How to Play Songs on the Violin
The violin is a traditional instrument in classical orchestras. It is also quite commonly used in almost any other genre of music, including rock and metal, in either a supporting role or as a solo instrument. The Suzuki Method outlines a pathway for violinists to learn progressively harder songs to develop their technique.
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Instructions
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Learn to play simpler songs, such as the variations of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" (also called "Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman") by Mozart, "Gavotte" by Gossec and the traditional folk song "Song of the Wind." The focus should be on slower-paced, less technical, skill-oriented songs.
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Learn to play simpler, intermediate songs, such as "Musette" by Bach and "Waltz" by Brahms. These songs begin to incorporate eighth notes into the piece. Sixteenth notes also begin to appear, but only for short durations. Techniques like legato and staccato also begin to be used.
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Learn songs such as "Minuet" by Bach, "Gavotte" by Becker and "Bouree" by Bach. These songs more frequently incorporate accidentals, change how the song progresses through the melody, and require some more fluid and abrupt rhythm changes.
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4
Learn intermediate-level concertos, such as Seitz's Concerto No. 2. (third movement) and Bach's Concerto for two violins in D minor (first movement). Syncopation begins to appear in the melodies, which can make certain parts more difficult to time.
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Progress to more difficult intermediate level songs, such as "German Dance" by Dittersdorf and Veracini's "Gigue" from Sonata in D minor. These songs generally are using the same techniques from previous songs, but with faster pacing and more technical skill usage.
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Learn easier, advanced-level songs, such as "Allegro" by Fiocco and "Gavotte" by Rameau. These songs require all of the skills of the beginner and intermediate songs, but require a much finer attention to detail.
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Learn Mozart's Concerto No. 5 in A major and Concerto No. 4 in D minor. These songs mark the completion of the Suzuki Method.
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Tips & Warnings
Most traditional violin pieces are in the public domain. This makes it fairly easy to find sheet music for free online, such as on the websites listed below. Contemporary sheet music is not, and will usually either not be available or only be available through purchasing a sheet music book.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit flickr.com
