Viola or violin?

[leiaorganashair]

DD is signed up to start lessons with a Suzuki teacher. Teacher teaches both viola and violin. I've signed her up for viola but now I'm having doubts mostly because I steered her towards viola purely because I played it as a child I felt it was easier to find opportunities to play in string group, orchestra etc as I got older than my brother who played the violin, we both got the same opportunities but he was in a different league to me talent wise. DD has shown an interest in music but not a particular instrument as such. My dad thinks me in early viola stages was more bearable than my brother in early violin stages which may also be a factor are there any pros of the violin I haven't thought of?

I would have said violin simply because it is more common and the repertoire almost infiniete. Yes, opportunities may be easier in string groups and orchestras - but that's assuming DD will continue to that level. What does DD want?

(sorry - I see your DD has not expressed an interest in a particular interest)

Just a though: doesn't the viola use the alto clef instead of the treble clef? So when your daughter learns to read music, the clef won't be as transferable if she subsequently wants to learn, say, the clarinet or flute

That's a good point about the clef, Aridane.
Another thing to consider is the versatility of the violin; eg. she could play fiddle, or electric violin in Jazz/pop music.
I also believe it is easier to switch from the violin to the viola rather than vice versa.
However, OP, you are right in the assumption that viola players are less common, thus more likely to get better opportunities later in life.
Why doesn't she try both? - ask the teacher if she can have a go on both. She may find that she likes the stronger vibrations and deeper sound of the viola, or she may struggle with its size?

The violin having a wider usage is a good point. DD is half Irish with an increasingly absent father and I suspect it's going to fall to me to introduce her to Irish culture. I like the idea of her being able to play folk music.

I never viewed the alto clef as much of a problem in all honesty, I found when I started piano lessons I picked up treble and bass very quickly.