Things to do · Arts and crafts
Learn the viol (viola da gamba)
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The viol is the fretted, bowed string family of Byrd, Dowland and Purcell, held on the knees or between the legs and played in consorts of several sizes. Both the British and American viol societies hire out instruments, and beginners' days and classes let you try one before you commit.
Moderate£100 to £500 / $130 to $650MonthsIndoorsWith othersUK and US
What it's really like
Viols come in families. The treble is about the size of a violin, the tenor sits between violin and cello, and the bass is about the size of a cello. Most have six strings and gut frets tied around the neck.
All sizes are held on the knees or between the legs, and the bow is usually held underhand. The tuning runs in fourths with a third in the middle, and the back is flat.
Much of the music is for consorts, small groups in which every part is equal. Viols developed in Italy and Spain in the late 15th century, were especially popular in England until the mid-17th century and were revived in the 20th.
Beginners' courses usually ask for music reading rather than string experience. Benslow's Viol Discovery Day needs no string playing but asks that you can read music; the Levine School in Washington asks for fluent sight-reading in at least one clef and some experience of singing or playing.
Ways in and what they cost
| Where | Format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Benslow Music, Hitchin | Viol Discovery Day, a one-day small-group introduction to history, technique and repertoire; no instrument of your own needed | Not listed on the page |
| The Early Music Shop, Saltaire | Viol lessons with Susanna Pell, who has toured and recorded with Fretwork, for beginners and more advanced players | Not listed; contact the shop |
| Levine Music, Washington DC | Introduction to Viola da Gamba, Tuesday evenings, sessions from February and April 2027; limited loan viols via the VdGSA | $311 a session |
| Viola da Gamba Society of America | Rental viols on a renewable 12-month contract, for members | $300 a year for treble or tenor; $400 for bass; $100 refundable deposit |
| VdGSA Conclave, US | Annual week-long gathering on a college campus for all levels; in 2026, a Beginning Viol Program with free tuition for those staying off campus and a free loan viol (past run) | Tuition free off campus in 2026; conference fee plus room and board on campus |
In the UK, the Viola da Gamba Society runs a hire scheme for members through Bridgewood & Neitzert in London, and its Joy Dodson Music Fund helps students pay for viol courses.
How to start
- Make sure you can read music; the beginners' viol courses below ask for it, though not for string experience.
- Book a taster, such as a viol discovery day or an introductory class, where you do not need your own instrument.
- Join the Viola da Gamba Society (UK) to hire a viol, or the Viola da Gamba Society of America to rent one and find teachers and local chapters.
Where to go
- Viola da Gamba Society (UK): course notices (may be out of date) UK
- Benslow Music: Viol Discovery Day (Hitchin) UK
- Viola da Gamba Society of America: learn to play US
- Viola da Gamba Society of America: rental viols US
We opened these links on 13 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
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The links you need to book it, get there, find somewhere to stay and eat, and see what else there is to do nearby. They are searches for you to run; nothing is saved.
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Plan it with dates
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a viol and a cello?
The bass viol is about the size of a cello, but it has frets, usually six strings and a different tuning, and the bow is held underhand.
Can I learn the viola da gamba without playing another string instrument?
Yes. Benslow's Viol Discovery Day needs no string experience, but you must be able to read music.
Where can I hire a viola da gamba?
The Viola da Gamba Society runs a hire scheme for members in the UK, and the Viola da Gamba Society of America rents viols to members at $300 a year for treble or tenor and $400 for bass, as last listed.
Which size of viol should a beginner start on?
The Levine School asks renters to tell the instructor whether they want a treble, tenor or bass. Ask your teacher or course which size they need.
Where this comes from: Viola da Gamba Society, About viols; Viola da Gamba Society, What we do; Viola da Gamba Society, Courses and workshops; Benslow Music, Viol Discovery Day; Benslow Music, Viol Discovery Day (Sam Stadlen); The Early Music Shop, Tuition at Saltaire; Levine Music, Introduction to Viola da Gamba; VdGSA, Learn; VdGSA, Rental viols; VdGSA, About Conclave; VdGSA, Conclave 2026 programs. Opened 13 November 2026.
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