The viola (/ viˈoʊlə / vee-OH-lə, [1] (ⓘ) Italian: [ˈvjɔːla, viˈɔːla]) is a string instrument of the violin family, and is usually bowed when played. Violas are slightly larger than violins, and have a lower sound.

Viola, stringed musical instrument, the tenor of the violin family. It is built in proportions similar to those of the violin but has a body length of 37 to 43 cm (14.5 to 17 inches), about 5 cm (2 inches) longer …

Sep 30, 2025 · We are an organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the viola and those who love it.

Known as the "big fiddle," the viola serves as the middle voice because of its mid-range in the stringed instrument family, between the upper lines played by the violin and the lower lines played by the cello …

Nobody knows for sure where and when the first viola was created. However, it is known for a fact that the instrument was in use in northern Italy around the same time as its cousin, the violin (i.e. the first …

Review the basics of how to play the viola, including how to hold the viola, tune your viola, viola fingering, viola care, viola bowing, and how to read viola music.

The viola is a plucked string instrument belonging to the string family; it is similar in size to the violin (slightly larger) but has a deeper tone. Its history is long and fascinating, dating back to the Middle …

You play the viola by tucking it between your chin and shoulder, just like the violin. Your left hand presses down on the strings to change the pitch, and your right hand moves the bow or plucks the …

Jul 10, 2025 · He is virtually synonymous with the increasing importance of the viola as a solo and recital instrument alongside the violin and the cello. This biography, the first full-length survey of his life, …

In this series you'll learn about violas, bows, strings, and many other related topics. The idea behind this series is to give you a good synopsis of what you need to know about the viola, from what to look for …