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Intermediate Violin Music
- Advanced tips for the Intermediate player.
The shelves of music stores throughout the world and even online are stuffed with violin music that could be classified as "intermediate music". In fact, I would guess that 60 percent of violinists fall into the 'intermediate' level of playing.
True or False?
With the huge demand for intermediate music, and the plentiful supply of intermediate music, it is easy for you to find music you like. FALSE - If you're like most people then you struggle to find the right violin music that your picky intermediate student will enjoy playing, and give them the quality of experience they need to progress.
Because there is so much music to sift through, and because the classification for 'intermediate' music is so broad, it can often be a daunting task to find music that you or student likes playing, fits the budget, meets the current playing abilities and pushes the student to learn new things.
Let me help you by sharing the tips, sites, and violin music that I have found to be beneficial for intermediate students. Or look through the comments below to find what other teachers and violinists are saying about what works for them. Then pass your knowledge along to someone else in need by leaving your own thoughts and ideas in the box below.
Tips to remember when selecting violin music for intermediate students.
- Find something that sounds very difficult to play but isn't.
- Look for movie soundtracks, or new release songs that have been written for violin.
- Violin books with c.d. accompaniment are always a good idea!
- When selecting a song for audition purposes choose something that your intermediate student can master beautifully.
Sheet Music to Download
In the fast paced world we live in, who wouldn't love to be able to get the violin music you need right from home or from the office before you rush to pick your kids up from school?
There are many online sheet music stores to choose from. Some of them are free, and some of them cost money (usually at a discounted price). Here are two of my favorite for finding intermediate level music.
8notes.com is an excellent resource for FREE violin sheet music! They have over 90 intermediate level pieces. Almost all of the intermediate pieces you'll find on this site are strictly classical pieces from popular composers like Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Schubert. You will rarely find a sheet music site that has more then just the classics for free because the composers are still alive and want to collect revenue from their compositions. This site is very easy to navigate, find music, and then print it.
Looking for more than just classical? Virtual Sheet Music offers a wide variety of music in the intermediate level. The music is cheaper then buying or ordering a hard copy, and you can print it off right now! Plus they offer a great deal for a year membership. You pay once for the whole year and enjoy all of the Free music you could ever want.
Some of my favorite intermediate songs from Virtual Sheet Music® are; Moto Perpetuo Second Pupil's Concerto by Seitz, and The Entertainer.
They also have Free Sheet Music that they switch up every two weeks. You could build an awesome musical library just by downloading these freebies. Check them out by clicking on the link above.
How to tell if a student is ready for intermediate violin music.
- They are ready to learn musical notation (Many teachers will begin note-reading earlier than intermediate level)
- Student may be showing an interest in learning vibrato and will begin basic vibrato exercises.
- Student is ready to learn shifting and playing higher positions on the violin. (They have learned all of first position notes).
Must Have Books for your Musical Library!
Introducing the Positions for Violin: Volume 1 - Third and Fifth Position (String Method) is the perfect book for teaching the intermediate violinist how to shift and play the higher positions. This is the book that I use to teach intermediate level students. When using "Introducing the Positions", the student will learn the new notes of higher positions in a logical order using a variety of methods; scales, repetition, etudes, and classical songs.
"Tango Time" by Myriam Mees
is a must buy for students that love flare and playing along with C.D.'s. I have found that intermediate students that are a 12 - 20 years old especially love the way they sound with the C.D. Follow the link below for the best price I could find. Make sure if you are searching for this piece online that you don't buy the "Tango Time for Accordion".
Tango Time! (14 Easy Tangos for Violin). By Myriam Mees. Arranged by Gunter Van Rompaey. De Haske Play-Along Book. Play Along. Book with CD. 28 pages. De Haske Publications #1053795400. Published by De Haske Publications (HL.44005501)
...more info
"Bella Bartok's Romanian Folk Dances"
is the perfect choice for intermediate players that are ready for something a little more difficult. There are 6 little pieces to choose from, all varying in mood, tempo, and technique. These pieces require you to have at least a small understanding of positions first through fifth as well as harmonics, double stops, and chords. These Hungarian pieces will bring the violinist to a whole new level of playing. The only place I could locate this unique album was at Boosey.com It's super fun to play and definitely worth the money (it runs a little pricey). You can go to it by clicking here Do a search for "Bella Bartok's Romania Folk Dances". The results will pull up a list. Scroll down and look for "Bella Bartok's 6 Romania Folk Dances for violin and piano".
Please read or share your comments on good violin music for the intermediate violin player. Or if you're looking for something entirely different.
As always, I'm here to save you money. If you access Boosey.com through my site you will get an additional 5% off your purchases.
Please read or share your comments on good violin music for the intermediate violin player. Or if you're looking for something entirely different. Return to Violin Music Main page to find exactly what you need.
Share your music tips for the intermediate violinist.
How do you select the perfect piece for your intermediate violinist? What music books have you found helpful?