My friend’s 6-year-old daughter recently began learning to play violin, and several weeks ago she received her very own instrument. I’m super excited for her–I love the violin and would love to know how to play, myself–so I immediately set to work creating a playlist of violin songs.

This was a bit more difficult to compile than my average playlist. I wanted to be sure the songs I included featured violins, not simply stringed instruments. (Here’s hoping my ear and my research proved accurate.) I wanted the list to go beyond classical music and fiddle tunes. While I enjoy both, I wanted my friend’s little girl to hear how many ways her newfound instrument can be incorporated into all genres. Because this is a playlist dedicated to a 6-year-old, I carefully considered lyrical content. And since I wanted this list to be a surprise, I didn’t consult my Twitter friends the way I ordinarily might.

This afternoon we’re off to see Sara Watkins play at Vulcan Park. Sara also learned the violin as a small child. My friend’s girl may not grow up to play professionally, but I hope music will be a source of joy for a long time to come.

Sawing on the Strings

1. Long Hot Summer Days - Sara Watkins (Sara Watkins)
2. Lil’ Jack Slade - Dixie Chicks (Home)
3. Anonanimal - Andrew Bird (Noble Beast)
4. Please Read the Letter - Robert Plant and Alison Krauss (Raising Sand)
5. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles (Revolver)
6. Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band (Under the Table and Dreaming)
7. Go to Sleep - The Avett Brothers (Emotionalism)
8. Mountains O’ Things - The Duhks (Migrations)
9. Sawing on the Strings - Alison Krauss (A Hundred Miles or More)
10. Romans - Jennifer Knapp (Kansas)
11. Heavenly Day - Patty Griffin (Children Running Through)
12. The Hardest Part - Ryan Adams (Jacksonville City Nights)
13. Next Go ‘Round - Old Crow Medicine Show (Tennessee Pusher)
14. Lucky - Hem (Eveningland)
15. When You Come Back Down - Nickel Creek (Nickel Creek)
16. The Well - Act of Congress (Declaration)