First of all you'll need to fit the shoulder rest onto your viola to make it more comfortable to hold - if you don’t have one yet you can improvise by using a folded duster.

Tighten your bow (but not too tight or it will bounce), and don’t forget to put some rosin on it - this will help it to grip the strings better.

Make sure your open strings are tuned to the notes C-G-D-A, the lowest note being the C an octave below middle C on the piano. Use the adjusters, if you have them, to fine tune the notes.

When you begin to practice keep your sessions short and frequent at first – don’t overdo it – long bows and bowed and slurred scales are good for getting the feel of the instrument.

Good posture is really important when playing the viola – back problems are notorious amongst string players so make sure you’re holding it correctly, are relaxed and have enough room to bow comfortably.

If you’re looking for lessons you’ll find teachers often advertise in local shop windows, music shops and libraries. Local authority Music Services are also a good place to start, as is the Amateur Orchestras website, which is searchable by location.

When buying or renting a viola it's best to go to a music shop or specialist string dealer (who also often have good websites), and remember, the bow is just as important as the instrument itself.

If you’re interested in joining an amateur orchestra ask for information on local groups at your library or local Music Service, or try online by searching the Amateur Orchestras website by location.