Famous violists like Niccolò Paganini, William Primrose, and Tabea Zimmerman were once beginners as well.
Whether you simply want to play an instrument or to become a famous violist someday, vigorous practice and determination are needed for you to become an expert.
And if you’re a beginner who wants to learn to play viola, you can be easily motivated and eager to learn if you start learning some easy and fun to play songs.
Fortunately, access to easy viola songs shouldn’t be hard these days because of the Internet. From sheets to tutorials, you can find it online through the forms of videos and tips shared by the viola musicians themselves.
Here are some of the viola songs that are easy to play, and at the same time, it’ll help you to sharpen your skills.
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Easy Viola Songs For Kids
Kids will always love to do something fun. And if you want them to learn the viola, you have to teach them according to the songs that are familiar to them. The Song “Let it Go,” from Disney’s movie Frozen, is one of the most popular songs that kids enjoy playing. This can be played in the F3-Eb5 range.
If you find it a bit difficult to teach your children how to play the viola because it is tuned a fifth lower than the violin, you can look for ways to make it more fun. It is also important to check the perfect viola for them and know if they are already fitted in playing the instrument since this might be heavy for some. The recommended age for kids to play the viola is from 5 to 6 years old. Make sure to always guide them while practicing and recognize their progress by giving them rewards and a pat on the back.
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Mary Had a Little Lamb
Let it Go, from Disney’s “Frozen”
Easy Classical Viola Songs
We’ve always heard of the name Beethoven when it comes to classical music. He is known as one of the most influential composers and pianists of all time. Although he is an expert pianist, there are many renditions of his compositions made on other instruments, including the viola. His greatest works “Fur Elise” and “Moonlight Sonata” might look complicated at first, but when you are able to learn the basics of playing the viola, you’ll definitely find yourself eager to learn more. The Scarborough Fair, which originated in the 19th century, can be played in the C4-D5 range. A lot of people perceive that classical music is the best match for instruments such as violin, viola, cello, and piano.
Fur Elise, Beethoven
Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven
Scarborough Fair
Traditional Viola Songs for Christmas & Easter
If you’ve wanted to participate in recitals during Christmas and Easter, these songs are perfect for beginners. They might be the most common songs, but will surely lessen your pressure of playing the viola in front of the crowd for the first time. And while there are a lot of upbeat and modern Christmas songs getting popular nowadays, many people still prefer to hear traditional songs during this time of year for a more relaxing and solemn vibe.
Amazing Grace
How Great Thou Art
Jingle Bells
Oh Holy Night
Most Popular Viola Songs
While we may think that most string instruments are only paired with classical music, modern musicians also adapt and make their renditions of songs made known in the 21st Century. The “Bohemian Rhapsody” which was first popularized in 1975, became common to millennials because of the movie released in 2018. This song can be played in the F3-G5 range. You can also play the famous pop song “I’m Yours” in the C3-A4 range. And if you’re in love and want to serenade your beloved through viola, you can learn to play the songs “Just the Way You Are” and “A Thousand Years” in F3-C5 and Eb4-Bb5 range.
Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
A Thousand Years, Christina Perri
Just the Way You Are, Bruno Mars
Viola Practice Tips For Beginners
Create a practice space. Distractions will keep you from being motivated to practice. Make sure to find a specific place in your home where you can play the viola without interruption. If you’ll be needing a phone to record while you practice, log out from all your social media accounts first to avoid notifications from popping out. If you’ll be accompanying your kid to practice, keep away everything that will take him out of focus. Consider buying a music stand to keep all the music sheets in place.
Set a specific time. Know the time when you can focus the most. If you have kids around the house, it may be more advisable to practice when they are all in school, and the house is quiet enough. If you are a student, you can set a time after all the projects are done. You can also divide two practice sessions each day: one in the morning, and another by the afternoon. Make sure you aren’t in a rush, hungry or tired during practice sessions. 10-20 minutes of productive practice for kids and an hour of sessions for an adult per day is the recommended duration for effective results. As the saying goes, “work smarter, not harder.”
Take care of your instrument. Of course, no one would be motivated to practice if your string instrument creates a dull sound. Your viola will need the same attention you need during practice. Find a perfect place where you can store your instrument. You can opt for a wood-laminated viola case as this is one of the sturdiest types of cases. It can also protect your instrument from humidity. Make it a habit to keep your hands clean every practice session and replace its strings if needed.
Always start with a warm-up. Aside from the song selection, beginners should always make time for warm-up exercises. You can practice in front of the mirror to check proper posture and bowing arm position. Concentrate on creating a beautiful sound but do not get disappointed with mistakes. Taking a break during practice sessions is also important if you prefer a longer duration.
Lastly, just enjoy playing the instrument until you become an expert violist – and you are set!
