A dream come true

Last weekend we bought to my girl her own viola. I think 550 euros for that instrument was a good deal. When we went to the store there was a violin teacher and a viola teacher helping us to choose the right instrument. Even I could hear the difference between those little 11 inches violas. Still I think I was happy I didn't have to make the decision myself. I was happy to hear the teacher of our girl to concratulate us for buying such a good instrument.

This kind of hobby forces us parents to take actively part to it. I feel a bit insecure about watching if she holds the viola right ect. How could I know? I have never played any violins or violas. There's lot to learn for me too.

I was googling information about violas before going to buy one. I found couple of thesis about viola in music schools ect. There was a one question that was written in many texts about the problem of identity concerning viola players who change the instrument from the violin to the viola, as used to be the case of almos all viola players. My child seems to have very strong identity about her instrument. She is really strict about calling the instrument right. If somebody asks her: How is it to play the violin? She corrects it immediately, it is the viola, don't you know? She is proud to play the viola, she thinks it is the best instument of all, at least better than the whining violin. There was a one music pedagogue who asked if it would have been more wise to start with the violin. That is changing, but maybe for some people it is still new that a 6-year-old can start with the viola. At least in Finland there has been small violas for sale less than 10 years.


I am very content to see the enthusiasm that my child has. She was "playing" front of the mirror, proudly watching herself. The she said: "I dreamed this so much, but now I don't need to dream anymore because I'm doing it right now." What a wonderful feeling for a parent! I have offered her something she dreamed about. I wish that enthusiasm lasts.