Violist is a term sometimes used for a musician who plays the viola. Viola player is a common alternative usage. Some important violists include:
- Noboko Imai
- Kim Kashkashian
- Yehudi Menuhin (also violinist)
- Lawrence Power
- William Primrose
- Lionel Tertis
- Pinchas Zukermann (also violinist)
- Paul Hindemith (also composer)
- Rebecca Clarke (also composer)
- Yuri Bashmet