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

Country RoadJohn Denver

[1 year] Adult beginner violinist — “Country Road” from Whisper of the Heart, transcribed by ear

This is a signature song by John Denver, one of America’s leading singer-songwriters.

Released in 1971, it is included on the album Poems, Prayers & Promises.

The lyrics, which sing of a deep love for one’s hometown and the beauty of nature, are sure to resonate with listeners.

Its simple, easy-to-remember melody makes it ideal for violin practice and a great resource for developing bow control.

As a classic that was even chosen as an official state song of West Virginia, it’s well worth giving it a try.

Theme from ‘Dance of the Fairies’Niccolò Paganini

7. Theme from “Witches’ Dance” – N. 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.

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.

Long, Long AgoThomas Haynes Bayly

Long Long Ago – Jennifer Jeon제니퍼 전(영은)

This is a piece often assigned as a required work at violin recitals.

There are versions with varying levels of difficulty depending on the sheet music, so choose a score that matches your skill level.

By paying attention to dynamics, it’s a piece that tends to sound more professional.

Londonderry AirAirurando min’yō

Mari Iwamoto Folk Song = Kreisler: Londonderry Air

The “Londonderry Air” is an Irish folk song.

It is sung around the world with various lyrics, and is especially known under the title “Danny Boy.” As a violin piece, there is a version arranged by Kreisler with piano accompaniment, as well as a trio version that adds a cello.

Song of the FrogDoitsu min’yō

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.

little foxDoitsu min’yō

A little fox. Suzuki Method 1 violin, I started as an adult.

Kogitsune (Little Fox) is based on a song published in Germany in 1824 titled “Fox, You Stole the Goose.” It remains widely beloved in Germany today.

The Japanese lyrics appeared in a Ministry of Education-issued textbook in 1947 (Showa 22), in a volume called “Music for Third Graders.”

Amazing GraceSakkyokusha fushō

Play in One Position: Amazing Grace | With Sheet Music

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.

Variations on ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’Suzuki Shin’ichi

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations - Shinozaki Violin School Recital

“Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman,” arranged by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as a set of piano variations based on a French folk song, is known in Japan as the “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations.” The melody of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is simple, easy to remember, sing, and play, which is why it is often chosen as a first practice piece for various instruments.

In this video, violinist Fuminori Shinozaki, former concertmaster of the NHK Symphony Orchestra, leads a violin class, and students learning the violin perform together with a professional orchestra in an arrangement by Shinichi Suzuki designed for collaboration with full orchestra.

It’s an ideal reference video for those who have started the violin and someday wish to join an orchestra.