Violist is a term sometimes used for a musician who plays the viola. Viola player is a common alternative usage. Some important violists include:

• Yuri Bashmet
• John Cale
• Rebecca Clarke (also composer)
• Paul Hindemith (also composer)
• Noboko Imai
• Kim Kashkashian
• Yehudi Menuhin (also violinist)
• Lawrence Power
• William Primrose
• Lionel Tertis
• Pinchas Zukerman (also violinist)