Lovely classics

Recommended Practice Pieces for Beginner Violinists

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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.

Recommended Practice Pieces for Beginner Violinists (41–50)

Gavottegosekku

Gossec’s Gavotte violin solo_Suzuki violin Vol.1

Gavottegosekku

The gavotte originates from a regional French folk dance and was incorporated into operas and ballets by many composers.

This piece is a work for violin and orchestra based on a melody from Gossec’s opera Rosine, transposed for beginners.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Close It, Open ItJan Jyakku Rusoo

Musunde Hiraite / French folk song ☆ Mr./Ms. YN … “Studio Oto” student

Close It, Open ItJan Jyakku Rusoo

One of the nursery rhymes that came from France, it’s also beloved in Japan with accompanying choreography.

Songs we’ve known since childhood start playing from the beginning in our heads, so they’re fun to perform, aren’t they? Let’s play the three broadly divided sections of the melody with clear contrasts.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The Girl from IpanemaJobin

The Girl from Ipanema 2012.8.19

The Girl from IpanemaJobin

The Girl from Ipanema is a bossa nova composed by Brazil’s Antônio Carlos Jobim in 1962.

It is said to be one of the most-covered popular songs after the Beatles’ “Yesterday,” and it is the most famous piece in the bossa nova repertoire.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Theme from ‘Dance of the Fairies’Niccolò Paganini

7. Theme from “Witches’ Dance” – N. Paganini

Theme from 'Dance of the Fairies'Niccolò Paganini

It seems to be a piece that Paganini composed using a theme from a ballet score written by Süssmayr.

Paganini excelled at the genre of “variations,” in which he would take well-known tunes and transform them progressively in his performances, showcasing his virtuosity.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Gavotte (by Becker)Bekka

Gavotte by Jean Becker Play-Along video (Suzuki Vln Bk 3)

Gavotte (by Becker)Bekka

The rhythm is lively, so it’s a fun piece to play without feeling heavy, but its distinctive feature is the minor key that creates a mysterious atmosphere.

It’s a piece with an appealing, mature, and calm mood.

Be mindful of building intensity with the crescendos.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Amazing GraceSakkyokusha fushō

[Violin Beginner] Amazing Grace | 1 year and 3 months since starting as an adult — Amazing Grace – Violin beginner (1y3m)

Amazing GraceSakkyokusha fushō

For beginners stepping into the world of the violin one step at a time, Amazing Grace is a wonderful choice.

It is a hymn written by the clergyman John Newton, filled with repentance for past wrongs and gratitude for God’s grace.

Its clear, flowing melody is simple yet beautiful, and you can truly feel the joy of performing it.

Moreover, the piece is effective for improving playing technique, and by performing it with feeling, you can learn emotionally rich expression.

For these reasons, this piece deserves a top spot on a violin beginner’s practice list.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Hunters’ ChorusKāru Maria fon Uēbā

Weber: Huntsmen’s Chorus – Learn the Violin! Etude/Practice Video

Hunters' ChorusKāru Maria fon Uēbā

Overall, the strong and cheerful melody is striking.

The key is to play boldly and with confidence.

Make sure to keep the rhythm lively so the fun piece doesn’t feel heavy.

In the latter half, create contrast between the light, crisp “ta-ta-tan” passages and the rest.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem