View of Alison in 1996 testing the viola support
The viola is a little heavier than a normal violin, requiring a strong left arm and good neck and chin pressure. Her left arm was not very strong and some support was needed.
This was resolved by making a virtually invisible plastic brace which could be fitted over the left shoulder, gaining some frontal support from the collar bone and upper chest area. It was made from a thin sheet of low temperature plastic which could be moulded in hot water to fit the shoulder structure.
It was well padded and enabled the viola to be placed and adjusted easily yet removed when necessary. With an appropriate blouse covering the lower support and the viola in place it was hardly noticeable and was regarded as quite successful.
