The curriculum

Level 1

Note reading is introduced from the beginning, and accidentals are explained simply in the first volume. By the end of the first book, many English children’s songs have been played using all fingers. Note values from whole to eighth notes have been introduced as well. Even the easiest exercises are underlaid with text so that melodies can be perceived as a whole.

From the beginning including simple daily practice, learning how to shape the hand to hold the violin, proper posture, and holding the violin and bow will help develop the skills for playing book 1 violin pieces. After the notes of each musical piece have been learned, the piece will then be polished to playing at a high level. There is no rush, as it takes time to develop a great violin posture, tone and sense of musicality.

Level 2

The child’s knowledge and technique is expanded by dotted rhythms, sixteenths notes, and beginning double stops. Here is the most revolutionary aspect of the method: different finger patterns can be connected and combined to create any major and minor scale without the use of open strings. This creates the ability to practice scales in any position, often within the first year of playing! With this skill, songs learned in first position are easily transposed to other keys and higher positions. Coupled with beginning shifting exercises this sets a foundation for an early virtuoso technique not available in any other method.

Advanced Violin Lessons

Advanced levels will focus on the refinement of skills from previous levels, proficiency in first and third positions; introduction of second, fourth and fifth positions, perfect intonation, dynamics, musical expression, and more advanced skills such as vibrato of wrist, arm, and fingers.