[Violin] Recommended practice pieces for violin beginners. Famous pieces you’ll want to try playing.
Even as adults, many of us still dream of one day playing the violin with elegance.
When you finally take the plunge, buy a violin, and get ready to play, choosing the right practice pieces becomes very important.
If you don’t find the music engaging, you won’t keep up with practice; but if it’s too difficult, you might give up quickly.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of pieces that are perfect for beginner violin practice.
We’ve included not only classical masterpieces, but also popular tunes that are favorites for violin performance.
These are all well-known songs, and there are plenty of beginner-friendly arrangements available, so you can feel confident starting out.
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[Violin] Recommended practice pieces for violin beginners. Famous pieces you might want to try playing (11–20)
Shining Future ~Tangled~NEW!Alan Menken
One recommended piece for people who love Disney and have started learning the violin is “I See the Light,” a song from Tangled.
It’s memorable how Rapunzel, the heroine, begins to sing as sky lanterns rise during the birthday celebration of the kingdom’s princess—held in the belief that she will return—creating a quintessentially Disney, dreamlike scene.
The original is in C major and can be played entirely in first position, making it approachable.
To play it beautifully, focus on your bowing technique and practice maintaining accurate intonation and a solid tone.
TraumereiNEW!Robert Schumann
For those who have started taking lessons at a music school and are practicing from scales, some may find jumping straight into classical music difficult.
However, among the many classical masterpieces with long histories, there are certainly pieces that even beginner violinists can learn to play.
How about “Träumerei” by Robert Schumann? In the introduction videos, some are designed to make practice easier by including finger numbers and color-coding for the strings as supplementary explanations alongside the sheet music.
There are also performance clips as demonstrations, so you can pause and check whenever you feel unsure, making these videos supportive for anyone who wants to improve.
It’s a highly recommended piece for those who want to play classical music properly and prefer to start with something accessible rather than a difficult piece.
Flowers will bloom.NEW!Kanno Yōko
This charity song was created to support both the material and emotional recovery of the areas and people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011, and since its release it has soothed the hearts of many.
Gentle and full of hope, the song continues to give listeners the joy of living and the courage to walk toward the future.
Designed as a charity song so that many different people can sing it, “Hana wa Saku” is, of course, also easy to play on instruments, and its beautiful melody stirs the performer’s emotions as well.
Although it is slow and easy to play, it has a wide range, covering from the G string to the E string.
Be careful not to touch other strings when changing strings, and practice thoroughly so that each note rings cleanly.
My Neighbor TotoroNEW!Hisaishi Joe
If you had to pick a representative film from Studio Ghibli, it would be My Neighbor Totoro.
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, with lyrics written by him, composed by Joe Hisaishi, and sung by the Japanese vocalist Azumi Inoue, the song has gained great popularity.
This refreshing and energetic piece is sure to be enjoyable even when performed on the violin.
From the expansive opening vocal line onward, the melody requires good bow control to sustain a clear, resonant tone.
The chorus often moves in intervals of a third, making it good practice for skipping a note when you play.
Many beginner-friendly arrangements of Studio Ghibli songs are available, so why not choose sheet music that suits you and give it a try?
At Zanarkand ~ Final Fantasy X ~NEW!Uematsu Nobuo
If you love video game music and want to try playing it on the violin, we recommend “To Zanarkand,” an iconic track from Final Fantasy X composed by Nobuo Uematsu.
This bittersweet, ephemeral melody likely left a strong impression on many listeners alongside the protagonist Tidus’s line: “This might be our last chance, you know? So I want to tell you everything.” The piece was originally written for flute by Nobuo Uematsu, so it was intended to be performed on an instrument.
While it’s also strongly associated with the piano, it’s a masterpiece that stirs the emotions when played on the violin as well.
It’s in a slow 3/4 time, but if you’re still studying note reading and aren’t used to it, you might struggle to keep up with the triple meter.
Fit the melody into the tempo and play so you don’t fall behind.
Dragon Quest ‘Overture’sugiyama kouichi
Koichi Sugiyama, who was active across a wide range of genres from classical music to pop, has an interesting anecdote about this famous piece from his signature work, the Dragon Quest series: he reportedly completed it in just five minutes.
It’s a popular number that transcends the realm of video game music and is performed in concert halls as well.
Sugiyama believed that game music—which is listened to repeatedly—needs a timeless appeal that doesn’t grow tiresome.
This piece is also recommended for beginner violinists.
Its simple yet memorable melody is sure to boost your motivation to practice.
It’s a must-listen both for those interested in classical music and for fans of game music.
Pachelbel’s CanonJohann Pachelbel
Pachelbel’s Canon is a recommended practice piece for beginner violinists.
Composed by Johann Pachelbel, it is characterized by its graceful melody.
There are many arrangements tailored for beginners, and the canon form allows players to enjoy unique harmonies while improving their technique.
In 1968, it became widely known through a performance conducted by Jean-François Paillard, and it is now beloved by many performers.
Its beautiful melody showcases the violin’s resonant sound and is sure to help sustain motivation during practice.
A Whole New World ~Aladdin~Alan Menken
The popular song from Disney’s Aladdin is the work of Alan Menken, an iconic figure of the Disney Renaissance.
Familiar with piano and violin from childhood, Menken was born and raised in New York in July 1949.
This piece portrays Aladdin and Jasmine riding a magic carpet and exploring a whole new world.
Filled with hopes for freedom and dreams, the two sing of limitless possibilities, inspiring courage in listeners.
As a practice piece for beginner violinists, this song strikes an excellent balance between a beautiful melody and rhythmic sections, making it ideal for developing technique.
Why not enjoy practicing it?
Tufted puffinHakasé Tarō
For those just starting the violin, I’d like to introduce Taro Hakase’s famous piece Etopirika.
It’s a violin piece whose gentle, beautiful tone is truly enchanting.
While playing the theme of Etopirika in higher positions can produce a lovely sound, even if you don’t, starting an octave lower than written and playing with feeling can create a wonderful atmosphere.
D major, with two sharps, might make you think “Wow, sharps” on the piano, but on the violin it’s easy to play because you can use open strings and run the scale.
Begin by practicing the theme repeatedly, and then gradually challenge yourself with the interlude.
There’s a special sense of emotion when you work hard, practice, and return to the theme again.
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Starfuransu min’yō
This piece traces its origins to a French chanson.
Born around the 18th century, it became a beloved children’s song worldwide through English-lyric adaptations.
Thanks to its simple melody, it’s perfect for those just starting the violin! And because it’s built from a limited range of pitches, it’s ideal for learning basic fingerings.
It’s also a recommended practice piece for adults beginning the violin.
Starting with a familiar tune can ease anxiety about the instrument and make practice more enjoyable.