Should I switch from cello to viola ? (x-post r/cello and r/viola)
I (25M) just started to take cello lessons in my small town conservatory (in France). I have played drums as a child for ten years and dabbled on my guitar for a few years. You can count me as a total beginner in melodic music.
Learning to play seriously a melodic string instruments has been something I have been thinking aboout for a few years now and this September, I finally decided to go for it. I would really like to play in an orchestra someday (not professionnaly though), but I love to play for myself as well.
The issue I have is that, after a few lessons, I wonder if I made the right choice by picking the cello ? I would say I like equally the sound of the viola annd the cello, but I am torn between the two. I know the cello has more melodic lines in orchestral set-ups and a richer repertoire. Nevertheless, I already feel like the logistics of the cello are cumbersome. I live in an apartment, take the bus the my lessons, have to take the train to go home pretty much every month. It is beginning to hurt my back to carry it, and play it as well (my teacher corrected my position, but it still hurts somehow ...)
I did not think much of it before renting a cello and starting lesson, but I do not know if should make the switch before it is too late. I would be grateful to have your opinions ! :)