10 Traditional Songs Every Violin Player Should Know

Want to better understand different cultural identities and histories — or even your own? Traditional music is the way to go. It's a living testament to a community's values, beliefs, and history and can provide insights into the kind of lives those who came before you led.

When people think about traditional music, folk songs typically come to mind. While folk music is a big part of traditional music, the category encompasses many genres, including classical music, jazz, bluegrass, spiritual music, and more. 

If you're starting or advancing your fiddle or violin journey, traditional songs are excellent practice tools to enhance your skills. Here, we look at the best songs to add to your repertoire. 

1. "Deep River"

While its exact origins are unknown, "Deep River" has its roots in African American spirituals. The song was popularized by the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a group of African American singers who represented Fisk University across Europe and the U.S. 

Its lyrics are simple yet profound, highlighting a longing for peace and freedom in this life and the afterlife. It's an excellent choice for the violin, as it allows you to practice emotional expression. 

To bring out the themes of faith and longing for peace, you'll need to work on your dynamic contrasts and sustained notes. 

Here's the "Deep River" sheet music to help you. 

2. "All Night, All Day"

"All Night, All Day" is another spiritual that deserves a spot on your violin playlist. It's based on a bedtime prayer and holds a deep cultural significance for African Americans. The song carries a theme of devotion and conveys a sense of comfort in God's protection through its lyrics and melody. 

One of the song's best features is its simplicity, which makes it a great choice for beginner violinists or fiddlers. When performing the piece, you need to make smooth bow transitions to maintain its serene mood. 

You can practice using Trala's free sheet music. 

3. "Blow the Man Down"

Dating back to the 1860s, "Blow the Man Down" is an American classic that's featured in numerous modern shows, including The Big Bang Theory and even Spongebob Squarepants. This sea shanty is about an accident at sea and features a lively and rhythmic melody that the violin can really bring to life. 

It's one of the best traditional songs for practicing faster tempos and enhancing rhythmic bowing techniques. The song also allows for experimentation — you can add personal flair with dynamic variations and ornamentation to bring out the piece's maritime spirit. 

Here's the free sheet music to help you practice. 

4. "Kesh Jig"

If you're interested in Irish music, "Kesh Jig" is a must-know tune. The piece, previously known as "Tear the Callies," is named after the village of Kesh in Ireland. It's a high-energy tune and a popular choice for ending playing sessions. 

It's on our list not only because it's an energetic and fun piece to play but also because it helps violinists master the quick, lively rhythms typical of Irish and Celtic music. 

Use this free sheet music to practice the articulations that make jigs feel bouncy and vibrant. 

5. "John Ryan's Polka"

Want to improve your left-hand agility and bowing coordination? "John Ryan's Polka" is one of the best pieces for you. This fiddle tune, also known as "The Titanic" because of its place in the film’s score, is a traditional Irish composition by Seán Ryan. 

The piece is a fast-paced and cheerful polka, which makes it ideal for learning how to manage a quick tempo while maintaining clarity and precision. 

If this is something you're interested in, check out "John Ryan's polka" sheet music. 

6. "Cielito Lindo"

"Cielito Lindo," translated roughly to "Pretty Little Sweetheart," is a popular Mexican folk tune popularized in 1882 by author Quirino Mendoza y Cortés. It's known for its uplifting "Ay, ay, ay, ay" chorus, and it’s a common favorite of mariachi bands. 

However, numerous artists have also covered it over the years in various languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and English. The song is often considered a symbol of Mexican national pride and identity and is frequently performed at international events like the Olympics or World Cup. 

To capture the melody's festive and warm spirit, you need to practice your expressive playing. 

And we have just the right tool to help you — "Cielito Lindo" sheet music. 

7. "Simple Gifts"

Written in 1848 by Elder Joseph Brackett, "Simple Gifts" was a popular tune in Shaker communities (small Protestant religious groups with roots in England). Aaron Copland popularized the tune outside these communities by featuring it in his ballet, Appalachian Spring, in 1944. 

As its name and origins suggest, the piece carries themes of simplicity and humility. It's often played with a pure, clear tone that reflects the straightforward and sincere lyrics. You need to use minimal vibrato to maintain its simplicity during your performances. 

Here's free sheet music from Trala to guide you. 

8. "Donnybrook Fair"

"Donnybrook Fair" is a famous Irish tune based on the Donnybrook Fair, an annual event held in Dublin from 1205 to 1855. So it comes as no surprise that this Irish jig is upbeat and cheerful — it reflects the happiness you'd typically expect to find at a fair. 

The piece requires fast fingerwork and rhythmic variety to bring out its sense of joy and festivity. If you're looking for a piece to help you improve your speed, precision, and expression, this is definitely it. 

Use Trala's free sheet music as a guide. 

9. "Ederlezi"

"Ederlezi" is a Romani folk song that got its name from the Ederlezi festival, an event that signals the arrival of spring. It's so popular that it has been translated into multiple languages, including Polish, Greek, Serbian, and more. 

The song's popularity is partly due to its rich and emotive melody. It's an excellent option for expressing the subtle nuances and emotional depth of the violin. 

Here's the sheet music to guide your practice sessions and performances. 

10. "Apples in Winter"

"Apples in Winter" is a traditional Irish jig that celebrates — you guessed it — apples in winter. The tune’s intricate melody and complex timing can be exciting for violinists looking for a challenge. 

To execute this piece properly, you need to focus on the intricacies of timing and the gentle, lilting quality that makes slip jigs a joy to perform. 

As always, Trala has you covered — here's the "Apples in Winter" sheet music to help you practice. 

Find the musical resources you need to succeed with Trala

Whether you want to polish up your violin solos or perform duets with instruments like the cello or piano, traditional music is the way to go. 

And if you need expert instruction or advice, Trala has numerous resources to help improve your violin playing. Trala’s professional music teachers can guide you on everything from how to read sheet music to how to capture the emotional depth behind various pieces. 

In addition to convenient online lessons, you’ll also get access to free sheet music and a practice app to help make your practice sessions more effective. 

Ready to enhance your skills and explore a vast traditional music library? Enroll in Trala lessons today!