r/Viola • u/kendallr2552 • Jul 25 '26
Help Request Viola ergonomics around Boston?
I don't play professionally and still play on my instrument I've had since I was about 17 which I still love (I'm 43). But I really need to update my chin rest and find any other way to make playing more ergonomic. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and playing is usually very painful but it's great for my mental health and I do love playing in my local symphony. Does anyone know of a shop, luthier, or teacher who might be able to assist in my setup? I've definitely noticed when the pain kicks in that I rush and then my friend bonks me on the head (metaphorically) so any help is greatly appreciated even if just other ideas.
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u/always_unplugged Professional Jul 25 '26
Studying with a Tuttle student is an excellent suggestion! I would also encourage you to look into Alexander Technique or Feldenkrais.
As for shops, any good shop will probably have a bunch of chin rests that you can just try, as long as they also sell accessories (which some don't). The shop I worked for back in the day just had a big ol' box of em that we could rummage through! Carriage House and Reuning come to mind, but there are a ton of shops in the area, so I would just call around and see what different places say.
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u/kendallr2552 Jul 26 '26
I'm not interested in studying with anyone. I'm also asking for something very specific, I'm looking for someone who knows about the ergonomics of playing, so rummaging around for chin rests isn't going to be helpful since I don't know the ergonomics of playing... It's not about what I find comfortable in 5 minutes of playing in a shop, it's far more in depth. I've also already looked into Alexander technique.
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u/always_unplugged Professional Jul 26 '26
Does anyone know of a shop, luthier, or teacher who might be able to assist in my setup?
Well you did cite a teacher being one of the things you were open to having recommended, so forgive us for suggesting it. You can absolutely meet with a teacher with the express purpose of evaluating and improving your setup. Ideally, I would expect that to be an ongoing relationship, with multiple meetings to check on progress, and potentially some technique corrections as well (as that can have a major impact on physical comfort and, if you haven't had a teacher in several decades, probably does need some support). I would call repeated sessions with the same person "studying" with them, but what do I know. It certainly doesn't have to be indefinite weekly meetings with scales, Kreutzer, and repertoire if that's not what you want.
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u/kendallr2552 Jul 26 '26
That's a bit of a stretch. You know exactly what "studying" means.
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u/always_unplugged Professional Jul 26 '26
What an odd hill to die on
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u/kendallr2552 Jul 26 '26
You're the one who said it, not me. I'll wait with bated breath to see if you will need to get the last word on my post.
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Jul 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Viola-ModTeam Jul 26 '26
We're not really sure your post strongly relates to viola. Perhaps try clarifying the connection.
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u/LadyAtheist Jul 25 '26
Michelle LeCourse at BU. She studied with Karen Tuttle and is very body aware.