Original Compositions for Easy Violin
© JustViolin.org
|
Welcome to an exciting exploration of original compositions for easy violin, specifically designed to enhance your teaching repertoire. As a violin teacher, you understand the importance of engaging and inspiring your students with fresh and captivating music. These original compositions, unlike the arrangements of existing pieces, provide a wonderful opportunity for your students to experience the joy of playing music that is uniquely crafted for their level.
In this article, we will guide you through a collection of original compositions tailor-made for beginner and elementary violin students (specifically, by UK’s examination standard of Beginner, Grade 1, and Grade 2).
1. Kathy & David Blackwell – Fiddle Time Series
The Fiddle Time series is a familiar and popular choice among violin teachers and students alike. Comprising three volumes, Joggers, Runners, and Sprinters, it offers a delightful selection of original pieces and arrangements in diverse styles. The violin parts are thoughtfully designed, providing clear instructions, while the piano accompaniments are both straightforward and effective. This well-crafted series has proven to be a valuable resource, making learning the violin an enjoyable and enriching experience.
2. Edward Huw Jones – Violin Star Series
Similar to the Fiddle Time series, the Violin Star series has gained popularity among violin teachers and students. Consisting of three volumes, this series offers a rich collection of original compositions and arrangements, all skillfully crafted by Huw Jones.
3. Edward Elgar – Six Easy Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op.22
Edward Elgar (1857-1934), a prominent English composer of the late Romantic period, left an enduring legacy with notable violin works such as the Violin Concerto in B minor, Violin Sonata in E minor, and "Salut d 'Amour."
Another cherished collection, known as "Six Easy Pieces" or "Very Easy Melodious Exercises in the First Position," was published in 1892, specifically designed to offer enjoyable and instructive music for students.
Another cherished collection, known as "Six Easy Pieces" or "Very Easy Melodious Exercises in the First Position," was published in 1892, specifically designed to offer enjoyable and instructive music for students.
4. Alfred Moffat – Six Easy Pieces, Op.32
Alfred Moffat (1866-1950) was a celebrated Scottish violinist, composer, and music educator, well-known for his contributions to violin pedagogy. Besides being a talented musician, he was also an avid collector of old English music. His notable work, "Six Easy Pieces," aimed at beginner and elementary violinists, provides engaging music that fosters fundamental techniques in the first position.
5. Rory Boyle – Creatures Left Behind by the Ark
Rory Boyle is an esteemed Scottish composer, currently serving as the professor of composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Among his notable works is "Creatures Left Behind by the Ark," a captivating collection of seven easy pieces composed for violin and piano. Each piece is imaginatively titled after a non-existing creature, and the music skillfully brings these mythical beings to life through evocative melodies and expressive musical portrayals. Boyle's creativity and artistry shine through this delightful work, making it a wonderful addition to the repertoire for young violinists
![]() |
Creatures left behind by the Ark Seven easy pieces for violin and piano. Composed by Rory Boyle. ABRSM Publications. Score and part. 16 pages. ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) #9781854726568. Published by ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) (A3.9781854726568). |
6. Shinichi Suzuki – Suzuki Volume 1
If you're seeking original easy violin compositions, Suzuki's Volume 1 is a notable choice. Shinichi Suzuki, the renowned educator, composer, and founder of the Suzuki Method, composed several pieces in this volume. These include the Allegro, Perpetual Motion, Andantino, Allegretto, and Etude. These pieces offer excellent opportunities for young violinists to develop their skills and musicality within the framework of Suzuki's renowned teaching approach.
7. Katherine & Hugh Colledge – Easy String Series
Katherine and Hugh Colledge are British composers known for their educational music compositions for string instruments, particularly for violin and piano. They are best known for their "Waggon Wheels," "Stepping Stones," and "Fast Forward" series, which are part of the Easy String series published by Boosey & Hawkes.
These series consist of progressive collections of pieces that are designed to help young string players develop their technical and musical skills in a fun and engaging way. The music is tuneful and enjoyable, making it a popular choice among violin students and teachers alike.
These series consist of progressive collections of pieces that are designed to help young string players develop their technical and musical skills in a fun and engaging way. The music is tuneful and enjoyable, making it a popular choice among violin students and teachers alike.
