Bassoon or viola?

I play bassoon and viola in college, but recently I have felt like I only have time for one. I want to be a good performer, but I really don't think I can do that on viola AND bassoon. I'm also a composition major, so that--plus homework--means I have little time to focus on too many instruments.

What should I do? And don't say, "I play everything, so you can too!" because that isn't realistic in my case.

Thank you for your help. :)

Oh man, that is a really tough choice. Personally, I LOVE both those instruments (I play neither...) so I can see how choosing between them would be difficult.

I guess you could try and pick the one you've been playing longer/are more experienced with, so that you come away with the more perfected talent, but perhaps you started at the same time and there isn't a major discrepancy in skill.

Then you might consider picking based on which one you enjoy more and which one brings you more pleasure to perform, in which case you probably wouldn't be here asking us for our opinions. So I assume you're quite stumpted. HMMMMMMMM.

I'm going to personally say bassoon, but that's more based on personal preference, relative rarity of performers, epic awesomeness of instrument, etc etc.

Good luck picking!

Either are good choices... both are rare and in demand. It's really a judgement call on your part.

That is a tough choice.

Marius and Flint make good points. My suggestion to you is to really consider carefully which of the two instruments you play the best - assuming all else to be equal - and pour your energy into that one.

I've been playing the viola just a little longer than the bassoon, but I love them both so much. I really don't know what I'm going to do... Are there any examples of people being extremely good at two very different instruments?

I'm so confused and stressed about this whole thing...

play the viola, its easier to carry around, and the name sounds better.

actually, just play what your heart desires.

I personally like the bassoon, it has a very...odd and interesting sound. No one can make the choice for you though. It's whichever instrument you feel more drawn to. Try this, don't play either for a week or two weeks, and then after two weeks or so see which one your more eager to play.

I've already agreed to focus on bassoon. I play in my school's (college) band and viola in a string quartet, so that's what I'll do.

Thank you all for the advice. :)