Recommended Practice Pieces for Beginner Violinists

German folk songkaeru no uta

New Violin Method Book 1 No. 33 “Frog” – Instructor’s Model Performance

The Japanese children’s song “Kaeru no Gasshou” (Frog Chorus), based on a German folk tune, is widely used in music education.

It features a simple melody and lyrics, as well as a round (canon) form, making it ideal for beginner violin practice.

The part that imitates frog calls helps spark interest in music while keeping it fun.

Adopted in the 1947 national textbook, it has been loved across generations.

This piece lets learners study basic pitch and rhythm while also developing expressive skills.

It’s recommended for those just starting the violin.

It’s said to be used as the departure melody at JR East’s Ryūgasaki-shi Station.

Minuet in G majorLudwig van Beethoven

Beethoven Minuet in G major – Violin Explained! Practice Video

Composed by the great master of classical music, Beethoven, this piece is recommended for those who have just started playing the violin.

Let’s play its beautiful melody to the elegant three-beat rhythm of a minuet.

Written around 1795, this early Beethoven work is a masterpiece that already showcases his talent.

Its delicate and graceful melodic lines are distinctive and soothing to listeners.

It’s a familiar piece often used in films and TV shows, which can boost your motivation to practice.

Why not practice slowly and carefully, and immerse yourself in Beethoven’s world?

Tufted puffinHakasé Tarō

Taro Hakase - Etupirka (OFFICIAL)

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.

Meditation from ThaïsJules Massenet

[Violin Beginner] Méditation from Thaïs | Started as an adult, 1 year and 6 months – Méditation / Violin beginner (1y6m)

This is a piece from an opera by a composer who represents 19th-century France.

Its elegant and beautiful melody has captured many hearts and is cherished as a staple of violin performance.

The piece expresses the protagonist’s changing emotions within the opera’s story and has a quiet, persuasive power that seems to speak directly to the listener.

There are many scores arranged for beginners available, so why not give it a try? Since its premiere in Paris in 1894, this masterpiece has continued to be beloved by many.

Through your performance, try to convey the deep emotions embedded in the music.

German lullabynemure yoiko yo niwa ya bokujou ni (mo-tsuaruto no komoriuta)

Mozart's Lullaby (Violin Luce)

Known as a German lullaby, this piece is characterized by its gentle and soothing melody.

Although it was long attributed to Mozart, it has been established that Bernhard Flies composed it and Friedrich Wilhelm Gotter wrote the lyrics.

Composed in the late 18th century, the song features touching lyrics that gently encourage a child to sleep, set against the quiet of night and the tranquility of nature.

Its simple melodic line and chord progression make it approachable even for beginning violinists.

It was used as the theme song for the 2005 Japanese film “Lorelei,” resonating with many listeners.

This is a recommended piece for those interested in classical music or looking to practice a calm, peaceful tune.

SicilianaGabriel Urbain Fauré

Fauré – Sicilienne (G. Fauré, Siciliano)

The works of Gabriel Fauré, a composer France is proud of, are recommended even for those picking up the violin for the first time.

Composed in 1893, this piece was originally written for Molière’s play and was later arranged for cello and piano.

Set in a relaxed 6/8 meter, it features a beautiful melody in a minor key.

With a relatively short performance time of about four minutes and little technical difficulty, it’s approachable even for beginner violinists.

Why not experience the charm of classical music through this piece, which conveys Fauré’s delicate sensibility?

RomanceLudwig van Beethoven

9. Romance / Beethoven

It’s a relaxed, slow-tempo piece that’s easy even for beginners to play, but you’ll need solid practice beforehand if you plan to perform it in front of others.

I highly recommend it as a gateway piece for advancing from a novice level toward graduation.