Learning to play your favorite simple songs on the violin can be a lot of fun! There are many helpful resources to make this easier and more enjoyable. Here are some things that have worked well for me:

1. Online Platforms

• YouTube: This is a treasure trove of information! I like to search for "play along" videos. In these, teachers show you how to play songs step by step. Watching someone else helps you hear and see the little details.

• Apps like Yousician or SmartMusic: These cool apps give you feedback on how well you're playing. This instant help is great when you’re learning a new song!

2. Sheet Music and Tablature

• Websites like MuseScore or Ultimate Guitar have user-created tabs for popular songs. I use these sites to quickly check how to play different tunes.

3. Listen & Play

• Start by listening to your favorite songs over and over. Try to hum or whistle the tune first, and then pick up your violin to play along. This practice really helps train your ear!

4. Community & Networking

• Joining local or online violin groups can be really inspiring. Sharing tips with other players and maybe even jamming together can make learning more fun.

In the end, by mixing online tools and getting involved in a community, you'll be playing those catchy songs before you know it!