The Milner Virtuosos

Instructor: Caitlin Leffingwell

Grades: 2
nd
8
th


Description:
The Catholic Charities violin program at JaHM teaches both beginner violin skills and character development to groups of
students in grades 2-8. Each class reviews and builds on previous violin skills, which we practice through various games
and challenges. Students also watch videos showcasing various types of music while completing academic activities
designed to increase their musical knowledge and skill. Treat Days occur once every few weeks, where students can
buy homemade treats with tickets earned through attendance, challenges, and academic achievements.
Goals:
Our goal in this program is to leave each class not only with better violin technique but with stronger character and
more life skills as well. In addition to developing an appreciation for many types of music, we work hard and have a lot of
fun so that we can showcase skill and creativity with quality performances throughout the year. We also practice high
levels of self-control, teamwork, communication, and respect (for ourselves, others, and the violins). As such, we aim to
become creative, confident, and compassionate leaders who care for ourselves and those around us.
Some Skills We Will Learn:
Beginner Classes
1. Introduction
2. Parts of the Violin
3. Assembling and Caring for the Violin
4. The Bow Hold
5. Violin Positions
6. Open Strings: Pizzicato and Bowing
7. Pitch and Tonalization
8. String Crossing
9. Basic Rhythms
10. Dynamics and Tempo
11. Left-hand Fingers
12. Scales
13. Note Names
14. Beginner Classical Pieces
15. Beginner Pop Pieces (by student vote)
Advanced Classes
1. Tuning the Violin
2. Complicated Rhythms
3. Reading Sheet Music
4. Advanced Bowing Skills (tremelo, col
legno, staccato, legato, etc.)
5. Advanced Fingering (the fourth finger,
vibrato, harmonics, trills, etc.)
6. Advanced Classical Pieces
7. Advanced Pop Pieces (by student vote)
8. Shifting
9. Musical Expression
10. Writing Music