The viola, a larger and deeper-sounding string instrument from the violin family, plays the alto voice in orchestras and chamber music. A person who plays the viola is called a violist or a viola player. The technique required for playing a viola has certain differences compared with that of a violin, partly because of its larger size:.

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.