“THE VIOLA dates from the same time as the violin, coming into existence in the early to middle 16th century (certainly not later than around 1530).

At first the viola was called the ‘alto-tenor’ violin, as the term ‘viola’ was used to refer to any Western classical
stringed instrument that was bowed. But eventually the word ‘viola’ came to refer specifically to the viola da braccia (meaning the viola played in the arms), hence the German word bratsche that is still used for the viola today.
Acoustically the viola has a problem. To get the best sound from the lowest notes, an ideal viola would have to be so long (from the tip of the neck to the bottom of the belly) that it would be almost impossible to play. Around about the 17th century some ‘tenor-violas’ were made which were very long, but this type of viola was rarely played, although some examples survive.

In the late 18th century the viola emerged from being the instrument which just ‘filled in’ in the middle of an ensemble. Some composers even began to write concertos for it. This increasing prominence led to experiments to try and improve the viola, but it wasn’t really until the 20th century that the most successful steps forward were made. The main mover in the viola’s development was the viola-player Lionel Tertis who collaborated with the instrument-maker Arthur Richardson from about 1937 to try to create the ideal viola.”

– The viola: a brief history
(http://www.soundjunction.org)

Lessons

You can learn an instrument in many different ways. The following are videos, places where to go, and/or how to get one on one help with the viola.

By clicking on the following video, you can watch beginner lessons


Looking for personal tutor? No problem. You can find some of the highest quality help for the viola here:

At http://takelessons.com/category/viola-lessons you can find professionals that help you in your preference of one on one, or find a local in-studio session.