New Beginners

We recommend that all brand new beginners are ages 3 - 7 years old.

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ALL new beginners, ages 7 and under, begin their studies on a box or foam instrument (violins, violas, cellos only). There are many reasons for this:

1. Children must learn that their instrument is different from their regular toys – the foam/box is their instrument for the time being.
2. Foam/box instruments help children learn to focus as we spend time in the first  lessons counting, singing and standing/sitting still with the foam instrument.

3. Foam/box instruments help children learn how to take a bow.
4. Foam/box instruments help children learn to move from rest position to play position.
5. Foam/box instruments help children learn how to walk, sit and stand with their instrument without dropping them.
6. Fake bows allow the students to learn the skill of what a good bow hold is without worrying about the

complexities of the hair and rosin.

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The development of these skills allow for an easier transition onto the real instrument. This process teaches delayed gratification, patience and persistence - just a few character traits we hope to help children and parents develop in these beginning stages. We respect that every child will move through the Pre-Twinkle phase with their box instrument/bow at their own pace. We ask that parents allow the student to learn these skills in their own time; be aware that this time in the Pre-Twinkle phase is important for establishing fundamental posture and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. As Dr. Suzuki said, “Never hurry, never rest.”