![]() |
Stepping Stones 26 Pieces for Violin Players Violin Part Only and Audio CD. Composed by Katherine & Hugh Colledge. Boosey & Hawkes Chamber Music. Classical. Softcover with CD. 12 pages. Boosey & Hawkes #M060134197. Published by Boosey & Hawkes (HL.48024772). |
8. Adam Carse - The Fiddler’s Nursery
Adam Carse (1878-1958) was an English composer, music educator, and writer. He was born on July 15, 1878, in London, England. Carse studied music at the Royal College of Music and later became a professor of composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He made significant contributions to music education and wrote several influential books on music theory and composition.
The Fiddler’s Nursery is a set of twelve easy pieces for young violinists, designed to introduce them to various technical and musical challenges while keeping the music enjoyable and engaging.
The Fiddler’s Nursery is a set of twelve easy pieces for young violinists, designed to introduce them to various technical and musical challenges while keeping the music enjoyable and engaging.
![]() |
Fiddler's Nursery: Violin part and Piano part Composed by Adam Carse. String music. Violin part and piano part. Stainer & Bell Ltd. #1926. Published by Stainer & Bell Ltd. (ST.1926). |
9. Christopher Norton – Microjazz Collection for Violin
Christopher Norton is a British composer known for "Microjazz," an educational music series blending classical, jazz, and popular styles. His "Microjazz for Violin" comes in two volumes and features catchy melodies and rhythmic patterns, offering enjoyable pieces for violinists to develop their skills and musicality. The series has become a popular choice in music education, inspiring students to explore diverse genres beyond classical music.
![]() |
Microjazz Collection 1 Violin and Piano. Composed by Christopher Norton. Boosey & Hawkes Chamber Music. Educational, Jazz Instruction. 9 pages. Boosey & Hawkes #M060110245. Published by Boosey & Hawkes (HL.48011969). |
10. Pam Wedgwood - Really Easy Jazzin' About, Up-Grade!, and Jurassic Blue
Pam Wedgwood is a distinguished British composer, pianist, and music educator renowned for her contemporary educational music. Her compositions skillfully blend popular, jazz, and classical elements, making them engaging and enjoyable for young violinists.
Among her notable works, three volumes of easy violin pieces stand out: "Really Easy Jazzin' About," "Up-grade!," and "Jurassic Blue," the latter being a collaboration with Caroline Lumsden.
Among her notable works, three volumes of easy violin pieces stand out: "Really Easy Jazzin' About," "Up-grade!," and "Jurassic Blue," the latter being a collaboration with Caroline Lumsden.
![]() |
Jurassic Blue for Violin Monstrous Pieces for Beginners. Composed by Pam Wedgwood. Series; String - Violin Studies or Collection. Faber Edition. Book. Faber Music #12-0571521592. Published by Faber Music (AP.12-0571521592). |
11. Mary Cohen – Superstudies Book 1 & 2
Mary Cohen's "Superstudies" series is a captivating collection of original and imaginative studies, thoughtfully crafted for young players. These studies not only introduce a diverse range of musical styles but also consolidate various technical aspects, making them valuable tools for skill development. With their engaging and enjoyable content, the "Superstudies" series has gained widespread popularity among violin students, offering a well-rounded and enriching learning experience.
12. Sheila Nelson - Piece by Piece 1 & 2
Sheila Nelson's "Pieces by Pieces" Book 1 and 2 feature over fifty delightful compositions in captivating and contrasting styles. As a renowned string teacher, she offers a diverse selection of traditional melodies, tunes from the classical repertoire, and original, enjoyable pieces. Building on the success of "Right from the Start," these collections provide an engaging and enriching musical journey for violinists, making them favorites among both teachers and students.
13. Walter Carroll – Enchanted Isle
Walter Carroll's "Enchanted Isle" is a set of pieces written for violin and piano. The collection features enchanting and imaginative music that takes young violinists on a magical musical adventure. With its captivating melodies and evocative atmosphere, "Enchanted Isle" has become a beloved repertoire for aspiring violinists, inspiring their creativity and passion for music.
![]() |
The Enchanted Isle for Violin and Piano Composed by Walter Carroll. 20th Century, Repertoire. 20 pages. Published by Forsyth Brothers Ltd. (S0.879537). |