What Popular Songs Can I Play On The Violin?

Once you’ve gotten the hang of basic violin techniques—posture, bowing, and fingering—it’s natural to want to put your new skills to the test. Many beginner books start with classical pieces and nursery rhyme-style tunes.  While it’s rewarding to bring any song to life with your own hands, there's something truly special about playing music you already know and love.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of popular songs—most of them contemporary—that are well within reach for beginning violinists. These beginner-friendly arrangements may be simplified versions of the originals, but they provide a solid foundation for learning, ear training, and even improvisation as you grow.  Give them a try!

Movie Themes, Show Tunes & Disney Favorites

Movie soundtracks and show tunes are full of rich, emotive melodies that translate beautifully to the violin—especially when arranged for beginners.

• Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen)
  A timeless classic that spans generations. Popularized again by Hawaiian singer IZ, this song is available in several beginner-friendly arrangements—from solo versions to string quartet practice tracks.
  
  
• Part of Your World (The Little Mermaid)

One of Disney’s most beloved ballads.  Its flowing melody makes it a beautiful choice for beginner violinists. You'll find simplified arrangements that are perfect for solo practice, and as you grow more confident, it’s a great piece to experiment with dynamics and expressive playing.

• Game of Thrones Theme (Ramin Djawadi)
  Haunting and epic, this theme is surprisingly playable.  Check out this powerful rendition by 2Cellos for inspiration:

• A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

A modern love song that has quickly become a favorite for weddings and special occasions, A Thousand Years is both heartfelt and beginner-friendly. Its gentle rhythm and memorable melody make it ideal for early violinists looking to build confidence with expressive bowing and phrasing. 

Country, Bluegrass & Fiddling Favorites

If classical music isn’t quite your vibe, the world of fiddling, country, and bluegrass might be! These genres are filled with lively, foot-tapping tunes that are fun to play and great for technique building.

• Cripple Creek
  A fiddling staple! This tutorial emphasizes warming up with scales in the right key to help prepare your fingers for the rhythms ahead.
  
  
• St. Anne’s Reel

Learn to differentiate between Irish and Bluegrass styles in this engaging video lesson. Start slowly, take it measure by measure, and gradually build up speed.

• Where the Green Grass Grows (Tim McGraw)

A mellow violin part that flows beautifully alongside the original track. It’s a great choice if you're looking to play along with a recording.

Pop Hits for Beginners

Who says violin can’t be cool? These pop favorites prove that classical instruments have a place in today’s charts, too.

• Believer (Imagine Dragons)
  A dramatic and rhythmic song that’s tons of fun to play. Here’s a tutorial, plus a stunning version by Simply Three for extra inspiration.

• Love Story (Taylor Swift)

   

  One of Taylor Swift’s most iconic early hits, Love Story blends country-pop charm with a sweet, romantic storyline. Its recognizable melody and moderate tempo make it a perfect choice for beginner violinists.

• A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay)

With its uplifting energy and driving rhythm, this Coldplay favorite translates beautifully to the violin. Beginner arrangements capture the song’s core with simplified melodies, making it both accessible and inspiring to play. Great for practicing dynamics and phrasing!

• Dance Monkey (Tones And I)

This global hit is instantly recognizable for its catchy melody and rhythmic groove. Beginner violin arrangements simplify the playful vocal lines, making it a fun and energetic piece to learn.  Plus, it’s a total crowd pleaser!

Learning the violin is a journey—but it doesn’t have to be filled only with scales and études. Adding a few songs you already love into the mix makes practice more fun and motivating. These beginner-friendly versions give you the chance to enjoy the music you love while still building foundational technique and confidence.  Happy playing!