How to play Waltzing Matilda on Violin 🎻 [TUTORIAL]

Get the sheet music for free here: tonicmusic.app/waltzing in the "Ray Music Arrangements" group on Tonic 🐨
Have fun practicing! I've used this piece for encores all over the world and now I'd like to share it with you, so more people can hear this beautiful Australian melody 🦘
0:00 - Intro
0:40 - The Introduction
1:52 - "Once a jolly swagman" - First theme
3:54 - "Rivers of Australia" - Variation 1
5:33 - "Waltzing Matilda!" - Chorus
6:43 - "Kangaroos & sheep" - Variation 2
8:54 - "Hey my sheep!" - Minor key 1
10:05 - "Not-so-jolly" - Minor key 2
12:55 - The ghost

[@RayChenViolinist]

Want to play? Grab the sheet music on Tonic in the Ray Music Arrangements Group: tonicmusic.app/waltzing

[@323chukaman]

其實睇咁多你同其他violinist 最大分別係你好多時都帶住笑容黎拉 真係好似無人好似你拉到咁好笑容 好帥好陽光 同埋無睇到瞓著覺

[@RayChenViolinist]

This piece also qualifies as a “composed in the past 50 years” category piece for those who are going to competitions. “Composed by Ray Chen 2020”

[@prior8t2000]

You have this melody made out using TABS tutorial form..??..😢❤..

[@luminous_9445]

Hey Ray Can u make a cover of "you smell of dead flowers"

[@Zero-bu5ry]

An Australian playing Waltzing Matilda. That's one of the most Australian things I've ever seen. I can almost hear the koalas.

[@ahumanmerelybeing]

Always fun to have Australian Ray pop in for a visit.

[@mellissadalby1402]

I love your arrangement of Waltzing Matilda. Yeah, really easy FOR YOU to play. Ray Chen ROCKS!

[@sabrinai]

Ohhh my god! Can't wait for this video, even though I unfortunately don't play the violin 🥲! Ray's rendition of Waltzing Mathilda is my absolute favourite and actually made me cry when I heard it live in his encore! It's so beautiful, delicate, melancholic and plucks one's heart strings there's no way it doesn't hit the feels!

[@christaherwig0404]

“Waltzing Mathilda” always calls out to my feelings. Ray takes Australia to the whole world! Only he can create all the feelings with and through his violin in such a way that I melt with every encore. It's wonderful when he brings the story so close to us. 🐑🦘🇦🇺 A great musician🙏

[@nickcarroll8565]

I appreciate you expanding the violin repertoire as much as your playing.

[@marjovanderknaap6515]

I was so fortunate to hear you play this live in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Combined with this video, seeing allllllll those notes… and your explanations is priceless!! Love how you made a ”simple” song so beautifull ❤

[@gabir.b.5077]

Suddenly I wanna hear Ray sing a bit more 😊

[@fedemunoz7415]

This is like a paganini work but it's yours, it's beautiful.

[@lucienazario2786]

I do not play the violin but am eager to watch Ray coach the violinists out there, sharing his well-honed talent, well -acquired skills in violin playing, and his perfected techniques in playing the instrument.

[@jh.y00N]

You are a true educator, a musician, and a top violinist with a sense of mission. Every time I watch your videos, I'm happy to hear the violin melody of someone as wonderful as you amazed! 🥇💕👍🏻👍🏻💯💯💯

[@tangt4860]

He really loves his version of this piece.

[@oxoelfoxo]

who wouldn't?! it's a beaut

[@luisferro7252]

Mr. Ray, that was insane, so beautiful, I can't play the violin but hearing this was awesome.

[@newtoniano20]

This was my summer song 2023. I listened to it constantly (I had just discovered it). So exicted to learn it.

[@HermanMuda]

It became more beautiful and meaningful after this explanation, THANKS!!!

[@Morganistas]

I had just rewatched a TwoSet video with you speaking with your native accent and came to ask you about it and this video addressed it so organically! You are such a relatable and authentic professional - few people would be able to guess your profession based on your personality alone, I believe. Thank you for bringing inspiring high-level skills and knowledge to an aspiring audience!

