Endangered Instrument Series – Viola
Alison is currently in Year 12 at Loreto Normanhurst and studies with Jane Hazelwood. She is an active member of the school’s music program, engaging in various ensembles including the School Orchestra, Chamber Strings and String Quartet. She is also the Associate Principal Viola of the SYO Philharmonic, one of Sydney Youth Orchestras’ most senior ensembles and toured to Europe with their The Sydney Youth Orchestra in April 2017.
What is your main instrument that you play in SYO? And do you play any other instruments?
I’m a violist in the SYO Philharmonic, and I used to play a little bit of piano too.
When did you start playing viola and how long have you been playing?
I started learning the viola in late 2013 – without having played the violin – so I’ve been playing for just over four years now!
What clef do you play in? Is it hard to learn a different clef?
Violists mostly play in the alto clef, but also in treble clef for higher passages. For me, learning the alto clef wasn’t too difficult – I picked up the viola after a long hiatus from music, so I had to re-learn the entire musical notation system anyway!
I’m a violist in the SYO Philharmonic, and I used to play a little bit of piano too.
When did you start playing viola and how long have you been playing?
I started learning the viola in late 2013 – without having played the violin – so I’ve been playing for just over four years now!
What clef do you play in? Is it hard to learn a different clef?
Violists mostly play in the alto clef, but also in treble clef for higher passages. For me, learning the alto clef wasn’t too difficult – I picked up the viola after a long hiatus from music, so I had to re-learn the entire musical notation system anyway!
What is your favourite piece(s) to play on viola?
'I have lots to choose from both solo and ensemble repertoire, but my favourite tends to be whatever I am playing at the moment! I currently enjoy playing Max Bruch’s Romanze as it is incredibly sweet and romantic. Ensemble-wise, my favourites are Beethoven 5, Sibelius 2, Haydn’s later symphonies and Powerhouse by Koehne. Can you tell that I’ve played all of these works with SYO before? You can hear me perform Powerhouse with SYO Philharmonic in our performance with Sydney City Youth Ballet in September.
What are the top three reasons you would give to someone thinking about taking up viola?
1. There is a great sense of camaraderie and friendship among viola players, and generally they are much less competitive
2. You gain a better understanding of the music and learn what is beyond the main melody
3. It’s different to any other instruments you may be playing already – there is no other instrument like the viola when it comes to its unique timbre, rich resonance and versatility in ensembles
'I have lots to choose from both solo and ensemble repertoire, but my favourite tends to be whatever I am playing at the moment! I currently enjoy playing Max Bruch’s Romanze as it is incredibly sweet and romantic. Ensemble-wise, my favourites are Beethoven 5, Sibelius 2, Haydn’s later symphonies and Powerhouse by Koehne. Can you tell that I’ve played all of these works with SYO before? You can hear me perform Powerhouse with SYO Philharmonic in our performance with Sydney City Youth Ballet in September.
What are the top three reasons you would give to someone thinking about taking up viola?
1. There is a great sense of camaraderie and friendship among viola players, and generally they are much less competitive
2. You gain a better understanding of the music and learn what is beyond the main melody
3. It’s different to any other instruments you may be playing already – there is no other instrument like the viola when it comes to its unique timbre, rich resonance and versatility in ensembles
What is a myth or misconception about playing viola?
Viola parts are NOT boring! Someone might open the viola part and see bars of straight quavers on the same note, but they probably won’t realise that these quavers are actually essential because they are dovetailing the First and Second Subjects. The importance of viola parts isn’t always immediately noticeable, but when you play them in context with the orchestra, it suddenly becomes an integral part in the ensemble.
What are your favourite extended techniques?
Harmonics. Since they are more technically accessible than other extended techniques like ricochet or microtones, harmonics are often not considered ‘extended techniques’ per se. However, I think they’re very underrated – there are so many possibilities to explore!
Viola parts are NOT boring! Someone might open the viola part and see bars of straight quavers on the same note, but they probably won’t realise that these quavers are actually essential because they are dovetailing the First and Second Subjects. The importance of viola parts isn’t always immediately noticeable, but when you play them in context with the orchestra, it suddenly becomes an integral part in the ensemble.
What are your favourite extended techniques?
Harmonics. Since they are more technically accessible than other extended techniques like ricochet or microtones, harmonics are often not considered ‘extended techniques’ per se. However, I think they’re very underrated – there are so many possibilities to explore!
Why should someone who plays viola join Sydney Youth Orchestras?
Given the number of roles within the orchestra that violas have to fulfil, it is essential to gain good ensemble skills. By joining young professional orchestras like SYO, you will learn from the leading professionals in the musical education field on how to master the various elements of orchestral viola playing!
Given the number of roles within the orchestra that violas have to fulfil, it is essential to gain good ensemble skills. By joining young professional orchestras like SYO, you will learn from the leading professionals in the musical education field on how to master the various elements of orchestral viola playing!
