How to Play the Viola

Think you're ready to learn music theory for the viola? In this lesson, learn about the quarter note, half note, and whole note (and their corresponding rests).

This lesson introduces the viola clef, staff, bar lines, and measures, and practices rhythms on the staff in preparation for reading notes on the viola.

Start to play your first notes on the viola! In this music lesson for beginners, practice fingering playing arco, pizzicato, and using racing tape to help.

In this beginner music lesson on how to play the viola, learn the best techniques for becoming comfortable with fingering and note names on all strings.

Ready to play your first songs on viola? In this beginner lesson, learn how to play the C, G, and D major scales and a few simple folk songs—arco and pizzicato.