[@ethanliao4383]

I appreciate the pingu pillow

[@BlizzardLegends]

Your violin sounds so much nicer than mine. It's sweet like bubble tea 🧋

[@BlizzardLegends]

13:35 you lost a hair it was so sweet😮

[@joeldawsey]

What a beautiful piece Ray! You are such a great storyteller and how you bring that out in the music is amazing. You had me in tears thinking about the fate of the swagman. Very touching.

[@jshum02]

Oh my god, I lost all my violin playing skills long ago but this is my favourite from you and I feel like it is you and your signature and you gave the arrangement out. Thank you!!!!!! Now I have to practice. But first, fixing my violins. And I try to sing, key word try, and now the runs remind me of colurtura runs

[@luciasartori9227]

12:56 i had actual tears listening to the ghost part

[@langdonowen1324]

Waltzing Matilda was my Boy Scout troop song, our scoutmaster, Bert Zarr of troop 202 in Salt Lake City, Utah, led the troop in singing it around many campfires. He served with Aussies in WWII and brought the song back. Thank you for this rememberance and your wonderful interpretation of the song.

[@susanbryant6516]

It’s fun to sing, with all the different moods. A nice lilting melody and a lot of what seems like nonsense words

[@nadinefamille3855]

Hi Ray, it was captivating. I especially love the glissando for the fall in the water, and the harmonics for the ghost.

[@nalalan]

thanks for featuring my transcription! i thought it looked familiar 😂

[@mannarachelg]

I LOVE your waltzing Matilda sm ray

[@anweshachowdhury6125]

You're explanation of the narrative was awesome

[@lllllei5410]

Ray, i may not be able to play that right now but i m excited playing what you're exactly teaching how to play that waltzing Matilda. I actually fell in love with that piece when i first heard you play it! Im so excited, so for now, I'll be soaking myself practicing at tonic!

[@mr.potatobread3421]

IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS FOR YEARS

[@SaeMatsunaga]

Thank you for sharing this with us, Ray! I have always wondered about the emotions that you feel while playing this beautiful piece for an encore. Whenever I listen you playing this piece, it reminds me of the time I lived abroad, away from home and family, which I missed dearly. This video not only benefits violinists but also helps the audience to further understand the story behind the music, and putting the emotion is really a strong tool for storytelling regardless of the instruments.

[@jameschristiansson3137]

Gerry Mulligan loved Waltzing Matilda. Sounds great on baritone saxophone, too !

[@Msmcarlos]

I play your waltzing matilda ( with the orchestra version) whenever i go out and drive❤

[@jochebedcantony9299]

This is my Favourite piece!!❤ Thank you so much for doing this video!! Thank you so much!!❤

[@lucienazario2786]

I like your arrangement especially your variations of the main melody. The expression and the amazing interpretation of the music depicts exactly the story that you told us. To say that your arrangement is beautifully written is an understatement. I should say your arrangement is PERFECT!!! 👏👏👏

[@claires3528]

This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with us. Just wondering if you would consider creating a video of your favourite fun or beautiful pieces to learn from beginner (or at least early intermediate!) through to expert. Ones that you loved learning to play as you grew as a violinist. Thanks!

[@cynthiakwan7035]

Absolutely love the piece and your arrangement, but I also stan every video that the pingu cusion appears 😂

[@penguinlover2274]

I love your Waltzing Matilda. So happy for this tutorial. Nice to hear all the background of the song. I didn't even know it had lyrics. But great! I love your playing. Have a nice day.

[@shannonmoro401]

I am so very excited about this one.

[@herbertkronzucker8367]

Cool! I've always loved your arrangement of this great Aussie tune and had made up my personal version, to commemorate my own time in Australia :). Finally, a guide through your superb arrangement!!

[@cyruzrodrigo4075]

I remember hearing this when you were in Dublin Oct 20th 2023. You signed the back of my shirt :)

[@kurumusic]

This is where all started…🥰

[@Musikprodukteur]

Bars 45 and 46 are reminiscent of Fritz Kreisler :)

[@cariswen-ac]

Would love to hear this on the Hardanger fiddle

[@bryophyta9500]

Wow, this is beautiful, can't wait to learn it!

