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

Mar 10, 2026 · The viola is a stringed musical instrument, the tenor of the violin family. It is built in proportions similar to those of the violin but is slightly larger and is tuned a fifth lower.

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 …

Read about the history of the viola: its origin, its famous makers, players, composers who loved it, played it & wrote for it. Did the viola come before the violin?

Feb 18, 2026 · We are an organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the viola and those who love it.

The viola, a larger and deeper-sounding string instrument from the violin family, plays the alto voice in orchestras and chamber music.

Discover the characteristics, sound, and history of the viola, the older sibling of the violin. Learn more about the topic on Handmade Sound.

ViolaOnline.com offers free viola sheet music and free online viola lessons and viola instruction for all ages.

“The History of the Viola” was a culmination of eleven years of worldwide research including stops in Scandinavia, Russia, France and England visiting museums, libraries, book stores and archival …

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 …