Beginner viola - size

[Uncle Buck]

Sorry for asking a really dumb question. My son is starting beginning orchestra on viola. What do I measure on him to see if he needs a 13, 14, 15, or 16 inch instrument? (He is 11, 6th grade, arms maybe slightly shorter than average.)

Thanks!

(And yeah, I'm asking a viola question on a tuba board. Cause I trust this group!)

[scottw]

The teacher generally measures a student using different size instruments. In playing position, the student is asked to cup the scroll in the palm of his hand. If he can only cup it with the fingers, he needs a smaller size, until he gets to the correct one. If he cups it in the palm but the elbow is not comfortably extended, then it is too small. The teacher should let you know what size is recommended.
Hope this helps!

[Uncle Buck]

Thanks!