The violin's deeper-voiced sibling — and the heart of every string ensemble. Available to students who have completed Grade 5 in Violin at FSG.
Viola is not a bigger violin. The bowing technique is heavier, the clef is different (alto clef rather than treble), and the instrument demands a different physical approach. Students who come from a violin background are often surprised by how much there is to relearn — and how satisfying that learning is.
The viola reads in alto clef — unfamiliar even to experienced string players. We cover clef reading systematically so it becomes second nature early in the course.
Bowing arm weight, finger pressure and vibrato all work differently on viola. We don't assume violin technique transfers automatically — we rebuild the physical approach specifically for this instrument.
The viola's natural home is in a string quartet or orchestra. Classes include ensemble repertoire and preparation for playing in FSG's performing groups.
Full ABRSM viola syllabus from Initial to Grade 8. Students continue the grade ladder they started on their primary instrument, now on viola.
ABRSM has a complete viola syllabus from Initial through Grade 8. Students who have Grade 5 Violin already have the music-reading and theory foundation needed to make rapid progress on viola. We advise on ABRSM exam session timing at the enquiry stage.
The viola is one of the least commonly taught instruments in Bangalore — most students never encounter one. FSG offers it as a natural progression for string and keyboard students who want to deepen their ensemble capability.
Violas are provided at class — we have a 15" and a 14" viola available for students to use during sessions. No instrument purchase is required to start.
Covered systematically from the first lesson. Not assumed from treble or bass clef knowledge — we build it from scratch even for experienced violinists.
Students learn from string quartet and chamber music literature — not just solo pieces — to build genuine ensemble musicianship from an early stage.
Viola tuition is uncommon in Bangalore. FSG is one of the few schools in the city with an active viola pathway.
Kolkata-based violin virtuoso Anubrato Ghatak visited FSG to run an exclusive masterclass for our string students. The session covered tone production, intonation and the musical shaping that separates exam-level playing from concert-level playing — directly applicable to viola students moving through the ABRSM syllabus.
Message us on WhatsApp — we'll advise on instrument sizing, check your prerequisite grade, and confirm availability.
💬 Enquire on WhatsApp →July 25, 2026 · Samarthanam, Bangalore · Viola solos and chamber ensemble pieces welcome — open to all performers who have completed a grade exam in the last 12 months — FSG students, independent learners, and students from other schools welcome.