Hey everybody,

I'm a Grade 8 Distinction violinist going to uni to do music in September and I recently acquired a viola. I've decided to teach myself over this summer but I don't know what sort of music to start with. I obviously don't need to start from the beginning as I play the violin, but the only piece I've got is Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves, which I can pretty much play.

Can anybody recommend anything??

Caroline
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i also taght myself the viola, started with the telemann viola concerto, and then learnt some of the bach cello suites transcriped for viola. You could have a look at some of the exam syllabi and see if you like the look of any of those pieces too.
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wish I could help - I was in a similar position when I had a go on the viola at easter, but I didn't find much worth looking at. Everyone seems to do the Telemann! RVW's Greensleeves is lovely on violin, it must be beautiful on the viola.

I agree with the cello transcripts - probably your best bet, unless you can Google viola music...

There is a list of music for viola graded by their appearance on exam syllabi for the various British exam boards over a number of years. It can be found here. You might find it useful.

Good luck.

Lis