How Much Does a Viola Cost?

One of the hobbies that moms can really benefit from is learning an instrument, but what happens when it’s not the traditional piano? You’re likely diving in without a full picture of the expense of a new instrument, the cost of learning said instrument, and even how much it can be to maintain your instrument. And, while every instrument can’t be covered in a singular article, we CAN answer the question “how much does a viola cost?”

So, how much does a viola cost? A viola’s price can vary depending on the quality and level of viola you want to purchase. For example, the cost of a viola for a member of a prestigious orchestra is going to be a lot different than one for a mom looking to learn the viola at home. Student violas start around $200 while professional-level violas can be over $10k.

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What is a Viola?

The viola is a string instrument that can be bowed, plucked, or played with differing techniques. It’s a little bit bigger than a violin and has a lower and deeper sound. The name “viola” actually originates from the Italian language. Italians often used the term viola da braccio – meaning “of the arm.”

There is no specific size of a viola, just that it’s typically larger than a violin and smaller than a cello. The sound of a viola actually depends more on the type of wood used to make the instrument, along with the varnish and player.

How Much Does a Viola Cost?

We touched on it a little bit in the beginning, but a beginner viola (one that you would need to start viola as a hobby) starts at around $200 and can go up to around $2,000. An intermediate viola ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, while a professional viola is any where from $10,000 and beyond.

A used viola is a bit more affordable, but quality and care can vary. Used violas cost anywhere from $50 to $750 for the beginner level.

Many beginner violas are actually sold in kits. This allows you to have some of the basics when learning how to play the viola at home – which is particularly helpful if you’re planning on learning the viola at home on your own.

Where Can You Buy a Viola?

Local music/instrument shops are the best place to start when shopping for a viola. Next, you’ll want to check out online music shops – just always check the reviews. If you’re looking for an affordable option that comes as a bundle, this Mendini 14-Inch MA250 Varnish Solid Wood Viola from Amazon is only $150 and is one of their top-rated for the price.

If you’re shopping for a used viola, local shops are the best place to start as well. You’ll also want to check local thrift stores and your Facebook Marketplace. If you’re not comfortable shopping in person, eBay has become a trusted shopping platform – even for instruments.

What Type of Payment Options Are Available When Purchasing a Viola?

Most local shops – and even Amazon, depending on the price – offer payment plans for instruments. You typically have the option of rent-to-own or lease-to-own, or Afterpay if purchasing online.

The downside is that you may end up paying even more for a viola than you originally budgeted for, just over a longer period of time.

How Expensive is it to Learn Viola?

Depending on how you prefer to learn, viola can be affordable or expensive. You can choose to learn viola on your own using free resources or invest in a private music instructor near you. Sadly, we’ve missed out on the opportunity to learn for free in school at this point – but that doesn’t mean you should count yourself out.

There are pros and cons to each learning method. You’ll have varying levels of proficiency from your teachers, differing costs, and even differing time frames for learning.

The Cost of Learning Viola at Home (on your own)

You can learn the viola at home for essentially free, excluding the cost of your viola. Thanks to Youtube, there are tons of free resources available for those who want to learn how to play a new instrument – viola included. The top two Youtube channels that help beginners learn viola at home are Strings with Dr. Sulbarán and String Life.

Now, if you can’t rely on a Youtube channel to teach you (no shame here), there are some low-cost resources available online that you can use. Play Viola Today: A Complete Guide to the Basics (The Ultimate Self-teaching Method!) is a great beginner’s guide to learning the viola at home.

How Expensive Are Viola Lessons?

If you can find a group or class, it’ll be much more affordable. If not, you’re looking at taking private viola lessons with a teacher that you drive to or that comes to you. If the teacher drives to you, it’s a bit more expensive. You’ll need to check your local music shops for exact prices, but you’re looking at a typical investment of $100-$200 per month.

If you’re open to taking lessons from home, you can learn via websites like Take Lessons. Take Lessons offers viola lessons from a range of private tutors – all online. The 30-minute sessions cost anywhere from $15 to $210 based on the teacher.

Are you interested in learning a new instrument as a hobby? Let me know in the comments below!

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