[@PrismYuuzuki]

I’ve been dying to learn this for a while now ❤

[@irinayatsuk6999]

Прекрасное исполнение.❤❤❤

[@kelleyforeman]

The Aussie's creeping in!

[@chenannabel6256]

This is so beautiful and great. We can have master class!!! Thanks a millions.😍❤💗❤

[@C64Scene]

Great, hope to see you in Sydney, Australia sometime (unsure when you are performing again here?)

[@user-iv2yw7te7w]

I luv ur aussie accent nahh i just love uuuuu

[@user-ri2df2cp3n]

Hi Ray, you are my favorite violinist, I'm Brazilian but I love listening to you play especially your Sibelius concert

[@chrisma3256]

Love this version and tutorial ❤❤❤

[@dm-jz7se]

This was so beautiful. It's just amazing to watch your process with this piece. I had no idea how much you put into it. Bravo ❤

[@chrisma3256]

Thank you 🤩🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ been listening to our Made in Berlin version endlessly... I've so been looking forward to this 🥳🥳🥳

[@phjPianoSolos]

Dude, you are more than pro!!✔

[@donglily3521]

I love it!

[@annashakti4021]

Thank You so much , that's really helpful

[@SilasoftheLamb]

Thank you for this!!!! I hope someday soon I can play this piece! Your style reminds me of Steve Vai but on Violin!!! I am a professional guitarist learning violin and you inspire me to play this beautiful instrument! Cheers my friend!!!!!!!

[@irisdijkstra9358]

Hey Ray! I was wondering if there is also sheet music available for this piece in the string orchestra arrangement? Would love to play this piece as an encore.

[@donglily3521]

Ray Chen as always, great and funny

[@nguyen12a]

Cool, Ray

[@AngelTing]

Beautiful arrangement! ❤ But as a beginner I will leave this arrangement to the professional and practice the beginner version on Tonic 😂

[@zetenykoteles9293]

I recomend you to learn csardas from Bonchida. It's Transylvanian folk music and it's really beautiful!

[@irenegriffin3050]

Beautiful song but didn’t realize it was so dark!

[@paulg0302]

Wish i could play like you 🥲

[@paulrieker2046]

Say HEY Ray! How about scoring some of Vasser Clements hot licks? You tore this up! Thanks.

[@lucasjohansen3372]

Hey Ray, Big fan of yours! However… Couldn’t help but notice, that there isn’t a trombone option in the tonic app… Anyhow - love your content Greetings from Denmark

[@Xphqntom]

You play so damn good !!'

[@bernadettegross808]

Plus you can sing😊

[@Xphqntom]

@@bernadettegross808 RAYY CAN SING ?? OMGG :D

[@chrisma3256]

Why did you make this an etude for bow techniques 😂

[@home8630]

2:14 It gives it the 4 seasons approach, complete. Also I have a question, How do you hear music? How do you listen to music? I realise I don't hear music in the same way as other people do, I don't hear or listen to music, as a dancer I have a different relationship to music, the ears switch off. I also realise other people don't hear or listen to music in the same way. As a professional violinist/musician, how do you hear and listen to music?

[@selgeaus]

Could you please do an arrangement (or the tutorial) of Somnus from Final Fantasy 15!

[@g02999]

很有趣

[@edwardlatzy7812]

👏👏😂 you fiddle players are all pretty good ,can you do devil went down to Georgia...😂🎶🎵🎶🎵✌️

[@Tama-oy1sy]

神回！

[@gogotrololo]

I play waltzing matilda on banjo, I cant take this tutorial seriously LOL

[@lumi7777]

Wish i could hear you in person. Please visit Turkey!

