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. The viola is a stringed musical instrument, the tenor of the violin family.

Understanding the Context

It is built in proportions similar to those of the violin but is slightly larger and is tuned a fifth lower. Located in the Strongsville Historical Village, Strongsville School for Strings will offer both traditional and Suzuki violin and viola lessons. Anyone, from children to adults, who is interested in private violin and viola lessons is welcome. In this series you'll learn about violas, bows, strings, and many other related topics.

Key Insights

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 in an instrument shop or how to choose a great rental program. Violas are the tenor of the group, and their origins date all the way back to the 1400s. Most of the greatest composers in history, including Beethoven and Mozart, featured the viola heavily in their work and it's a key member of the string quartet in any symphony orchestra. 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 string instruments and became a key instrument in orchestras and chamber music.

Final Thoughts

The viola is probably the oldest of today's main stringed orchestral instruments, predating the cello, violin and string bass. However, it is easily the least familiar of the group.