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The score shown uses the alto clef, also called the C clef on the third line. This clef is identified by its distinctive symbol at the beginning of the staff, which resembles two curved brackets pointing inward toward the middle line. The alto clef places middle C on the third (middle) line of the five-line staff, and every other note is read relative to that reference point.

Among standard orchestral and ensemble instruments, the viola is the instrument that reads music written in the alto clef as its primary clef. This is the single most reliable way to identify a viola part in a score: if the part is written in alto clef, it is almost certainly intended for the viola.

The other instruments offered as options each use different clefs:

• The violin reads from the treble clef (G clef), which places the note G on the second line.
• The cello reads primarily from the bass clef (F clef), switching to the tenor clef (C clef on the fourth line) for higher passages, but never the alto clef.
• The guitar reads from the treble clef, sounding one octave lower than written.

Whenever you see a score written in the alto clef, associate it immediately with the viola. This is a standard identification point in music theory examinations.