As a beginner or intermediate violin student, you’re working hard to develop your playing skills. Being able to show off for friends or family with an impromptu performance is one of the best rewards for all of your hard work. However, you don’t want to bore them during holidays or at family gatherings. It’s much more fun when the songs you can play are recognizable to your listeners. Although you may be able to play countless ‘twinkle’ variations, when you can perform some contemporary tunes that people can sing along to, your audience will really take notice.
Here are ten popular songs for violin that you can use to wow your listeners. The difficulty level varies, but even if you’re a beginner student, these pieces won’t be out of your reach. Plus, they’ll help you stretch your skills and develop stronger abilities.
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones. This song is a fantastic beginner piece and one of the most recognized titles by that iconic band. Although it has a moderate, driving tempo, start slow and pay attention to the placement of the rests and the frequent slurs, that way when you’re more comfortable with the timing, you can increase the tempo. $2.99 for the printable download.
“Take It Easy” by the Eagles. You’ll have to order this score for violin, or you can download the arrangement for vocals and piano here. This feel good classic combines all of the elements of a lasting favorite, familiar lyrics, catchy chorus, and a groovy beat. The download costs $4.99.
“With a Little Help from My Friends” by the Beatles. This impressive violin song is perfect for beginners. The score in G Major is a fun tune to practice and master. Although many beginner and intermediate violin players may not know that in addition to being the theme song for the television show “The Wonder Years,” this tune ranks on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, at #311. This score is $6.99, but includes the lyrics.
“Something Wild” by Lindsey Stirling featuring Andrew McMahon. Learning to play this popular song for violin will certainly take you some time and effort, but you’ll not regret it. Lyrics are included in this 13 page score for $6.99.
“Hotel California” by The Eagles. This classic is an impressive violin song whose melody sounds stunning on the violin. Be careful when playing the verses to notice that the phrasing varies, but like most rock songs, you can easily improvise, playing the same verse more than once. It’s $3.99 to download this violin score.
“The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin. This ragtime classic will also stretch your playing skills. The upbeat rhythm and familiar melody is a standard with many sting musicians, especially those who want to pursue a jazz career, but the timing can be challenging at first. This free download is great for practicing and improving your bowing precision and execution.
“Down to The River Top Pray,” traditional version. You might remember this popular song for violin from the movie, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” that was released several years ago. This traditional gospel song is peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for beginner violinists. It’s free to download and print.
“Winnie the Pooh” from the movie, “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.” This might seem like a silly song to actually learn, but it is guaranteed to go over as a big hit with almost everyone. Who can forget this charming childhood melody? Plus, it is extremely easy to learn and only costs $1.99 to download.
“The Candy Man” by Sammy Davis, Jr. Some students may remember this tune from the movie “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” As a violin solo, it offers enough of a challenge to make it worth the effort and is also pretty nostalgic to play at family gatherings. This printable download is only $1.99.
“Endless Love” by Lionel Ritchie. No other sappy love song comes close to the perfection of this 80’s ballad. However, the emotions and feelings soar when you play this song on the violin. Beginner and intermediate violin students will have no problem with the relaxed tempo and flowing tones. Download this violin score for $1.99.
Don’t forget to purchase some large, rigid binders that you can use to collect your sheet music downloads in one place. You can keep different music genres in different binders for easy access.
Being able to impress your friends and family with your violin progress is always fun. However, you can make it even more enjoyable by learning some impressive, yet easy songs that will knock their socks off.
Share this article
