Although they are not the only instruments with strings, the string family consists of

  • violin

  • viola

  • cello

  • double bass

The instruments in the string family all look very similar, but are different sizes. The smaller instruments make higher pitched sounds than the larger instruments. The wooden bodies of the string instruments are hollow, allowing the sound to vibrate. The strings (made of nylon or steel or even gut) are usually played by drawing a bow across them. The bow is made of wood and horsehair. Sometimes the strings are plucked with the fingers, instead of played with the bow.

Teaching staff:

  • Emily Brooker

    YRC studios, Young Young Public School

    I’m Emily, a piano, vocal and violin/viola tutor. I love working with choirs and ensembles, and believe that playing or singing with other people is a wonderful way to share music with our community. Great for the music makers and the listeners! My favourite part of the YRC year is the annual musical (look our for Alice in 2022!). I play Irish fiddle, classical and pop piano, and happily sing musical theatre, folk, pop and indie rock! I delight in the mathematical precision of the circle of fifths, and believe that music theory makes life better.

    Bachelor of Social Science Post Grad Diploma of Divinity Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

    Enrol with Emily