[@terracottaneemtree6697]

Ha! I PLAYED WALTZING MATILDA ON MY CORNET, which my father bought for me. I became first trumpet but senior year, they scheduled several study halls disrupting the day before band. I said I was not going to sit through them and needed to work, since they refused to adjust the schedule. I figured, okay, they don't want me then. 6 months after I graduated I was almost murdered by a town sander truck after telling a stalking sex trafficker in a different area, actually abusive rivals to our high school, to leave me alone, he was a pig. I was in icu 2 1/2 weeks with many facial fractures and severe head injury. People had to whisper to me for a month after that. I was in a room by myself. I tried to play the cornet but it caused too much discomfort. Unfortunately I gave it to a woman at work who said she needed one for her daughter, telling her to give it back if her daughter didnt use it. SHE OBVIOUSLY SOLD IT. I realized that when I checked with her a few weeks, or a month later. 😢 That was quite a sacrifice for my father. I wish I had not done that. I never want to live in that area again. Like where I live now, it is very corrupted and I wouldleave in a heartbeat if I had the money. I HOPE I CATCH YOUR premier. Bringsback good memories.

[@Tama-oy1sy]

Started practicing a violin when I heard Mr. Ray Chen’s playing Waltzing Matilda. Someday I wanna play that like him!!!🥹❤️‍🩹

[@justus_saas]

Can you send us the Sheet music about your Csardas interpretation?

[@kevinvanhove5834]

If only Ray his accent was as consistent as his playing. Switching between australian and american so much 😭

[@oxoelfoxo]

see nothing wrong with that as long as you can understand him?

[@CrossingWolfi]

Wow, can you do something similar (or simply upload the sheet music) of Through the Night by IU? I love your arrangement, and my musical capabilities are not sufficient to infer the right notes from the recording.

[@miriembenbekhma9861]

❤

[@giovane9788]

hello Ray Chen I am from brazilian. what is the best method Ray Chen?

[@Bobeeha]

PLEASE MAKE A PC VERSION OF TONIC PLEASE

[@raphaelmoise388]

Nice video . Can we have Grisaia No Meikyuu OST [2] Rooftop on a Sunny Day next time.

[@Brian_li]

Hi ray is there a piano violin duet for this piece because I want to play it for a competition with my duet? Thank you ☺️

[@shalyshaly3246]

hi Ray! ¿can you play the evolution of disney junior music? my name is Salomé, thank you!

[@SaydienisisART]

this piece is so… strong….

[@agatafurczyk9149]

🎉 😄

[@user-jo2gg2dl1m]

Ray can you react to I Brindisi(Roman Kim's variations)

[@labyanunu2183]

RAYCHEN CAN YOU PLAY PAGGANI CAPRICE NO.6 PLS BECAUSE IT'S MY FAVORITE IN VIOLIN 🎻

[@kaloarepo288]

Alas the melody of "Waltzing Matilda" is not Australian at all - it's English but of course to different words - the original lyrics had something to do with the English town of Rochester. However be consoled as the melody of the American national anthem "The Star Spangled banner" is not American at all, it's English as well and goes back to a song used as a theme song for a London music society. And the much admired and very stirring French national anthem "The Marsellais" it may have been composed by a very famous Italian violinist and composer Viotti as the tune occurs in one of his compositions written well before the French Revolution the era to which the anthem is supposed to have been written.

[@acrobaticfish]

Someone got the tab?

[@This-isGirl]

Why did you have to loose your ozzie accent? It's such a charming and delightful accent that always sounds cheerful. 😍 Also I love your arrangement and you're so kind to teach ❤️ You're brilliant!!

[@susanbryant6516]

He didn’t lose it, he just puts aside and finds it again when he’s talking to Australians or in Australia

[@brickman2718]

i skipped ahead like 5 seconds and at around 9:50 i thought you started playing praeludium and allegro for a sec

[@abe_nuh]

cool bruh

[@NgocAnhNguyen-1501]

Wow, this is the first time I've seen a Ray Chen teacher be this serious. 😯 Ray, if this is you every time you teach violin, I just wanna say I’d love it. But if you're not in a good health condition, I think you need to know that you deserve a break. Don’t forget to take care of your health first and create more interesting videos after that ^^ . Love ya. ❤️

[@AmareViolin]

Hi!

[@a.r.mackinnon2451]

Can anyone tell me who the hell gave this vid a thumbs down ? Do you have nothing better to do in life than poke the borax at people ?