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)

Concerto No. 2Furīdorihi Zaitsu

Seitz: Student Concerto No. 2, 3rd movement

Concerto No. 2Furīdorihi Zaitsu

A bright, uplifting concerto that makes your heart dance as you play.

Because similar melodies repeat many times, it’s enjoyable to shape a variety of expressions within them—staccato, slurs, and double stops.

When the double stops appear midway, be sure to play them with a clear sense of weight.

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Recommended practice pieces for beginner violinists (51–60)

Prelude and AllegroFritz Kreisler

Kreisler: Prelude and Allegro — Fritz Kreisler

Prelude and AllegroFritz Kreisler

For beginner violinists, Kreisler’s “Prelude and Allegro” is a truly intriguing choice.

With its beautiful melodies and engaging technical passages, the piece has a structure that is easy for first-time players to grasp and helps develop accurate intonation and rhythm.

It is also recommended for cultivating a wide range of expression, and there’s no doubt your skills will improve as you experience the joy of performing it.

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MusetteJ.S.Bach

[Suzuki Violin School Volume 2] Musette by J.S. Bach – Violin Performance and Commentary

MusetteJ.S.Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach’s works include many pieces that are great for beginners.

This piece from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach is characterized by the warm timbre of the Baroque era.

Its bright melody, which makes listeners feel happy, is quintessentially Bach.

First published in 1725, this work is ideal for learning basic bow control and left-hand movement.

Because it lets you improve your skills while having fun, it’s perfect for those just starting the violin.

If you long for an elegant tone, why not give it a try?

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Londonderry AirAirurando min’yō

Mari Iwamoto Folk Song = Kreisler: Londonderry Air

Londonderry AirAirurando min'yō

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.

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Gavotte (composed by Ambroise)Anburowāzu Toma

A. Thomas, Gavotte from ‘Mignon’ – Jennifer Jeon제니퍼 전(영은)

Gavotte (composed by Ambroise)Anburowāzu Toma

Among gavottes, this one is on the longer side.

It features beautiful slur passages reminiscent of trills, making it a great choice as an etude.

It’s also ideal for practicing staccato.

The ending is distinctive, with charming pizzicato arpeggios.

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From the chorus ‘Judas Maccabaeus’Georg Friedrich Händel

Chorus from Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus

From the chorus 'Judas Maccabaeus'Georg Friedrich Händel

It’s such a famous melody that you could say every classical musician knows it.

Its relaxed tempo is perfect for showcasing the violin’s characteristics and timbre.

Once you get used to playing it, it’s also good practice to add vibrato to the long, sustained notes.

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little foxDoitsu min’yō

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

little foxDoitsu min'yō

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.”

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