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.

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 …

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

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

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 …

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

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 …

Mar 10, 2025 · A viola is a stringed instrument that has a larger size and lower sound than a violin. While it may take some time to master the viola, you can pick one up and learn to play the basics easily.