[Violin] Recommended practice pieces for violin beginners. Famous pieces you’ll want to try playing.

Dragon Quest ‘Overture’sugiyama kouichi

Dragon Quest “Overture” #violincover

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.

At Zanarkand ~ Final Fantasy X ~Uematsu Nobuo

To Zanarkand – from the game “Final Fantasy X” / Composed by Nobuo Uematsu (Violin & Piano) PC music

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.

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My Neighbor TotoroHisaishi Joe

[Sheet Music Release] My Neighbor Totoro (Violin & Piano) <Ghibli pieces playable even by beginners>

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?

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A Whole New World ~Aladdin~Alan Menken

[Sheet Music Release] A Whole New World from Aladdin (Violin & Piano) “Beginner-Friendly Series”

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

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.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Starfuransu min’yō

After buying a violin, try playing the 7-day menu piece “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

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.

Gavotte (Composed by Bach)J.S.Bach

Gavotte from Partita No. 3 / Bach (Gavotte / Bach)

This dance piece composed by the Baroque master Johann Sebastian Bach may be a perfect practice piece for beginning violinists.

Born in 1685, Bach came from a family of musicians and lost his parents at a young age, yet he continued his musical education under his brother.

This work has a lively, rhythmic character and is not particularly demanding technically.

Bach believed that “music exists for the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul,” and that sentiment seems to be reflected in this piece as well.

It is recommended for those who have just started playing an instrument or who are beginning to take an interest in classical music.

By practicing slowly and steadily, you should be able to feel the depth of Bach’s music.