1. Viola String Instrument Introduction (Western Music)

2. A Supporting Character
Viola belongs to string instruments which contains four strings and it is commonly made of wood. The size of a viola is slightly larger than a violin and it can produce a lower and softer sound, the requirements of technique and physical strength is relatively much higher. Viola is always used as accompaniment and seldom arrange as a solo performance .
String
instrument
String
instrument
A Supporting Character
Viola

3. Position in Orchestra
Mainly acts as an accompaniment to make the sounds of performance much harmonious
An orchestra commonly contains two to eight viola players
Play the role of Middle-higher range and perform a typical soft low-patched sound

4. The Sercet of Viola ! Pegbox
The notation of viola is generally marked in alto clef.
Strings
Bridge
Bow
Rosin

5. The Sercet of Viola Q How to read Alto Clef (C Clef)？ A
The most common clef that we use for most of the instruments are Treble Clef (G Clef) and Bass Clef (F clef). Beside these two clefs, we also have a clef called Alto clef which is not often used except viola.
Alto clef is using a different format to read the notes of the clef compare to treble clef and bass clef. The note on the middle line is always C. (shown as follows)

6. The Sercet of Viola Q
What are the differences between violin and viola?
Viola
Violin A
The structure, material and shape of violin and viola are similar. The main difference is the size of a viola is slightly bigger than a violin. There is no standard length among the violas. It is usually 16 inches long (around 41 cm) for most violas nowadays.

7. The Sercet of Viola Violin E A D G Q
Are the four strings of the viola have a same tone with those of the violin? A
The viola's four strings are normally tuned in fifths below the violin so that they have three strings in common. However, their sound are in difference.
Viola A D G C

8. The Sercet of Viola Violin Q A
Are there any difference between the bows of the viola and the violin?
Violin A
The bow of the viola is slightly shorter than the violin ‘s. The weight of the viola’s bow is around 70g. to 72g., heavier than the violin’s for 3g. to 11g..
Viola

9. Gesture in Performance
The arm which holds the viola curves and places the viola on the shoulder. Then tightens it with the chopfallen and shoulder.
Vibrates the strings to produce sounds by the bow.
Some compositions can be played by plucking the strings.
The bowing area is larger and different fingerings is required. A violist may also employs the fleshier pad of the finger to hold the bow.
The violist must begin moving the bow a fraction of a second sooner as it takes more time to produce a sound on a thicker strings compare to the strings on violin.

10. Famous Violists Tertis Primrose Karl Philipp Stamitz (1745－1801)
Lionel Tertis (1876－1975)
William Primrose (1904－1982 )
Primrose
Nishizaki Takako (1944—)

11. Famous Violist Compositions
H. L. Berlioz : Harold in Italy
W.A. Mozart : Sinfonia concertante in E flat for violin,viola and orchestra
R.G. Strauss : Don Quixote
E. Elgar : Enigma Variations