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Violin Beginnings: Building Healthy Musicians From the Start

Violin Beginnings is our class for children ages 4-7 who are learning the violin for the very first time. Teaching Artist Caitlin Renner aims to help students become well-rounded, kind, and compassionate people as they study the violin with the support of their parents.

In Violin Beginnings, students will learn how to play violins in the healthiest way possible, gain a musical vocabulary, learn about the history of violin, and explore the wealth of music that exists for violinists.” Alongside the crucial skills of how to hold and play the violin and bow, Ms. Renner believes that movement and listening to different kinds of music is critical for young beginners.

 

 

“It’s important to learn how to listen and identify what you hear when listening to music, and learn to move with an awareness of rhythm,” said Ms. Renner. “In classes for younger children, I focus on engaging the mind and body.”

A Suzuki- and Mark O’Connor-Method trained music instructor, Ms. Renner is an active music educator who teaches students at all ages from preschoolers to college graduates. Throughout her teaching career, Ms. Renner has observed the positive role music plays in helping a child’s mental development. Students who study music and violins at an early age enrich their lives with enjoyment of music and develop skills from muscle coordination, strength and stamina to valuable communication skills, ability to receive feedback, and perseverance.

 

 

The Violin Beginnings is open for all students ages 4-7 with no prior playing experiences. Students are required to bring their own child-size violins. Violin rental guidelines and recommended vendors can be found HERE. A parent must attend and participate in class with their child and coach their child in daily practice sessions at home.

Class sessions 1 begins on Monday, September 24, from 4:45-5:45 p.m. Class session 2 begins on Wednesday, September 25, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. To register for the class, visit https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/music/violin-kids/ or call the academy at 703-993-9889.