Edward Elgar's Very Easy Melodious Exercises in the First Position Op. 22

Edward Elgar, often celebrated for his grand orchestral works like the Enigma Variations and the Cello Concerto, also made significant contributions to pedagogical music. Among his lesser-known, yet valuable, works is Very Easy Melodious Exercises in the First Position for the violin, published as his Opus 22. This set of exercises, while simple in its technical demands, offers an early glimpse into Elgar's inherent melodic gift and his practical understanding of string pedagogy.

Sheet music cover for "Very Easy Melodious Exercises in the First Position for Violin" by Edward Elgar, accompanied by a portrait of the composer.

Context and Purpose

Composed around 1892, Op. 22 was written during Elgar's time as a violin teacher in Worcestershire, a period when he was actively involved in both performing and teaching. This work is a testament to his belief in making technical studies musical and engaging, a principle that runs counter to the dry, purely mechanical exercises often found in method books.

The primary purpose of these exercises is clearly defined in the title: to provide beginner violinists with material that is both technically simple ("Very Easy" and "in the First Position") and musically appealing ("Melodious"). The focus on the first position ensures that students can concentrate on fundamental techniques—bow control, intonation, and rhythmic accuracy—without the added complexity of shifting.

Musical and Pedagogical Features

Opus 22 consists of a series of short, self-contained exercises, typically no more than a few lines long. The genius of the work lies in how Elgar weaves charming, singable tunes into structured technical patterns.

Key Pedagogical Elements:

1. First Position Focus: The exercises strictly adhere to the first position, reinforcing the basic finger patterns and diatonic scales within the most comfortable and stable part of the violin's fingerboard.

   
   

2. Emphasis on Melody: Unlike typical études, each exercise possesses a distinct melodic contour. This encourages the student to listen carefully and phrase the music, developing musicality alongside technique.

   
   

3. Rhythmic Variety: While simple, the exercises introduce various basic rhythms, helping the student master different note values (semibreve, minim, crotchet and quaver) in a controlled setting.

   
   

4. Bowing Practice: The pieces naturally lend themselves to practicing various bow strokes, from détaché to simple slurs. Control over bow speed and weight is implicitly developed by the need to sustain a beautiful tone in the melodious context.

Exercise No.	Key Signature	Speed	Rhythmic Focus
No. 1	C major	Andante - Common time	Crotchets, minims and semibreves
No. 2	G major	Allegretto - Simple Duple time	Introduction to quavers
No. 3	C major	Andate - Simple Triple time	The dotted crotchet and quaver rhythm
No. 4	G major	Andantino - Simple Triple time	Tenuto/ marcato and volta bars
No. 5	G major	Allegretto - Compound duple time	Compound duple time
No. 6	C major	Allegro - Simple Quadruple time	Tenuto/ marcato, staccato / spiccato, accents,

Elgar's Signature in Miniature

Even in these early, modest pieces, Elgar's personal style subtly emerges. There are harmonic shifts and moments of warmth that hint at the composer he would become. They are not merely functional drills; they are miniature musical statements that engage the young player's imagination.

The exercises stand as a valuable resource for contemporary violin teachers, demonstrating that technical mastery and musical expression can, and should, be cultivated simultaneously from the very start of a student's journey.

Accessing the Exercises

For those interested in exploring this work, Elgar's Very Easy Melodious Exercises in the First Position, Op. 22, is widely available in printed editions. Teachers and students can find the complete set in collections of Elgar's educational works, and sometimes as free resources in the public domain.

This work serves as a reminder that great composers often apply their talent not only to grand masterpieces but also to laying the groundwork for the musicians of the future.

See the references for a public domain copy of the work from IMSLP.org or ask you teacher for a TQ Copy.

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Reference list

• Elgar, E. (2020). Very Easy Melodious Exercises in the First Position, Op.22 (Elgar, Edward) - IMSLP. [online] Imslp.org. Available at: https://imslp.org/wiki/Very_Easy_Melodious_Exercises_in_the_First_Position%2C_Op.22_(Elgar%2C_Edward) [Accessed 30 Jan. 2026].

• Hessler , R. (2023). Elgar – the Last Romantic «WBJC. [online] Wbjc.com. Available at: https://www.wbjc.com/elgar-the-last-romantic/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2026].

• Horrocks, E. (2021). RGS Celebrates Sir Edward Elgar. [online] RGSW. Available at: https://www.rgsw.org.uk/worcester/rgs-celebrates-sir-edward-elgar/ [Accessed 30 Jan. 2026].

• Lace, I. (n.d.). Elgar - a Short Biography. [online] www.elgar.org. Available at: https://www.elgar.org/2english.htm [Accessed 30 Jan. 2026].