The leaves are starting to change, the weather is getting chilly, and pumpkin spice lattes are the talk of the town ☕️ Fall is here, which means Halloween is coming soon! October 31st seems to always sneak up on me, and I usually end up throwing together a costume last minute! However, as soon as September hits, I find myself listening along to spooky Halloween songs 🎶 I've put together a list of my 15 favorite Halloween songs to play on the violin, separated them into beginner, intermediate, and advanced, and included free violin sheet music for all of them!

Beginner Halloween Violin Pieces

The Addams Family Theme Song

The Addams Family is a darkly comedic franchise centered around a quirky, macabre family known for their love of the bizarre and the supernatural. Originally written by Hollywood film and television composer Vic Mizzy, the Addams Family Theme song first appeared in 1964, but quickly became iconic, encapsulating the show's dark humor and unique charm. Over the years, it has been adapted for various adaptations, including animated series, films, and stage productions, remaining a beloved staple of pop culture.

In the Hall of the Mountain King

"In the Hall of the Mountain King" is a famous orchestral piece by Edvard Grieg, originally composed as part of the incidental music for Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt in 1875. The piece captures the eerie atmosphere of a mountain king's underground lair, where Peer Gynt, the protagonist, encounters the king and his trolls.

Pink Panther Theme

The Pink Panther franchise began with the 1963 film "The Pink Panther," directed by Blake Edwards. It introduced the character of Inspector Jacques Clouseau, a bumbling detective, and featured a diamond called the Pink Panther. The franchise is well-known for its catchy theme song, composed by Henry Mancini. The perfectly captures the playful and mischievous spirit of the Pink Panther character.

Theme from Bach Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D Minor (BWV 565) is one of the most famous and recognizable works in classical music. Composed in the early 18th century, likely between 1704 and 1707, it is attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, although some scholars debate its authorship due to stylistic anomalies. Originally written for the organ, the piece showcases dramatic contrasts, technical brilliance, and complex counterpoint.

Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter

Hedwig's Theme was written by John Williams for the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001). Although named after Harry's owl, Hedwig, the theme has become the main musical motif associated with the entire series. Its magical, whimsical melody, primarily played on the celesta, evokes a sense of wonder, mystery, and adventure, perfectly capturing the essence of the wizarding world.

Spooky Scary Skeletons

"Spooky Scary Skeletons" is a Halloween-themed novelty song written and performed by Andrew Gold. Originally released in 1996 on Gold's album Halloween Howls, the song gained popularity for its catchy melody, humorous lyrics, and playful tone. The lyrics describe skeletons sending shivers down your spine with their spooky antics, though the song maintains a lighthearted and fun atmosphere.

Monster Mash

"Monster Mash" is a novelty song released in 1962 by Bobby "Boris" Pickett. The song tells the story of a mad scientist whose monster creation throws a lively party, the "Monster Mash." The song features a catchy, doo-wop influenced beat, playful lyrics, and Pickett’s ghoulish voice impersonating horror movie actor Boris Karloff.

Ride of the Valkyries

"Ride of the Valkyries" is a famous orchestral piece composed by Richard Wagner as part of his opera Die Walküre, the second opera in his monumental Ring Cycle (1870). The piece accompanies the scene where the Valkyries, warrior maidens of Norse mythology, gather to transport fallen heroes to Valhalla. Its dramatic, powerful music features a rising, bold motif that has come to symbolize heroic action and epic grandeur.

Intermediate Halloween Violin Pieces

Thriller

"Thriller" is a landmark song by Michael Jackson, released in 1982 as the title track of his album Thriller. "Thriller" became a massive hit, known for its iconic music video directed by John Landis, which features Jackson transforming into a zombie and performing a now-famous dance routine. Both the song and video became cultural phenomena, solidifying Jackson's status as the "King of Pop" and making "Thriller" a Halloween classic. It's still celebrated for its groundbreaking impact on music, dance, and pop culture.

This is Halloween

"This Is Halloween" is a song from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), composed by Danny Elfman. It serves as the opening number for the film, introducing the fantastical world of Halloween Town and its spooky inhabitants. Sung by the town's various characters, the song blends eerie and playful tones, capturing the whimsical yet dark atmosphere of Halloween Town.

Somebody’s Watching Me

"Somebody's Watching Me" is a 1984 hit song by Rockwell, featuring backing vocals by Michael Jackson. Released during the peak of 1980s synth-pop, "Somebody's Watching Me" became a major hit and is still widely recognized for its distinctive, spooky vibe. It remains a popular track around Halloween, thanks to its eerie theme and memorable hook.

Don’t Fear the Reaper

"Don't Fear the Reaper" is a 1976 rock song by Blue Öyster Cult, written by the band’s lead guitarist, Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser. The song became Blue Öyster Cult's biggest hit and a classic rock staple. It gained additional pop culture fame through its inclusion in films and TV shows, as well as a famous "more cowbell" sketch on Saturday Night Live, solidifying its place in rock history.

Advanced Halloween Violin Pieces

Chopin Funeral March

Chopin's Funeral March, officially the third movement of his Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35 (1839), is one of the most famous funeral pieces in classical music. The movement features a solemn, dirge-like melody, evoking deep mourning and solemnity. Its dark, powerful tone makes it widely associated with death and funerals.

Night on Bald Mountain

"Night on Bald Mountain" is a symphonic poem composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1867, depicting a witches' sabbath on a mountaintop. The piece vividly captures the chaotic and eerie atmosphere of the night, with music that conveys the tumultuous gathering of witches and demons.

Der Erlkonig

"Der Erlkönig" (The Erlking) is a Lied (art song) composed by Franz Schubert in 1815, based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The song tells the dramatic story of a father riding through the night with his sick child, who becomes increasingly haunted by the malevolent Erlking, a supernatural figure who represents death and temptation.

What is your favorite Halloween song to play on the violin?!