Superpieces 2: Violin & Piano Book

Cohen writes for beginner violinists with a rare clarity of purpose: every piece sings, and every phrase builds confidence. Superpieces 2 pairs classic and folk material with piano accompaniments that support without overwhelming, giving students real repertoire to own rather than exercises to survive. The 12-page format works perfectly as a supplement to any method book or as a self-contained collection for ensemble reading.

Engaging without being cutesy. These arrangements of familiar material give students the satisfaction of playing real melodies, not fragments. The writing respects both the violin and piano parts, creating a genuine chamber partnership at an accessible level.

Violin students in their first year or two of study, whether working individually or in group settings. Piano accompanists at the elementary level will also find these pieces straightforward to read and genuinely musical to play alongside.

• Let the piano anchor the rhythm during first reading sessions; once the violin line settles, encourage students to shape the melody independently while the accompaniment stays steady.
• Choose one piece per week for technical focus (bow distribution, intonation in a specific position) while rotating others for musical enjoyment.
• Use duet performances in studio class or informal recitals; the approachable level means every student can contribute meaningfully.

Pair these pieces alongside your current method book to build a recital set faster and with greater variety. They work equally well as sight-reading material in group lessons or as home repertoire that students can perform for family without lengthy preparation.

• Maintaining consistent bow contact across phrase changes
• Reading and executing rhythm patterns in simple meters
• Balancing melody against a moving accompaniment
• Shaping musical lines with limited position work
• Ensemble listening and rhythmic independence