Violin Teaching and Learning Resources
Violin Teaching and Learning Resources
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Free sheet music, charts and other resources for learning to play violin
Free sheet music, charts and other resources for learning to play violin
June 2026
Beginning Gypsy Jazz Violin Solos
Beginning Gypsy Jazz Violin Solos
Tips for Learning to Improvise on the Violin
Tips for Learning to Improvise on the Violin
Here is a free downloadable resource for violinists who want to get started improvising and learning gypsy jazz. These songs are playable for anyone at a Suzuki book 2-3 level.
Each tune has an example video, a backing track, a lead sheet, then spells out the petnatonic scale that should be used to improvise over the backing track.
When you're learning to improvise on the violin, just stick to the pentatonic scale listed, and don't worry about hitting individual chord progressions. Play the pentatonic scales up and down while listening to the backing track.
You can also play the lead sheet, then the next time, just add one extra note in per measure, or leave one note out. Then try to decorate or connect phrases using the pentatonic scales.
Finally, you can start out playing from the lead sheet for a couple of measures, then just focus on playing notes within the pentatonic scales listed. Try to make a couple of rhythmic or melodic ideas that you repeat several times to make your improvisation a memorable story!
September 2024
Shuffle Bowings on G pentatonic.pdfShuffle Bowings in Bluegrass Fiddle
Shuffle Bowings in Bluegrass Fiddle
Have you ever listened to bluegrass fiddle tunes and wondered why it sounds so different than violin does in classical music? One of the most important reasons is that fiddlers use patterned bowings called shuffles. The Nashville shuffle is the most common pattern, and is often played to 'kick off' a tune. These patterns often create polyrhythms over the tune since the bow is playing one accented rhythm while the fingers are playing another. The second page illustrates the rhythmic patterns that are heard with each shuffle bowing.
This PDF goes through a G pentatonic scale with all of the most frequently used fiddle shuffle bowings. Have fun learning them, and if you practice them a lot, these patterns will come out in your improvising.
November 2023
Holiday Concert: December 7th, 6:15 pm
Holiday Concert: December 7th, 6:15 pm
Location: Trailside Church
6711 State Park Rd, Travelers Rest
Students please arrive by 5:15 pm for a quick practice before the concert
Students should dress nicely
Please sign up to bring a snack to share
Invite friends and family
The concert will last between 45 minutes and one hour
I'll need a few volunteers to help with clean up and set up
August 2023
Playing the violin left-handed
Playing the violin left-handed
Are you or is your child left-handed?
If so, you may be wondering how they will play the violin. The good news is that, lefties may have an advantage! People who are naturally lefties will be more adept at placing their fingers on the strings quickly. However, learning to hold and draw the bow skillfully may take a bit more time.
Does a left-handed violin exist?
Yes! In recent years, left-handed violins have started to be mass-produced and are affordable to purchase. Here is one that I recommend to beginners.
However, that doesn't mean that this is the best choice. Most people will learn to play on a standard violin. This is because if you are playing in a group with other violins, such as an orchestra, all violins and bows need to face the same direction. Violinists playing left-handed would not be able to join an orchestra.
Are there any famous violinists that play a left-handed instrument?
Yes, there are! They are not in the classical world, where it's important that everyone face the same direction.
Ashley McIsaac is a Canadian fiddler, and is probably the most famous left-handed violinist.
Charlie Chaplin (the actor!) was actually also a left-handed violinist.
Are there any other disadvantages to playing a left-handed instrument besides not being able to play in an orchestra?
Yes. All diagrams showing string names and notes on the violin will be backwards. You may have a hard time finding a teacher who will work with you. I've created a fingerboard chart for left-handed violinists for your reference.
A note for teachers- the only modification I've needed to make to teach on a left-handed instrument is to switch the terms right hand and left hand. Other than that, students are just mirroring you.
What should I do?
That's up to you! For most people, the best choice will be to play a standard instrument. However, one size does not fit all! I suggest trying it out on a standard instruments, and considering your long-term goals. If it really feels like a left-handed instrument is the best choice for you, then go for it!
July 2023
How to play basic chords on the cello
How to play basic chords on the cello
Have you ever wanted to pluck chords on the cello?
If so this is for you!
Using these chords beginning cello players can write their own unique songs or play along to songs in the keys of C G and D!
The cello is a beautiful and versatile instrument and plucking chords is a unique way to play the instrument that is approachable for beginners.
Play all the basic chords in three keys without leaving first position!
I've designed these chords to be easy to play but still include all the pitches needed to make the chord.
Tips for success:
Try plucking with the right hand using 2 or 3 fingers and your thumb.
Pluck the lowest pitch with the thumb and use the fingers to pluck the other strings
I like plucking the strings in this order: C A D G
Pluck high on the neck over the fingerboard
Trim your nails so to get the best sound possible when plucking the strings
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