The viola is the second-smallest member of the string family. It’s only slightly larger than the violin.
The viola is held under the chin and rests on the player’s left shoulder. Like the violin, the left hand presses down on the strings to alter the pitch, while the right hand moves the bow across the strings, or plucks the strings.
The viola produces a warm sound. In the orchestra it usually plays the harmony.
The two holes in the front of the viola are known as ‘F holes’ because they are shaped
like beautiful letter Fs. You’ll also see these holes in the front of a violin, cello and double
bass.