are shoulder rests necessary?

Holding a violin without a shoulder rest will allow you to play better in tune with less practice. It will also allow your sound to become richer, deeper, and more natural. Finally, it will allowy you to play with less tension and become almost immediately more comfortable.

Why does my shoulder hurt when I play viola?

Pain in the right shoulder, neck and upper back is not uncommon amongst violinists as well. Often times the shoulder blade, or scapula, can be slumped and pulled up and forward from overuse of the upper trapezius and pectoral muscles, and weakness of the lower scapular muscles.

Are violin and viola shoulder rests the same?

All violins and violas are required to use a shoulder rest. Shoulder rests are given the same size as the instrument, such as a Violin 4/4 Shoulder Rest would be for a 4/4 or full size violin. The recommended brand of shoulder rest is Everest (ES Series). It comes in a variety of sizes and is adjustable.

Can you use a violin shoulder rest on a viola?

Shoulder rests are used to help violists hold up their viola. There are many varieties of shoulder rests available, and the selection of a shoulder rest is very personal. If you play a small viola, you may want to use a violin shoulder rest (a 14″ viola would be comparable to a full-size 4/4 violin).

What is a viola shoulder rest?

Shoulder rests are an optional component of the viola, sitting between your shoulder the bottom of the viola. As with most other components of the viola, the shoulder rest must feel comfortable to you or else you will be miserable while playing. The viola shoulder rest you choose is all about personal preference.

How much does a shoulder rest cost?

Price: Shoulder rests can range anywhere from $10 to $70, but we recommend most students spend about $20-30 on a quality shoulder rest. Aduistability: Most shoulder rests are adjustable in several different ways. You can adjust the height of the rest by tightening or loosening the screws that the feet are attached to.

How do I choose a good viola?

When choosing a viola look for specific traits, such as:

1. Quality tonewoods—the viola should feature a Spruce wood belly (top plate), and include other woods like maple and ebony.
2. Tight Construction—Like the violin, the fittings have an influence in the sound quality.

How do I choose a viola shoulder rest?

Things to consider when picking out a shoulder rest include finding one that is made from a material you find comfortable, does not affect the sound you want to get from your instrument, and fits your body type.

Do you need a shoulder rest to play the violin?

Most violinists (especially beginners) need a good violin shoulder rest to comfortably play the violin for any period of time. How to judge size: if you have a longer neck, you need a taller shoulder rest.

How to adjust your shoulder rest and play comfortably?

Most shoulder rests are adjustable in height on both sides. Adjust the width of your shoulder rest properly. The width depends on how far you want the rest to be on the violin. The wider your shoulder rest is, the more it goes down on the violin and the more it will move to the edge of your shoulder while playing.

When do you not need a shoulder rest?

If you have a short neck you probably don’t want a big shoulder rest. You might be happier without shoulder rest or with a shoulder pad, like the inflatable Playonair. It’s also softer than a shoulder rest.

How to judge the size of a shoulder rest?

How to judge size: if you have a longer neck, you need a taller shoulder rest. Most rests are adjustable in height as well as shape, so it shouldn’t be too hard to shape one into something that works for you. Eliminating strain on your neck and shoulder is the end goal.