Looking for solo violin pop arrangement

December 23, 2013 at 09:49 AM · Try the Adam DeGraff website - http://adamviolin.com/sheet-music--2

Excellent solo violin arrangements of pop material.

December 23, 2013 at 03:22 PM · I'd love to know what you decide on. I'd suggest something kind of techno or hip-hop, in a minor key with some menacing low notes and a driving beat. This is your opportunity to represent violin-playing to other students as "cool"!

Maybe something along the lines of "Harder Better Faster Stronger" by Daft Punk. I've always liked this dancing hands video (it gets good around the 2-minute mark):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2cYWfq--Nw

Kanye West remixed this song in a slower, lower key and added his rap lyrics on top. It's called simply "Stronger":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsO6ZnUZI0g

Then again, it's kind of hard to emulate rap on a violin!

Maybe you could team up with a percussionist or bass player, to fill out the lower parts of whatever song you choose.

December 25, 2013 at 03:15 AM · These could be cool, with a bass or cello line:

Radioactive by Imagine Dragon

Sail by AWOLNATION

Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey

Let Her Go by Passenger

Also, Lindsey Stirling has a bunch of youtube videos that are covers of popular video game theme songs.

Also maybe consider recent movie soundtracks.

December 25, 2013 at 08:52 PM ·

December 25, 2013 at 09:32 PM · My daughter's favourite (to listen to) besides all classical is David Garrett's Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson. It is showy but I do not know the technical difficulty, and how popular it would be in your circles. You can find 3:15 and 1:17 recording on youtube, can certainly be played slowlier.

December 28, 2013 at 02:40 PM · William, let us know when the talent show is and whether you really want a solo piece or are open to a second instrument. I can ask my friend what her kids are listening to, but she's out of town for another week.

If you really want a solo, you might also consider some really "showy" classical piece. A lot of kids would just be mesmerized watching you play, even if they don't recognize the song. Not everyone gets to see a violin live and up close!

P.S. Sorry to use the word "kids." I hated that word when I was growing up -- it seems so condescending and dismissive. But maybe that's just me!