Focus: Comfort, setup, and positive musical experience
• Student introduction and discussion of goals
• Introduction to the violin and bow; parts of the instrument and basic care
• Proper posture and instrument balance (with or without shoulder rest)
• Basic bow hold and right-hand setup
• Open-string bowing to explore sound and tone
• Simple rhythm and listening exercises
• Introduction to practice expectations and routine
• Encouragement, confidence-building, and Q&A
Goal: Create a positive first experience while establishing healthy fundamentals and clear expectations.
Focus: Refinement, independence, and musical depth
• Continued refinement of posture, tone production, and bow control
• Advanced bow techniques and articulation (as appropriate)
• Intonation refinement, shifting, and introduction to vibrato
• Scales, arpeggios, and etudes for technical development
• Expanded repertoire tailored to the student’s level and musical interests
• Sight-reading, rhythm accuracy, and stylistic awareness
• Ensemble skills, orchestral preparation, and performance practice
• Goal-setting, practice strategies, and performance readiness
Goal: Develop confident, independent violinists with strong technique, musical understanding, and expressive ability.
Focus: Consistency, reading skills, and musical confidence
• Refinement of posture, violin hold, and bow hold
• Development of bow control: straight bow, tone consistency, and basic bow strokes
• String crossings and coordination between right and left hands
• Left-hand finger patterns, intonation awareness, and finger independence
• Introduction and reinforcement of music reading: notes, rhythm, and counting
• Simple scales and technical exercises
• Beginner to early-intermediate repertoire tailored to the student
• Listening skills and basic ensemble awareness
• Continued development of effective practice habits
Goal: Establish solid violin fundamentals, reading skills, and musical understanding while building confidence and expressive playing.
Focus: Reinforcement, coordination, and consistency
• Review of posture, violin hold, and bow hold
• Continued open-string bowing with attention to straight bow, tone, and control
• Introduction to basic bow strokes and string crossings
• Left-hand placement and finger preparation (without tension)
• Simple rhythm exercises: counting, clapping, and playing with pulse
• Introduction to basic note reading (as appropriate)
• Short exercises and beginner repertoire
• Establishing a clear, achievable practice routine
Goal: Strengthen foundational technique while building confidence and musical awareness.