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

MinuetRidolfo Boccherini

Boccherini Minuet – Understand the violin! Practice piece video

Luigi Boccherini’s “Minuet” is an ideal piece for beginning violinists, one that lets them experience the joy of performing.

Composed in 1771, it features a melody that blends the lightness of the Rococo style with the sonorities of Spanish music.

Since its publication in 1775, it has remained consistently popular over the centuries and is one of the most beloved works in classical music.

While simple enough for beginners to play, its elegant melody has the power to captivate listeners.

Even those not yet comfortable with handling the violin will find that learning this “Minuet” helps maintain motivation.

It’s also a delight that beginner-friendly arrangements of the score are widely available.

My husband is in the cold earthStephen Foster

Shin-new Violin Method, Volume 1, No. 71: “The Lord Is in the Cold Ground”

A song by America’s Foster about the death of an aging plantation master and the Black slaves who worked there mourning him in sorrow.

The melody of this piece was later reused with new lyrics as the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

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.

Hunters’ ChorusCarl Maria von Weber

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

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.

SicilianaGabriel 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?

Leroy Anderson MedleyLeroy Anderson

Leroy Anderson Medley

This is from Volume 3 of Yamaha’s Adult Music Lessons “Violin Course.” It would be fun to play with such a pop-style accompaniment and arrangement.

The pieces are Blue Tango, Plink Plank Plunk, and The Syncopated Clock, with the second arranged for pizzicato.

Classical music is wonderful, but many beginner violinists probably want to try practicing pop-style violin pieces.

Even if not these specific pieces, many pop-style scores are included in the sheet music collections.

Use this video as a reference to find the videos and sheet music that suit you best, and try practicing a variety of pieces!

Ode to JoyLudwig van Beethoven

Joyful Song (1st) Violin Only

Pieces by the classical master Beethoven are also recommended for beginning violin practice.

One of Beethoven’s representative works, the famous melody sung in his Symphony No.

9, is characterized by simple yet highly expressive phrases.

It’s appealing in that it naturally helps you acquire basic bowing motions and left-hand finger placement.

Completed in 1824, this piece celebrates love for humanity and joy, and its familiar melody can be motivating during practice.

It’s an ideal selection for those who want to refine their violin technique.