AboutTodd Sullivan Expertise Hello, I am a NYC violinist performing for Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, opera, and sundry theatre/pop tours. I would be happy to answer your questions about anything related to being a performer in the music business. I play both violin and viola professionally, so questions on playing either instrument are welcome. The only thing I am not well informed on is information concerning instruments/bows...those questions are best left to luthiers.
Experience Professional experience includes a variety of on/off Broadway tours and shows, numerous orchestras, tours with Ray Charles and Ann Murray orchestras, leader of the 20-piece Todd Sullivan Orchestra.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Fine Arts (violin) with honors from Carnegie Mellon University (1999)
Question I am a Viola Player I have been playing for 9 years I graduate high school in 1 year and This between this year and last year I got very into the violin. Is it hard to switch? I am first chair viola and made the school talent show playing Violin solo. Would it be confusing to me to play both because I can play both clefs as well as part cello.
Answer If your goal is to pursue music as a profession, I recommend that you specialize in one of the instruments due to your age. At this point in your life, where you will be auditioning for music schools, you need to perform at a very high level that is difficult to attain if you divide your attention and time between two instruments. Doubling (playing both violin and viola) is extremely useful as a professional, and nearly useless as a student. For this reason it is best to master one and pick the other instrument up after you are out of school and starting to make your way as a working musician (Plus you will have much more free time than you do as a student to pursue secondary skills).
It is not confusing to switch back and forth once you are accustomed to the physical adjustments that need to be made. In fact, some of the fine skills unique to the secondary instrument will improve your playing on the primary instrument.
