Hi everyone, this is Joel Kennedy with Kennedy Violins! If you're just starting on the viola, you might be wondering: What are the best beginner songs to learn? There are plenty of great beginner-friendly pieces out there, but today, we're focusing on Suzuki Book 1 for Viola and why it's an excellent choice for new players.

The Suzuki Method provides a structured way to build essential techniques while keeping learning fun and engaging. Let’s go over five reasons why Suzuki Book 1 is a great way to start playing the viola, followed by a breakdown of some of the songs you’ll learn.

Five Reasons to Use Suzuki Book 1 for Viola

1. Pre-Song Exercises for Easier Learning

   • Before each song, the book provides mini-exercises that introduce key skills like rhythms, string crossings, or bowing techniques. This helps prepare you so that when you start playing the full song, it feels much easier!

2. Gradual Progression of Difficulty

   • The book is designed so that each song is just slightly harder than the previous one. This gradual approach makes learning smooth and builds confidence without overwhelming beginners.

3. Uses Finger Numbers Instead of Note Names

   • Reading finger numbers instead of note names makes it easier to focus on playing rather than decoding notation. You will eventually need to learn note names, but this method allows for a more intuitive start.

4. Gives You a Solid Foundation to Play Any Music

   • By the time you finish Book 1, you’ll have learned essential techniques like legato, détaché, and simple dynamics, allowing you to play a variety of music styles—whether it’s pop, classical, jazz, or even fiddle tunes!

5. Well-Supported with Accompaniments & Online Resources

   • Suzuki books have piano accompaniments and duet books so you can play with friends or teachers. Plus, there are many online tutorials and play-along tracks to help you hear how each song should sound.

Songs in Suzuki Book 1

The first song you’ll encounter in Suzuki Book 1 is “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” But what makes this unique is that the book provides several rhythmic variations to help develop bowing techniques and coordination. Here’s a look at how the book progresses:

1. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

• First song with variations for bow control and rhythm

• Helps with string crossings and playing steady notes

2. Lightly Row

• Introduces smoother bowing and basic phrasing

• Teaches consistency in note length

3. Song of the Wind

• Adds more movement between strings

• Builds dexterity with simple note transitions

4. Go Tell Aunt Rhody

• Introduces longer phrases with legato playing

• Helps with dynamic control

5. O Come, Little Children

• Focuses on even bow distribution

• Reinforces good tone production

6. May Song

• Introduces slurs for connected bowing

• Helps with bow speed control

7. Minuet No. 1 (by Bach)

• First major composer piece in the book

• Introduces a dance-like rhythm and phrasing

8. Gavotte (by Gossec) – Final Piece

• Develops fast détaché bowing

• Challenges players with syncopation and accents

By the time you reach “Gavotte,” you’ll have developed enough skill to explore a wide range of other music—whether classical, contemporary, or folk.

Why These Songs Work for Beginners

• They teach fundamental techniques in a structured way.

• They keep learning fun with recognizable melodies.

• They gradually introduce key violin skills like string crossings, slurs, staccato, and dynamics.

Even though the songs might seem simple at first, the Suzuki method sneaks in important skills without making it feel like hard work!

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for the best beginner songs for viola, Suzuki Book 1 is an excellent starting point. It gives you a well-structured learning path while ensuring that you develop solid bow control, finger placement, rhythm, and tone production—all while having fun!

If you need a viola be sure to check out our viola selection for the finest quality violas for the best value