Recommended Practice Pieces for Beginner Violinists

sunflowerHakasé Tarō

“Sunflower” that even violin beginners can play

For beginners taking on the violin, I highly recommend Taro Hakase’s “Himawari” (Sunflower).

With its heartwarming melody and gentle tempo, this piece lets you fully enjoy the violin’s resonance.

Taro Hakase is known for his outstanding performance and composition skills, and has captivated audiences with a wide range of works, including Céline Dion’s “To Love You More.” As its title suggests, “Himawari” infuses sound with longing and hope, delivering a positive message to both performers and listeners.

It’s also approachable for those just starting violin practice, allowing you to develop your technique while having fun.

strollHisaishi Joe

Stroll (My Neighbor Totoro) – Violin Cover

This is the opening theme of the anime My Neighbor Totoro.

While Sanpo is originally an anime song, it is sometimes categorized as a children’s song and is usually included in collections of nursery rhymes.

It is a standard piece for kindergarten and elementary school play activities and for school sports day marches, and it also appears in textbooks.

Since it’s fun for children to sing, with practice you’ll be able to play it on the violin quite soon as well.

There is a leap in the part that goes “Watashi wa genki~,” but practice slowly and make sure to hit the correct pitches.

For the bouncy feel, be sure to synchronize your fingers and bowing precisely.

butterflySupein min’yō

Shinichi Suzuki Violin School Volume 1 No. 39 “Lightly Row” – Instructor’s Model Performance

For beginner violinists, a perfect practice piece is a Japanese school song based on a German children’s song.

Known for its bright and lively melody, this piece is beloved by children and was included in the first volume of the Elementary School Song Collection published by the Ministry of Education in 1881.

The lyrics, written by Akiashi Nomura, depict butterflies fluttering from rape blossoms to cherry blossoms, evoking harmony with nature and the changing seasons.

With its simple, familiar melody and lyrics, it’s ideal for those wishing to build fundamental violin techniques.

Aim for an elegant tone and practice slowly and carefully.

My Heart Will Go OnJames Horner

For absolute beginner violinists: “My Heart Will Go On” (Theme from the film Titanic) played in 1st position

For those of you who have just started playing the violin, I highly recommend James Horner’s “My Heart Will Go On.” This beloved classic resonates with many and doubles the joy of performing with its moving melody.

Though simple, it’s deeply touching and easy to grasp even for first-time violinists, and with practice you’ll surely feel yourself improving.

This beautiful piece brings out the charm of violin performance and will inspire you to rediscover the wonder of music.

HumoresqueAntonín Dvořák

[7-Minute Explanation] Humoresque

It’s a piece characterized by a lively melody, composed by Antonín Dvořák, a Czech Romantic composer.

Written in the summer of 1894, the work was conceived during Dvořák’s stay in America.

Although originally written for piano, the violin arrangement is also popular.

The piece carries warmth and nostalgia, and it’s enjoyable to perform.

It’s a charming work that enriches the listener’s heart, making it perfect for violin practice.

The arrangement by violinist Fritz Kreisler is also well known.

Always With MeKimura Yumi

[Sheet Music Released] “Always With Me” from Spirited Away (Violin & Piano) — Ghibli pieces even beginners can play

I’d like to introduce a song by Yumi Kimura, who performed the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Spirited Away.

Born in Osaka Prefecture, Kimura is a singer and composer who studied abroad in the United States alone at age 16, majoring in piano at California State University.

After returning to Japan, she aimed to become a vocalist, but temporarily gave up due to health issues.

She then explored a new musical path while studying meditation and the relationship between body and mind.

This work carries a profound message centered on dreams, hope, and the cycles of life, with the power to heal and encourage listeners.

Released in July 2001, the song is also recommended for beginner violinists.

Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics will help boost your practice motivation.

To practice a piece with flats on the violin, you’ll need knowledge of accidentals.

Be careful not to habitually add a sharp to F from your scale practice.

The Re–Mi–Fa interval becomes narrower.

The melody itself is simple, so you’ll be able to play it in no time!

Do-Re-Mi SongRichard Rodgers

“Do-Re-Mi” – The Sound of Music – Joyous String Ensemble ft. The Strings

Known worldwide as a beloved classic, this piece was created in 1959 by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

It is one of the most familiar songs from the musical The Sound of Music and also has an educational aspect that makes learning the basics of music enjoyable.

The lyrics connect solfege syllables to familiar words and images, making them easy for children to understand and conveying the joy of music.

It’s also recommended for beginner violinists; its simple melody is perfect for practice.

While feeling the fun of music, you’ll be able to acquire fundamental performance skills.