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 …

Explore the viola’s rich, warm sound, its role in ensembles, and what makes this soulful string instrument essential to musical expression.

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 …

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 stringed instrument of the violin family, known for its rich, deep sound, which is lower than that of the violin but higher than the cello. Over the course of history, the viola evolved from primitive …

The viola, a key string instrument, offers rich, resonant tones. Learn about viola tuning, types, and history, explore viola music and chords, and discover its meaning and price. Whether you're starting …

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 …

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 …