viola clef

9.2

A sign on the five music lines that shows middle C on the third line, used for viola music

noun
/viˈoʊlə klɛf/

Specialized

: clave de viola

The viola clef is essential for reading music written specifically for the viola.

Examples

The sheet music for this piece was printed in viola clef, not treble clef.
Many students find it challenging to switch from treble clef to the viola clef.
The viola clef is essential for reading viola music.
Many students learn to read the viola clef in music class.
The viola clef is essential for reading music written specifically for the viola.
Many students learn to read the viola clef in music class.
The sheet music for this piece was printed in viola clef, not treble clef.

Synonyms

alto clef

vsviola clef

Specialized

7.7

A clef that shows middle C on the third line of the staff, used for writing music for the viola

is the instrument-specific name for the same symbol

Surface Forms

viola clef singular

viola clefs plural

Morphology

viola + clef

The phrase is a straightforward noun+noun composition: it denotes the clef associated with the viola. A B1 learner who knows 'viola' (the instrument) and 'clef' (a pitch-sign) will readily infer it refers to the clef used for that instrument, so the meaning is directly derivable.

Etymology

Viola clef is named because the clef sign puts 'middle C' on the third line of the music staff, and since the viola often uses that clef, people called it the viola clef. So it means the clef used for viola music.